To unwrap the gifts of stillness in your own life this March, try these suggestions:
1. Start small – Set a timer for one minute and try to be still. It might not seem worth it, but one minute can do a lot and it will start you on this vital practice. You can build up from there.
2. Tack it on to other activities – Many of our therapy groups here at the Center begin with a moment of stillness when people can get grounded and reflect on their feelings. Try one minute of stillness before you exercise or eat, or in between tasks when you’re working at the computer.
3. Feel the support of a group – Join a therapy group, meditation class or an exercise class that incorporates relaxation, meditation or imagery. Or find a buddy and practice this new skill together.
4. Keep your eyes open – It may feel threatening to have your eyes closed, so feel free to keep them open. Find something attractive in your field of vision, like a flower or the view outside your window.
5. Use the expressive arts – Put together a collage, or do some writing or drawing. You don’t have to be artistic at all; in fact, the people who aren’t usually come up with most revealing and healing work.
6. Use a guide – Belleruth Naparstek has created a series of guided imagery CD’s, and has recommendations for other resources on her website at https://www.healthjourneys.com/.
A Cherokee saying reads, “Listen to the whispers, and you won’t have to hear the screams.” We are constantly growing, healing and becoming more self-aware. And those messages are going to show up in our lives in one way or another. Why not use this in-between month of March to begin a practice of stillness, listening to these whispers?