How to Move Forward While Being Still

Wake up, catch the bus, check Facebook, turn in that project on time, meet a friend for lunch, answer emails and phone calls, rush home, pay bills, make dinner, go to bed. Wake up and repeat.

Life is busy. Your day can fill up so quickly with a never-ending list of “to-do’s.” Sure, you can be accomplishing good things and be checking things off of your to-do list, but are you taking the time to focus on what you really want to accomplish?

Sometimes the best way to move forward in life and in your goals of becoming who you want to be is to stop. And be still.

What does it mean to be still?

“Being still does not mean don’t move. It means move in peace.”

-E’yen A. Gardner

One definition of the word “still” is: free from turbulence or commotion; peaceful; tranquil; calm.

Being still involves separating yourself from all the hustle and bustle of life. It means taking the time to turn off your phone (like actually turn it off, not just on silent), close your laptop and disconnect from the noise swirling all around you.

“I get those fleeting, beautiful moments of inner peace and stillness – and then the other 23 hours and 45 minutes of the day, I’m a human trying to make it through in this world.”

-Ellen DeGeneres

Why is it important to be still?

“Be still. Stillness reveals the secrets of eternity”

-Lao Tzu

You can learn so much about yourself and what you really want in life when you take the time to be still. During times of pondering and reflecting you could find yourself asking questions like, “Who do I want to be? Do I want to be kinder, more courageous, more humble?” You have the beautiful opportunity to become whoever you want to be and being still helps you tap into that changing power.

You can find peace and strength as you take some time to find out who you are right now, who you want to be, and how you can put yourself on the path to get there.

“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”

-Buddha

How can I be still?

“Learning how to be still, to really be still and let life happen – that stillness becomes a radiance.”

-Morgan Freeman

The best way to learn how to be still is simply to make an effort. Inner reflection is a very personal experience and will vary from person to person. For you, the best way to be still and ponder might be hiking to a favorite place in nature. For someone else it could be sitting quietly and listening to music that has a deep, personal significance.

Give it a try. Go where you need to go and turn off what you need to turn off to feel inner peace.

“Inner stillness is the key to outer strength.”

-Jared Brock

Find a quiet space where you can ponder, reflect, and meditate. It’s incredible how far you can move forward while being still.