Life is busy. Cities are busy. Work is busy. People are busy! And, we are so busy, that its hard not to be. . .BUSY! Running around like little rats in a city. Just moved around like trained robots. Dispersing in any direction, without a purpose or vision for why they are moving in the direction in the first place. Moving for the sake of moving. Moving around so that we feel as if we are being productive. In the area of work and life, movement has become so controlled, that it is. . .lifeless. And, if we are not moving consistently, and through every instant, at every moment, we feel guilty. We feel the pains of guilt because society considers us “lazy,” if we are not in movement. . . all of the time.
At work, during our social life, and during an ordinary day, humanity has gotten out of touch with natural movement patterns. On another note, much of humanity has been out of touch with the art of being still. Being still. Not for the purpose of being idle, while removed from productivity. Those of us in the working world (often in major, urban sectors) sometimes feel trapped in the very mention of stillness. We have been so overworked and overwhelmed, that to be in stillness, is synonymous with “not doing our best.” Not working hard enough. In fact, its a manipulative tactic in how we are controlled. So controlled that we are removed from a more holistic, and natural, form of work. A method, and movement, of work, where life is sustained, not drained.
When we examine the role of stillness, we come to face with the manner of being present, and in control of our movements. It is contrary to being dominated by it. It is a different picture than being possessed with movements, and its control over us. When that happens movement is. . .lifeless. We are just moving. No appreciation of its artistry. Unaware of how nutritious movement can be. Just moving for the sake of moving. And, such moves us away from the life cycle.
In order to re-claim our knowledge in the true essence of movement, we have to. . .be still. We have to stop, sit down, close our eyes, silence our space, and. . .be still. That’s when the fast-paced energy of movement slows down, and we are able to envision, and see ourselves within. . .movement. And, that’s where the change comes along.
When in stillness, we can experience the peace of movement. We feel what it means for movement to wrap its love around us. Re-storing our energies and re-vitalizing our Spirits. Providing us with the daily preparation we need. Re-healing us and re-filling our energy supply. This form of movement is the true essence of work. Forget the theory that work “drains us.” Exploitation drains us. That is true! Yet, work’s authentic aura fills us up, everyday.
One of the beauties of being in stillness is being relaxed, while feeling active. Think about that for a moment. In a quiet essence is when we can truly experience the activities around us. Isn’t it ironic how we must be still in order to be the most productive. That starting off in stillness, in meditation, in quiet reflection, brings a new vibe of being at the peak of our productivity. Its a harmonical feeling of working in a high-paced arena. When we get still, we are allowing ourself to remove toxins. Removing mental toxins, and allowing ourselves to understand the meaning of true creativity. Shifting through what works, what doesn’t work, and having to start all over again. Ah! The mental clarity of organization. The spiritual essence of cleaning, and removing inner toxins, in order to clean out our methods of productivity. The ability to slow active time, in the realm of stillness.
There is never truly a right time to be still. Yes, its great to start our mode of stillness in the beginning of the day. That prep time before going to work or school. In the car, driving to the office or the campus University, and sitting in stillness. Allowing a mental meditation or reflection to take place. Perhaps, the essence of silent music will do. Yes! That’s a great time to start.
Then, there is that moment when things are going horribly wrong. One is in disarray. You and fellow colleagues are running in a rat race. The race has reached far beyond control, and people, things, and others are toppling over each other. Forget about there even being a race. People are just running! Running around hoping to be productive; without really being. Its the perfect time for. . .stillness. Its the right time to stop, sit, and get still. Get still mentally. Get still emotionally. Just get still.
Stillness is an art. It’s underappreciated, nevertheless. Yet, it is still an art. It takes time to craft with it. It takes patience to understand its benefits. However, it is active! It is also a meditation. Contrary to what many think, it leads to productivity. So, it pays to be productive, while being still. There is peace in action, when we are being. . .still.
