Being married to a pilot, we fly a lot. When I take in-flight photos through the window, the propellor looks motionless. Not because it’s still, but because it’s spinning so fast!
Physics tells us that everything—without exception—is in motion. Even the Buddha statues you see in the photo below.
During my sabbatical I visited the GARDEN OF 1000 BUDDHAS in Arlee, Montana
Stillness is dynamic; it’s un-conflicted movement (no friction). We experience it when there’s unrestricted participation in the moment; when we’re unreservedly present with whatever we’re doing.
Stillness is a natural rhythm in the cycle of life. In the space that stillness creates we have the opportunity to quiet the mind and body; to re-group, re-charge, re-connect, and to find a point of reference; something to measure against.
For me, that point of reference is my inner compass. From here, I can move back into the busy world refreshed.
Do you create intentional stillness?
Tuesdays with Laurie 
That Budda-view is spectacular, Laurie!
Though I can easily imagine them waltzing about, instead of being still. 🙂
Merril — Waltzing about? Now THAT would have been cool! 🙂
I have a vivid imagination. 😉
I love your definition of stillness. I try and meditate every day. Thanks, Laurie (and I agree, spectacular images).
Olga — I’m glad this post resonated with you 🙂
Stillness is dynamic! What a wonderful contradiction in terms! It definitely requires pause for thought. I often try breathing exercises to help me when sleep is elusive. it is so hard not to think about something and just concentrate on the moment. It requires lots of practice. I think this is what Yoga tries to achieve.
Fatima — I always tell my husband, “I’m not afraid of dying, but man am I ever going to miss breathing!”
Of course, stillness in being present. There is another tree that has been whisper its name to me and when I really “see” its presence the name will be revealed. This morning I realized tree reminded me of the one that had been in front of our family home for so many years…
Jeff — What a lovely remembrance; a gift really.
Liangong and meditation are my devises. Oh yes and regularly stopping during the day to correct my posture. Dynamic good thoughts and pictures
Patricia — I love that you stop to correct your posture throughout the day!
Oh yes, the garden of 1000 white statues of Buddha in winter, certainly a case in point of stillness. And yes, in a world full of many types of noise, I do often seek stillness. I live, as I mentioned here before, on the edge of a small wetland. In the spring, especially at night, it is a clamorous place with competing sections of creatures making their presence known. I suspect, there is a whole lot of courting and jousting for attention going on. A few nights ago I was laying in bed and suddenly noticed it was quiet, so very quiet. Ahhh! Both the croaking of frogs and the totally quiet moment are valued. The quiet or stillness, though, facilitates peace within as well as the deeper connection of other types. Thanks, Laurie.
Audrey — I enjoyed reading the beautiful word picture you painted here. Thank you!
Every day my friend. 🙏
It only takes a moment to find our middle ground 💕
Val — “It only takes a moment to find our middle ground.” Amen siSTAR!
Interesting read. Thanks for posting. My mind is still sitting with what you wrote. Somehow it connected to what best helps me re-set myself. I love a long, peaceful drive on an empty road. The feeling of movement combines with sitting still in a way that inspires me.
Ruth — I very much enjoyed this beautiful word picture that you painted:
“I love a long, peaceful drive on an empty road.”
I try but I suffer from “monkey brain”–even more reason to keep trying. I find having an old dog helps. : )
Leanne — “I find having an old dog helps.” Yes, indeed; I can relate.
I enjoyed this piece and I concur with your observations .Stillness is so essential but we dont seem to realise it or appreciate it.We spend more of our time in motion and noise and do not give Stillness a chance to work its magic
Roamer — I agree with your assessment; thank you for sharing it here 🙂
Hi Laurie,
Yes, and I could probably benefit by creating a bit more of it.
Ted — I believe ALL of us could 🙂
as often as possible. Indeed.
Janet — Amen siSTAR!
I actually used to meditate, but kind of stopped without really realising… Lovely post. I love your featured photo of everyone holding up your book! Great idea.
Sassy Brit — I’m glad the header photo resonated with you. It was taken at my book launch party. It’s one of my favorites 🙂
When being still, one can see what others cannot.
Joan — Amen siSTAR!
👍🏻👍🏻
What ! Stillness? I sometimes mee myself coming back …does that count ? . No seriously Laurie , I do the mountain pose when doing yoga …beautiful and perfect 🙏
Cherryx
Cherry — You make me laugh! (Pssst, I love Mountain Pose, too) 🙂
I’m sure you’ve guessed that mee means meet 😊
Cherryx
Your definition of stillness resonates with me. “We experience it when there’s unrestricted participation in the moment; when we’re unreservedly present in whatever we’re doing.” I’very never before thought of stillness in quite that way.
Lucinda — I’m glad this post resonated with you 🙂
Such a metaphoric post… stillness is dynamic… everything—without exception—is in motion. I thought of Heraclitus and his theory of eternal change as I read your post.
Very well penned, Laurie… Love & best wishes! 🙂
Aquileana — I’m glad you enjoyed this post; thank you for letting me know 🙂
Sometimes I do wonder if I do or not. Stillness comes suddenly but more often than not is fleeting. Of course in the shadow of the ‘city that never sleeps’ it is always a tricky proposition! 🙂
Sam — I’m currently reading “Girls Like Us: Carole King, Joni Mitchell, and Carly Simon, and I’m learning a LOT about New York. “The City That Never Sleeps is an Understatement! 🙂
I love your writing and view of life , much like mind, perhaps it comes naturally with age although I have seen plenty of people my age who still enjoy drama and continuous motion without getting anything done. I guess we are all alone in our journey and find quiet and stillness when we are ready.
Rolcreations — I’m so glad this post resonated with you; thank you for letting me know 🙂