“In mindfulness one is not only restful and happy, but alert and awake. Meditation is not evasion; it is a serene encounter with reality.” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh
Sitting in and with stillness is a gentle gift, one that provides soothing relief from an often to busy world. Meditation and mindfulness provide times of stillness, but unlike sleep, they provide a unique sort of alertness and awareness. A “serene encounter with reality” to borrow from the quote. Stillness is not to be feared, it is to be embraced like an old, dear friend. In stillness one can find contentment, answers, and a softening. By becoming cognizant of your surroundings, thoughts, and being and by simply focusing on your breathing, you can create a soft, gentle stillness within yourself. A stillness that allows you to encounter reality with a serenity you might not have thought possible. Yes, the world can move at a fevered pitch, a sort of constant, busy, worrying speed, but that doesn’t mean it has to, or that is the only way. Meditation and mindfulness provide the antidote to this buzz that can feed upon your soul. With practice you can create an immunity from the constant pressure of it and a resource to turn to when it becomes too much. You can feel restful, happy, alert and awake and all without evading the cause, rather you’ll discover a way to encounter it with serenity and ease. So don’t evade stillness or reject it, embrace it as it embraces you and feel how you change for the better!
Namaste ~ Ella
~ Affirmation Mondays are positive words of wisdom, insight and joy to add a bit of cheer to the start of your week and any day you need a bit of a pick-me-up! For even more inspiration please check out my Affirmation Mondays Pinterest Board and my Quote-spirational Board!
~ Check my Instagram on Mondays for Inspirational quotes and every day for a little jolt of happiness!
Lawhimsy 