Gifts of Stillness and Gratitude

Have you ever felt like your brain was so drained from a lack of stillness that you found yourself struggling to think, let alone speak?

My wake-up call came this week, when I found myself struggling to hold a conversation. I even transposed my words at times.

Having been awake perhaps too much, more likely it was a warning to get some rest. An invitation into stillness.

The Invitation to and Power of Stillness

The invitation to enter into stillness is always there. However, with our overcommitted schedules and the frantic pace of the world we live in, it seems we often need a sign to get our attention.

A sign that beckons us to let go of rugged individualism. One that pleads with us to be more present and aware in the moment. A sign that invites us into a space of stillness with gratitude and appreciation.

Like a waterfall cloud gently caressing a mountaintop.

We’d had some showers in the area, and it was one of those times when you get to see some awe-inspiring cloud formations that you don’t often get to witness.

On my way home from work, I witnessed this majestic waterfall cloud gently caressing a rugged mountaintop. As I looked upon it from miles away, I hoped that as I got closer I’d be able to get a picture that would remotely do it justice.

My mind immediately went from ruminating on all the things from the day and the troubles of tomorrow to a childlike sense of awe and wonder that silenced everything else. My heart rate slowed as my foot lightened on the gas pedal, not wanting to rush the moment.

The Gift of Stillness from the Master Artist

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19:1

It looked as though a master artist had intentionally painted this cloud to soften the rugged terrain.

As a society, we have become so busy and so distracted that we often fail to notice the gifts of beauty and wonder placed along our path. Gifts that remind us to slow down, enter into stillness and appreciate the simple things. Gifts that calm our frantic pace and soothe our souls, just like the caressing waterfall cloud.

I got the picture, both metaphorically and literally. My phone’s camera doesn’t do it full justice, but that’s ok. The lens of my soul saw not only the beauty of this gift, but also glimpses of meaning within it.

An Attitude of Gratitude

As I write this, I am accepting the invitation to enter into the stillness of being fully present. As I focus again on this moment, I want to give it full justice. Not just in picture, but in meaning. I’ve come to the realization that the rugged mountain represents an insurmountable set of expectations I’ve recently placed upon myself. Like a game where you stack wooden blocks to make a tower and then remove them one-by-one, I felt myself teetering as I clung to the rocky crevices of the mountain.

When I first saw the waterfall cloud, I wondered what it would be like to be there. Now, as I close my eyes and envision myself surrounded by the fluffy caress, a silence similar to a blanket of snow in the winter settles upon me. The noise and chaos muffle. My heartbeat slows. My breathing is more intentional.

I enter into stillness and gratitude emerges. No more, no less.

Now, I am equipped with peace for the day.

Are You Listening?

That still, small voice wants to caress your soul and bring you peace too.

We have an epidemic of busyness, distraction, anxiety and a multitude of other mental and physical challenges to our wellbeing. It may feel like we don’t have enough time to slow down and embrace stillness, to appreciate and to simply be.

The day I was transposing my spoken words, I actually wondered at one point if I was possibly having a stroke. I am grateful that was not the case and that a few days of rest have allowed my brain the space to heal from this state of overwhelm. Ironically, the best view I found to take a picture of this awe-inspiring gift was across from a cemetery.

We don’t have enough time to not embrace stillness. Life is too short not to live it to the fullest. Fullness doesn’t mean a full schedule, but rather a fullness heart and soul.

My heart is full. I accepted the invitation into stillness. I am anchored, no matter what the day may bring.

How is it with your heart today? Are you so focused on your to-do list and meeting expectations that you’re missing out on what fills your heart and soul? Are you so stuck in a paralyzing cycle of constant doing and distracted avoidance that you don’t make the time for soul-filling stillness in your day?

The invitation is always open. May this be your sign.