I often discuss the importance of slowing down, but if we’re honest, achieving true stillness is more challenging than it may seem. We try to take it easy by walking or looking up at the clouds. We pat ourselves on the back for embracing a slower pace. Yet that underlying feeling of anxiety and being overscheduled persists despite our efforts.

Recently, I had an experience that drove this point home for me. I committed to taking my days slowly and peacefully, only to find that I had somehow taken on so much that I suddenly felt overwhelmed and stressed out.

What had happened?

I discovered that stillness is very different from just slowing down outwardly. True inner stillness can actually be alarming, if not downright scary, when we achieve it. This is especially true for caregivers and care partners. The constant needs of our loved ones reinforce the idea of continuous motion. Sitting in stillness can also be overwhelming for those in grief.

But when we get truly still, we begin to sit in a place of “not knowing.” None of us are particularly fond of living with the discomfort of uncertainty!

Stillness brings on a state of not-knowing and sitting with the unknown.

But what if we allowed ourselves to lean into the discomfort of stillness and tenderly met our unease head-on? Perhaps then we could sense the deeper meaning of “living our lives with ease” that comes from achieving profound inner stillness.

I hope you enjoy this short video of my personal experience along with some tools for finding ease in stillness.