Are you up for the challenge?

Are you up for the challenge of a daily stillness practice? Anyone can do it, but most people don't. Perhaps this lack of stillness in the lives of SO many people explains the current state of our collective mind. Many people are stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, angry and even confused, on a regular basis. The world is full of stresses and it's easy to become overwhelmed. On top of that, the new currency - Attention - is being fought for by media, commerce, social channels, recreational venues and, of course, family, friends and work. It's no wonder mental illness, suicide and domestic violence are on the rise.

In America, stillness is counter-cultural. Our society is obsessed with activity, productivity, distraction and hedonism. For many people, the more stressed we feel the more we seek distraction in devices, entertainment, material things or addictive substances/activities. Our culture doesn't teach us how to embrace our emotions, process them in healthy ways and seek God as source/provider/guide. And, unfortunately, the things we choose feel good in the moment but really only add to the problem.

During a dark time in my life, I decided to find stillness regularly. After lots of tears, prayers, conversations with friends and family, countless hours of watching movies and searching the internet for answers I finally said, "Time to move on." My journey of healing is my own. And I believe that I needed to partake of much of those actions to process my emotions. I certainly needed the love and support shown me by family and friends. I wouldn't have survived without them. But there comes a time to make a choice to move out of the darkness and into the light. There is a time to stop crying and step into the next chapter. And, for me, the first step was to be still.

As I began my stillness practice, I found it very difficult to sit still for more than a couple of minutes. My mind raced with thoughts of "to do"s, past conversations and dread of things to come. The noise in my head and the fidgety feeling in my body made stillness seem an impossible goal, but I persevered. I had read so much about the benefits of stillness that I was willing to keep at it. I made a promise to myself that I would stick with it.

I'm not going to claim that a daily stillness practice will heal your personal ills. I don't know your situation. I don't think stillness can heal our world. Only the Lord God, himself, can do that. BUT, I do say that a practice of being still on a daily basis WILL help you in many ways. Here are a few benefits of a stillness practice -

1. Improves your sense of peace
2. Decreases blood pressure
3. Decreases feelings of overwhelm
4. Fosters mental clarity
5. Improves decision making
6. Cultivates mindfulness
7. Increases creativity and much more.

So here's my challenge: If you don't have a stillness practice or have not tried it, give it a try. For the next 7 days, allow yourself to be still for at least 5 minutes a day. Find a quiet place, get comfortable, turn off all devices, set a timer (if you need to) then just Be Still. Feel your surroundings, listen, observe, breathe slowly and deeply. Be Still.

It may feel odd at first, but after a few days the akwardness will subside. Over time, you will start to look forward to your practice. You'll start to feel the benefits I spoke of, and many more.

If you try it, please contact me through email or DM and let me know how it goes. I'd love to here from you.

Still, Jai