Monday, February 16, 2009

Creativity from Stillness

Did you know that the One Minute Meditation can be used as a gateway to creativity? I have been meaning to post about that and will be writing about it more in my upcoming book.

Here is what one participant in the experiment told me happened to her quite spontaneously.

"Hi Stacey,
Thank you for the reminder to do the one minute meditation, I did and here's what came to me.
In the haven of your life, leave your doors unlocked and your windows open. Allow strangers to enter freely.
Do not be afraid. No one can harm you. You are protected.
I am a mountain. I am a tree. A Pine tree by the beach. And I dance with the wind of life!
Thank you, Ruth."


You can use the One Minute Meditation to relax before writing, composing, singing. As you relax, your creative energies can flow more easily -- thus enhancing and allowing the creative process to flow through you.

Take a moment to be still right now and enjoy the peace. Then throughout your week, try using the OMM with an intention to allow your creativity to flow. Let me know what happens.

Warmly,
Stacey

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