Come Home to Stillness (Part 3 of 8)
The Sacred Pause in a World That Won’t Slow Down: The Second Step in the Circle of Self
This is the third post in my 8-part series on the Circle of Self. If you missed Part 1 and 2, check them out below.
“Stillness is not the absence of movement. It is the presence of awareness.”
—Tara Brach
The Practice I Used to Resist
Stillness feels increasingly elusive in our fast-paced, hyperconnected world. It’s not something that usually finds us- we have to choose it, carve it out, protect it.
I used to resist stillness. When my husband first introduced me to meditation, I’d fall asleep after five minutes. It felt like a chore… a boring one. Then we had two kids, and even five quiet minutes felt out of reach. Stillness became a luxury I couldn’t afford.
But over time, it changed. Now, even the briefest pauses, like deep breathing in the car or a moment of solitude with tea, feel sacred. Stillness invites us to pause, reflect, and simply be. It creates a quiet refuge for our minds and spirits to rest and recharge.
Stillness isn’t just an abstract idea. When we slow down our breath and calm our body, we activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is the part of our physiology responsible for "rest and digest." This shift sends a signal to the brain and body that we’re safe. Heart rate slows. Muscles release. Thoughts quiet. This is the state where healing happens.
Stillness also connects us to the vital importance of rest and sleep- the most natural, necessary forms of restoration. In a culture that glorifies productivity and burnout, choosing rest is radical. It’s an act of self-trust and survival. Without adequate rest, we can’t show up for ourselves or others with clarity or compassion. Stillness helps us remember that.
Journal Prompt
When was the last time you felt truly rested — in body and mind?
What might it look like to honor your need for stillness more intentionally?
A Small Practice: A Few Minutes of Stillness for Your Nervous System
You don’t need to sit perfectly still for an hour. Even two mindful minutes can shift your inner state. Try one of the following videos (or both) as a gentle reset for your nervous system.
📹 Breath Practice: Create Stillness with Extended Exhales
Slow your breath, calm your system, and begin to settle inward.
📹 Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Scan and release tension from your body with this guided practice. This is a great practice to do before bed.
Afterward, sit quietly. Let the stillness linger. Notice how your body feels. What has softened?
Coming Next: Nourishment
What truly feeds us? We’ll explore nourishment not just through food, but through media, relationship, and rest.
Gentle Invitation
If this post resonated with you, consider subscribing or sharing it with someone you care about. These small ripples help the message grow. 💛
This post is part of an 8-part series on the Circle of Self ~
Part 1: Intro to The Circle of Self | Part 2: Movement