Finding Clarity in the Chaos
As you know by now, one of my favorite Disciplines is #4, Be Still. You will learn that being still is one of the most important disciplines you will want to cultivate. Consider this… you are dealing with 10x or more inputs than 90% of the rest of the world. It can be intense at times. You’ve got people, customers, competitors, goals, tasks, all your amazing ideas, and all things non-work related and they take up every ounce of your energy. Because of this, stillness can feel counterproductive. But stillness brings clarity by bringing your attention to the present moment.
The Power of One Breath
In your time of stillness, you begin to learn the power of one simple breath. With that wisdom, you bring awareness to that breath outside of your Be Still time and into moments of agitation or stress. Here’s an example from Ken McLeod, a Buddhist teacher and author, on how you can use one simple breath in the midst of your day:
Exhale gently and steadily without strain.
At the end of the breath, stop. Let your body breathe naturally.
Look around, adjust your posture, and move if you wish.
Then exhale again.
This exercise is a moment of presence that will bring you clarity and stability that is always available to you. Over time, you may find this clarity deepens. You might progress to two-breath or three-breath meditations, but the essence remains the same: be present with one thing, right now.
3-Minute Journaling Prompts:
When you think about your day, where do you feel the most stressed or anxious? Write about one situation where you can pause, take a single breath, and bring stillness to the moment.
Where in your life are you confusing motion with progress? Write about one area where creating space for stillness could lead to greater clarity or alignment.
The Practice of a Lifetime
Stillness is a practice . . . a discipline that deepens as you return to it again and again. Each time bringing you more clarity, and strengthening your ability to return to it naturally throughout your day. With this discipline, you begin to fully open to your True Self.
Closing Thought:
"In the silence between notes lies the essence of the music. In the stillness of your day lies the essence of your clarity.”
The 10 Disciplines:
The next Group Coaching Program starts on April 14th. During the 10-session program, you will learn to deepen your understanding of yourself and, with that knowledge, how to protect your boundaries to free your True Self and ultimately Shine.
I encourage you to take the True Self Assessment to learn how strong your foundation is.