The Power of Still

The Power of Still – You can be still and still get things done, writes Sandy C. Newbigging

Spiritual teachers often speak about the importance of ‘being still’. However, in my observation, for many meditators first learning about ‘stillness’, there can be a temptation to confuse stillness with doing nothing and somehow no longer pursuing external goals in life.

The good news for those keen to enjoy both serenity and success is that being still doesn’t mean you become idle; quite the opposite in fact. When you are inwardly aware of stillness, your mind quietens and you naturally experience clarity, intuition and creativity. You enter a heightened state of being that many sportspeople or artists know very well as ‘the zone’ or ‘flow’, in which you are present and your thinking mind is out of the way.

From the ‘here and now’, and with a clear mind, you will be amazed at what can be accomplished. Personally, I rest in this still silent state when writing my books, working with clients at my clinics, running residential retreats, teaching my academy courses and socialising with friends – as life is so much more effective and enjoyable when I do so. In fact, at school I was told I had dyslexia, so the thought of writing a book still frightens my mind. But, by being still through present moment attentiveness, I find the words flow and the fear goes.

Be still for success
Success becomes easier when you are still. By still I don’t mean physically sitting or standing still. I’m referring to being attentive to the presence of still silent space within your conscious awareness. From this inner state of being you find that you can remain calm, even when you’re faced with a big workload.

When fully present you give your full attention to whatever it is you are doing right now and, given the now is immediate, there is always very little you can do right now. For example, writing a book is a daunting and potentially stressful task, but writing each word is very easy and takes very little effort.

By remaining present while progressing through whatever work requires your attention, you deal with what’s in front of you now, and then move on to the next thing and then the next. Before you know it you’ve written a book, built a business or achieved something pretty spectacular – all with very little stress and while enjoying a great deal of serenity. You get to enjoy the journey properly and experience the destination as a bonus, not a necessity