The Power of Stillness

Many of us will be getting ready to go on holiday and will have been busy with all the preparations, stresses and responsibilities that this can bring. So perhaps this is a good time to look at what ‘being still’ can bring to our lives during the next few weeks of August? Tracey Collins, Wellbeing Officer for the South West Peninsula District, shares this blog.

Throughout history, stillness has been a fundamental central theme in many cultures and is used as a means of fostering inner peace, spiritual connection and overall wellbeing. The practices and interpretations of stillness may vary, but the underlying value of quietening the mind and being present remains a common thread throughout human history.

The word ‘still’ evokes for many of us the feelings of quiet, tranquility and peace. It is a condition of being in which we are relaxed, our soul is at peace, and our mind is quiet. Being still, in the context of wellbeing, refers to ‘tuning into’ our inner self and removing ourselves from the busy distractions of daily life.

In the overly fast-paced and complex world we live in, the idea of being still may seem somewhat illusive and, dare I say it, strange to many of us. Notifications, due dates, and never ending ‘to-do lists’ are all constant reminders which demand our attention and keep us moving. When was the last time you were truly still? When did you last experience the act of stillness, of pausing, of breathing, and being present?

The respected psychiatrist Dr Michael McGee writes that “Spiritual growth and vitality start with the practice of stillness. In stillness, the busy mind can quiet. The thought clouds can clear away, revealing the stars of awareness”.

Being still gives us time to take stock, space to rest, and allows us to connect with our own emotions. When we can take time to be still, we can hear our inner voice, importantly both ‘connection’ and ‘being present’ are two of the five pillars of wellbeing. Being still enables us to slow down and take in the beauty of the world around us.

Being still allows us moments to be in the present without any judgment. It's a way we can understand our own thoughts, find peace, and take care of ourselves. Research suggests that taking quiet moments in the day can make us feel happier, more focused, and less stressed. By creating space for stillness these special moments can also be used for quiet reflection, prayer and meditation. Stillness can give space to listen for God’s voice. Through moments of stillness, we can strengthen our trust in God, deepen our relationship with Him, and cultivate a greater sense of faith.

By setting aside time each day to be still, we can not only improve our general wellbeing but importantly give space to deepen our spiritual connection with God. Isn't that reason enough to allow ourselves to have moments of stillness?