Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Here's what's possible from stillness

I shared some of the survey data last week showing that people had improvement in peace of mind, dealing with stress, intuition, flow and more a result of spending very short periods of time in stillness. (see below)

To give you more of a flavor of what's possible, here are just a couple of the many of comments that were submitted in the survey. Because the survey was anonymous, the comments are anonymous.

This experiment really helped me to "get OUT of my head and back into my body" and stop the noise, at least for a good while! I will continue to practice the eye scans as I had never heard of this before. They are very effective in focusing energy to the present moment. I look forward to learning more.

The very first time I did it at my desk, I sensed that the bright sunshine outside my window was more brilliant than ever. Also, I felt that it opened up my soul such that all this love and well-being rushed in. It was so calming and healing . . .

I was able to be present and mindful of whatever I was doing. This in turn quieted the chatter and helped relieve the stress of "what I have to do next". I was able to engage in conversations and really listen and pay attention to the speaker - not only at work but also at home with my children. Thank you for helping to make my life more peaceful and meaningful.

I am pursuing a new career that I would never had suspected would be my path before the exercise.

Feeling more centered so able to deal with every day challenges better. Also a feeling of understanding myself better/listening to myself because of this proactive approach vs. reactive approach

Your experiences may have been very different from this. It doesn't matter. This is just to give you a sense of what is possible.

So what will you do with this information? Don't let it be just another interesting article. Rather make a decision to do something with it - i.e., make inner peace a priority in your life.

The vast majority of survey participants said they want to continue the Stillness Experiment.

What will help?

Since most people just dabbled in the experiment, it would seem that some type of help would be appropriate.

I will talk more about the options next time.

In the meantime, take a moment to be still now.

1 comment:

Chipo said...

Hello Stacey,
I have not had a chance to share my experience with the Stillnes. I used to do something similar many years ago thank you for the reminder I found that first time I did it in the morning or evening I tapped into some emotional stuff needed to be released. It was a great way to letting go of what ever was blocking me. Thank you.PEACE. Chipo

Welcome to the Stillness Experiment

Welcome to all who would like more stillness, peace and joy in their life.

I started this experiment for a variety of reasons. the main reason is that I personally need more structure to remind me to be quiet. And I wanted to structure to be easy to use and not take a lot of time.

I've been a student of stillness for a long time and know its benefits. And yet somehow, I still manage to get out of the habit. I will think I haven't mastered it and don't need to practice any more. But that is only my ego fooling me.

I also started this experiment because I am curious about what would be available if many people around the world were practicing stillness at the same time and for an extended period of time, such as 30 days.

You see when you are still, you are not in resistance. And when we are not in resistance with ourselves or others, what is possible in our lives and in their lives.? And even in the lives of those who do not participate because our energy is connected to others energy.

I had many reasons not to start this experiment. The biggest of which is that I have a shoulder injury/torn rotator cuff. It is very painful at times and is interfering with my sleep. So I thought to myself, how can I possibly be quiet when I am having this much pain?

And then I awakened and remembered that being still is probably the best thing I could do for myself right now. And as I re-engaged in my stillness exercises, I found I was much better able to be with my injury and indeed the pain lessened.

I imagine you have reasons to why this might not be the best time for you to be still or participate in this experiment. I encourage you to think of those reasons, as the very reason for you to participate right now. There is never a great time to do this according to our ego.

There will never be a time; a time when we have nothing going on in our lives. Stillness does not take away from what is going on in your life. Rather, it enhances your life.

You may have a concern about whether you will be able to do this regularl y---to set aside time and to remember to be quiet. for one minute every hour. I encourage you to let go of that concern. You will do what ever you do, and it will be just perfect. Haves the intent to learn from what ever you do and don't do an experiment. I don't know that I will remember or take the time to do it every hour. Even know that if my commitment. And I will notice what comes up to get in my way both inside of me and outside of me. And it will all be very interesting.

I look forward to being on this journey with you. The more the merrier. So please invite your friends to play with us. They can sign up at www.Balancedliving.com/stillness.html.

Warmly,

Stacey