Photos by Arin DeGroff
Stillness can be described as something that is moving so rapidly that it appears motionless, like a fan at full speed. Stillness is multifaceted; it is not the absence of vitality, God or motion. Instead, it is movement without conflict; it is complete peace.
In relation to humans, the stillness we can experience should be completely present and wholeheartedly sought out. We innately desire tranquility and a sense of serenity when the mayhem of life makes us feel ungrounded or disconnected. But when we stop for a moment to admire the sunset as it disappears on the ocean horizon, or to gaze and wonder about the stars above in the midnight sky, nothing else matters in that moment other than the beauty we experience. Those moments in nature begin to rid us of the chaos within, reminding us that there is more to life than just noise. Thus, we ought to consciously make efforts to channel our energy inward to make sense of our surroundings and ourselves, ultimately to channel that same energy back out. Only then can we begin to understand the type of stillness that exists in nature. The nature I am referring to is not man-made, but of God.
Experience Mother Nature, from the smallest grain of sand to the clouds that cover the sky. The part of Earth that is the source of all living beings and natural things. Each hold its own specific element of beauty. Nature has the capacity to bring us the harmony we so desire while allowing us to have a deeper sense of peace and purpose. Nature is beauty at its purest form and has no concept of individuality. It is grounded and deeply rooted, it has no awareness or worries; nature simply is. Eckhart Tolle says it best: “Look at a tree, a flower, a plant. Let your awareness rest upon it. How still they are, how deeply rooted in being. Allow nature to teach you stillness.”
Nature’s gift to all of us is stillness, and will therefore challenge us for our direct attention. Dare yourself to look beyond the inventions of mankind. Let go of your stresses and afflictions. Become aware of the conceptualized thinking that may ensnare you and participate in the stillness of nature. This experience connects us to a greater power and allows us to see and experience the stillness that is greatly needed in our modern and selfish world today.
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Follow Arin DeGroff on Twitter: @arinnashley
