The Zen of Finding More Stillness and Time in Your Day
The Zen of Finding More Stillness and Time in Your Day
“Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.” —Nathaniel Hawthorne
Who doesn’t long for the bliss of freedom and serenity?
No more pressure and stress to plague you. Total release from anxiety and your endless to-do list. Just you, a tropical beach, a hammock, and a cold drink in your hand.
Looking at a photograph of paradise evokes feelings of release, relaxation, and time. You look at the person swaying gently in the tropical breeze, listening to the soothing rhythm of the waves rolling onto the shore, and you can almost feel the warmth of the sun on your skin.
Just like on holiday, you can create this sense of inner stillness. You can release yourself from the grind of time. You can bring moments of mindfulness and spaciousness to your everyday life.
Hello Overwhelm
Life has sped up, became louder, more distracting. Millions feel that they aren’t where they want to be. There must be more. If not a bigger house or more things, then more travels, experiences, fame, or recognition. We’re told to grind onwards, push harder, lean in.
Meditation is a tool that will improve your focus and work performance. Rare is the advice to take up meditation to cultivate inner stillness, a spaciousness, an acceptance for the present.
With so much pressure to run for ‘it’ all day, it’s little surprise that we burn ourselves up by evening. Where is the energy to buy and cook whole food, colorful meals? Where is the strength to connect with those we love?
If we treat each day as a marathon race to the finish line, is it little wonder that we collapse in front of the nearest digital device for mindless release each evening?
You’re not alone if you feel exhausted each evening. You’re not alone if you can’t summon the energy to pursue hobbies and interest you love. You’re not alone if you feel too exhausted to exercise.
There is exciting news.
You can change how you feel in one week.
In one month you can shift and release some of the pressure. You’ll feel lighter, more
balanced, content.
The One Minute Pause
Starting right now, set a timer to go off once an hour. Take one minute to turn off everything digital around you. Ideally, seek out silence with headphones or step to a quiet space.
Standing up, and look at something green. It can be out the window at a tree, at a potted plant on your desk, or at a vase of fresh cut flowers.
Ask yourself how you are feeling. Watch your thoughts. Are you overwhelmed? Anxious? Do