“Don’t just do something, sit there!”

Too often, when confronted with a challenge (within or without), we scramble to do something, anything! It feels better in the moment to match turbulence with turbulence.  But stillness is often a good and valid response.

Stillness is not inaction; it is the making of space for action. Stillness is not complacency; it is an invitation for understanding to precede change. Stillness is not reluctance; it is humility in the face of complicated challenges that likely require more of us that we are positive we can deliver. In stillness, we gather, we root, we call on our sources of strength, and we grow our courage.

This month, when you are confronted with situations that feel scary or overwhelming, remind each other that stillness is a gift and a tool; try not just doing something, but being there.

Check out the video here from teacher, author, and body positivity advocate  Jessamyn Stanley. Stanley leads a powerful meditation on clearing the mind, letting go of tension, and finding stillness and presence through breath and release.

Invitation: Do absolutely nothing after watching this video. Take no action, make no plan. Accept the gifts that whole-self stillness offers you and recognize it to be preparation for the work ahead!