Today, we are more connected than ever to our family, friends, and colleagues around the globe—and, at the same time, we are more disconnected than ever. There are so many things vying for our attention. We turn to our devices, online experts, and social media for connection and direction—and, as a result, we are increasingly lost, confused, lonely, and distracted from our true nature and the nature of one another.
Living in this polarity, many know that something is missing, yet they can’t seem to put their finger on what, exactly, that is. There is only the feeling that, if they don’t crack the code on this restlessness and yearning, they will not have lived their best life or achieved their personal definition of success—and that they will, in the end, regret it.
My calling is to help individuals and companies exist in the beauty of the “and.” Family and friends and career. Business and spirituality. Intellect and intuition. Work and play. Excellence and ease. Freedom and stability. Making a difference and having the lifestyle they desire. My clients learn that it’s possible to experience harmony with all the people, causes, and things that matter most to them.
We all come from different traditions, beliefs, and ways, with roots in vast locations and perspectives. And still, as individuals, we are all on a similar path toward understanding who we are and who we are called to be, individually and collectively. Somewhere along the way, we forgot that human beings can do more than just acquire and produce—that we deeply crave love, beauty, awe, wonder, freedom, belonging, and to potentiate to our fullest nature.
Whether we know it or not, we deeply crave a return to what has been available all along—the truth, hidden in plain sight, that is summoning us home to ourselves. Life is always speaking to us, within us, and around us. Yet, we often ignore the inner guidance that is calling us forward due to busyness, a lack of proof, or a fear of change. Sometimes we continue to ignore it, until it becomes not a whisper but a 911 from your Soul.
If this sounds like you, it’s time to embrace the beauty of the “and,” and answer the call from your Soul.
Whether life is speaking loudly or quietly—through heartbreak, restlessness, joy, transformation, or something in between, you are being called home by your Soul. Through subtle allusion or unmistakable insistence, life is inviting you to embark on a quest. This is not a journey to a far-away land where your current life will seem only a dream, but a journey into yourself.
Wherever you are at this moment, the pathway to revealing your truths and realizing the life you are meant to life is closer than it might seem. There’s a way for you to show up in your life—a way for you to live, work, and play—that will bring you to that intersection where everything you value is present, and nothing is missing. In this place, you can finally be at peace, and your yearning can be transmuted, fulfilled, and satiated.
That place, and pathway, is stillness.
Within each of us is a wealth of expanded intelligence and wisdom. In the inner landscape, you can access the clarity needed to discern your deepest truths, find answers to your biggest questions, and illuminate your next right actions. Stillness is the gateway to all of this and more.
Being in stillness may feel counterintuitive. Most of us were taught precisely the opposite: Be productive. Idle time is wasted time. Use your head and figure it out.
Yet, stillness is one of the most important and powerful practices you can engage in to live your highest and best life. By being with your breath and moving from your busy brain (and outer distractions) to your heart’s intelligence, you create space to tune into Soul (aka, your Inner Genius, Higher Self, or whatever language resonates for you). Only here can you find the meaning, peace, joy, and aliveness you truly desire.
The best news is, all you seek is available within you right now. You just need a way to disconnect from the constant messages and demands of the outer world to move into your inner world where the real treasure trove exists. After being still, when you return to your day or retire for sleep, you will do so in harmony with the best of who you are.
If this is new to you, no worries. The steps are simple, though they may not feel easy at first. In fact, if your mind and body are wound up, entering stillness can feel impossible—so start small, with just 30-120 seconds of stillness one or two times a day. If creating stillness is familiar, engage for longer—up to twenty minutes or longer each day. The more periods of stillness you engage in—morning, evening, and brief moments throughout the day—the more centered, confident, and alive you will feel.
Here’s how to access your Soul through stillness:
- Find a comfortable place (a chair, a quiet spot in nature, in your car, or even at your desk).
- Close your eyes.
- Set the intention to create stillness. You can simply say, “I am still.” If you relate to a higher power, you can call on the help of your higher power with the intention.
- Shift your attention from your head to the core of you being (i.e., belly and heart center). It is helpful to place one hand on each and breathe to your own rhythm.
- Really feel the breath in your diaphragm and body.
- Just be and listen.
If subtle messages arise as you sit in stillness, wonderful. However, do not feel any pressure to receive the answers or guidance you desire instantaneously. As much as possible, be still with no expectations. This softens the busy brain and allows it to empty so that, when the wisdom is ready to bubble up and reveal itself, you can hear it.
When you are in stillness, relish and rejuvenate as you disconnect from the busyness. If antsy and chaotic thoughts arise, know that this is normal. Simply redirect your awareness to your belly and notice its expansion and return as you continue to breathe. If your mind is noisy the whole time, that’s okay, too. Congratulate yourself on committing to stillness, even if it wasn’t still or silent. With time, this practice will get easier. Over time, you will begin to notice all the ways in which life is speaking to you, cheering you on, and giving you signs and messages of support.
Stillness is a great friend. It connects you with the wisest, most loving, and supportive friend you could ever ask for—your Soul. When Soul is allowed to be heard, all of the purpose, meaning, connection, peace, freedom, and joy you desire can be illuminated and realized.