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Simplicity and Stillness

9/12/2016

5 Comments

 
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People have been eager to hear about our trip and asking, "What did you love the most?"

Depending on my mood, sometimes I think back longingly on walking to the weekly market with its fresh veggies, fruit, meats and cheese. Other days, it’s the croissants that I miss. The countryside with its rolling hills and vistas pop into mind and the antiquity of buildings that have stood through so much history.

All of these things made it an unforgettable experience. And they are all part of a bigger picture of what I loved the most about spending a month in France: SIMPLICITY.

There was no running around to activities or social events. We cut back on how much time we spent working. We went most places as a family, and all our usual outings were done on foot or by bike. We bought groceries for a day or two at a time. We had easy access to trails and footpaths for walking and biking. We could walk one hundred yards to the bus stop and take a twenty minute bus trip into the city.

​Simplicity meant being present to each experience as it happened.

Missing from the experience was the five of us going in five different directions to activities, birthday parties, school or church functions. No driving through suburban sprawl with stop and go traffic, big box stores and massive parking lots to navigate. There was no need to be multi-tasking the way I do at home with dinner, multiple homework assignments and kitchen cleanup all going on simultaneously.

Even sitting here in my office, looking out at the sun-dappled maple tree through my open window, I hear cars on the road, a continual hum of one after another going by. In this moment, the sound conveys to me the imbedded busy-ness of our culture.

And now I hear a helicopter flying overhead, punctuating the air with more noise, a staccato that grows louder and then quieter and then louder again.

Stillness is not part of the ambiance this morning.

All of this human-made noise speaks to me of our running around, our need to achieve, to seek every opportunity, to not miss out, to have everything we need.

And, I kid you not, as I type, the sound of the train whistle joins the chorus.

It makes me want to jump up and yell, "Stop! Just stop! Be still! Be here for this moment. Can't we just be here for right now?"

I don’t think I can drown out the cacophony of trains, helicopters and cars on the road. But I can hear it – and I know it is a message for me.

I am aware of what has been missing since we returned from our trip.

Stillness.

So, I am just going to pause for a minute and sit here.

Okay, that was actually hard. My wiring has gotten used to the rapid-fire, productivity model that I have been cultivating the past few weeks.

I have been running around like everyone else: buying schools supplies, stocking up on a months worth of groceries, signing up for soccer clinics, catching up on work, helping with homework, tackling house projects I am eager to finish.

I wonder if what I loved most about France was really what I loved most about my life in France. Simpler, quieter, experience-oriented instead of achievement-oriented. Since we've been back, I've been in get-it-done mode.

So, instead of looking for a visually pleasing photo to go with this post, I am going to go be still for a few minutes.

I can still hear the cars speeding by, so I may have to close my window.

For now, it will have to be enough.
 


What is your current relationship with stillness? How do you know when your stillness/movement ratio is out of balance?

When was the last time you chose an experience-oriented activity? If you were to choose one for today, what would it be? 




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5 Comments
Dale
9/13/2016 11:54:22 am

Ahhhh Stillness, a beautiful moment and state of being. Where are we all going and doing in such a hurry anyways? Thank you Jessica!

Reply
Jessica
9/13/2016 03:59:31 pm

I love that question, Dale!

Reply
Barbara
9/13/2016 03:39:15 pm

It is easier to find stillness in later life, but it still takes self-discipline to stay out of the hectic pace of everyday America.

Reply
Jessica
9/13/2016 04:00:55 pm

Compared to many people my age, I think we do a pretty good job of saying no to things, of setting aside time to just be home together. And it still feels busy...

Reply
Reina
9/18/2016 04:52:10 pm

Simplicity is a gift. While effort can be good and useful, too often effort turns into addictive productivity and a relentless need to complete and conquer. I, for one, need time to rest, breath, and stop always doing. In turn, this letting go of achievement can allow for creativity. When we rate from a place of calm and trust, our humanity expands and allows us to connect a much more profound level. I gave myself the gift of stillness and creativity yesterday at an all day workshop offered at the Mindfulness Center at UMass Medical Center. This creative expression workshop was led by a very wise and calm woman, Janet Slom. She led a small group of us through different meditations and art experiences. I felt tremendous freedom and joy. And throughout this sacred day, I allowed myself to be still and quiet. Let me continue to embrace simplicity and serenity.

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    Jessica Curtis is a coach, a writer and a spiritual seeker.

    I work with individuals wanting to dive deeper into their lives, to cultivate balance, foster self-awareness and nurture their souls.

    Through this blog, I invite you to explore and be curious: What are you learning about yourself? about your journey? 

    Contact me - I would love to chat with you about where you are now and where you would like to be.

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​​​Jessica S. Curtis, M.Ed., CPCC, PCC

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