18 – Practice stillness & silence

This is simple, but by no means is it easy. Our society has been conditioned to keep busy and on the move. Hustle, side-hustle, sleep is for the weak. If you're resting, then you are being lazy.

The new badge of honour is the 'I'm so busy!' or 'I'm too busy!' badge. It's no wonder that people have become numb and fatigued zombies. We have become overworked and under-rested.

We can't be seen to be resting or relaxing. We can't say that life is easy or joyful. If we say that, then we must not be working hard enough. We all know that rest is essential. We all hear the benefits, yet so few take the time to rest and sit in silence.

The amount of noise and information coming at us now is 24/7. There is a constant bombardment of noise, marketing, fear, and hysteria, with many living in constant, low-lying anxiety and tension. This needs to stop. It leads to chronic pain and even burnout.

From today, spend at least two minutes sitting still in silence. Do nothing. Just be. This will be extremely difficult for many but persevere. It will be worth it. Enjoy the stillness and silence. With time this will become easier, and you can extend the time. Keep building up the time – two minutes, five, ten, twenty, all the way up to an hour. Pretty soon you will enjoy the time away from the noise so much that you will want to spend more and more time there.



From this space of stillness and silence, you will find inspiration, answers to pressing problems and a new sense of joy that previously eluded you.