Stillness and Sanctuary
This week I’ve been listening to a powerful podcast series from Oprah Winfrey where she interviews Eckhart Tolle and they go through the chapters of his book, A New Earth. Oprah calls it “the most important book [she’s] ever read” and I would agree with her on the incredible impact that it can have on our thinking and the way we conduct our lives. If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend. If you have read it, I suggest giving the podcast a listen. The way they break down the message and really get into specifics is instructive and insightful.
The concept that really stood out to me as I listened is that of stillness and what Eckhart (we’re clearly on first name basis) calls inner spaciousness. He encourages us to cultivate a separation between ourselves and the world — one that allows us to pause, to be still and to achieve a state of calm and peacefulness, so that we can help sanity return to the planet.
Isn’t that an amazing thought?
Each of us practicing stillness and taking time out can help not only us, but the entire world? It’s true — sometimes we forget how powerful we are and the influence that can ripple out from small changes we make in our own lives.
When I think of stillness, I think of sanctuary.
Peacefulness is one of the most beautiful aspects of creating and finding sanctuary — our sanctuary gives us a place to be still. It gives us a platform for our own self-exploration and inner work. We can, by creating peace around us, find a sense of peace and inner spaciousness inside us. It works like a charm. I have seen it in my own life over and over again, as well as in the lives of my family, friends and clients.
In the spirit of Eckhart Tolle, I took a little bit of extra time this weekend to cultivate stillness. I went for a long bike ride outside and took pause to notice the colors, the canopy of green leaves against the azure sky, the smells of the verdant plants and trees growing along the road. It was delightful. I lingered over my coffee and noticed the patterns of dotted sunlight that rippled across the bushes and grass and came right into the sanctuary of my living room. I have to say, it felt wonderful. I hope you will take a few minutes to find some stillness of your own this weekend. This is how big change starts — in the small moments at hand.
With love and gratitude,
Lisa