Stillness Quotes and Tips

"Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths, or the turning inwards in prayer for five short minutes." -- Etty Hillesum

"Adopt the pace of nature, her secret is patience." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Slow down and enjoy life. It's not only the scenery you miss by going too fast -- you also miss the sense of where you are going and why." -- Eddie Cantor

"We're so engaged in doing things to achieve purposes of outer value that we forget that the inner value, the rapture that is associated with being alive, is what it's all about." -- Joseph Campbell

"Wherever you go in the midst of movement and activity, carry your stillness within you. Then the chaotic movement around you will never overshadow your access to the reservoir of creativity, the field of pure potentiality." -- Deepak Chopra

"The affairs of the world will go on forever. Do not delay the practice of meditation." -- Milarepa

With our busy schedules, we can often complain that we don't have time to meditate. But if we are sincere in our desire to go inside, we can create our own moments of stillness in the midst of our activity.

How do we do this in a busy life? We set priorities, for one thing. Perhaps it means giving up a TV program or using a coffee break to grab a few moments of solitude. Perhaps we have to ask our partner, relative or neighbour to give us 30 minutes of time away from the kids.

We can also use 'down' time to good advantage. Stopped at a traffic light? Do some deep breathing. Waiting in line at the bank or grocery store? Repeat a mantra or focus your mind on something that relaxes you or brings you joy. Riding the bus to and from work? Value these times to close your eyes and go within or to say a little prayer.

If we really want something, we can make it happen. And if we take time daily to experience physical stillness and to direct our attention inside, we can begin to find the peace, love, will and wisdom that exist as our essence.

"Learn to pause... or nothing worthwhile will catch up to you." -- Doug King