#EveryLittleActionCounts Week 59: Practice stillness!
In academia, we are often rewarded for our speed in publishing, providing instant responses, teaching efficiently, and attending to our responsibilities relentlessly. However, wisdom, insight, genuine relationships and interaction often emerge in moments of stillness. Slowing down and deep reflection can reveal to us meaningful and purposeful spaces and activities.
“Learning how to be still, to really be still and let life happen – that stillness becomes radiance.” – Morgan Freeman
Here are three tips that support you in practicing stillness in academia:
Consciously pause! –Before your next meeting, teaching, or paper, integrate a few quiet minutes. Close your eyes and listen to your surroundings and your breathing. Relax your body and focus on the present.
Disconnect to Reconnect! –Take a walk, uninterrupted, and let your thoughts wander without needing to be productive – stillness does not require immobility, but movements without inputs allow you to reframe and reimagine your choices.
Block time for self-care – Listen to yourself and intentionally set aside time just for you to integrate a nourishing act that supports your mental and physical well-being. This act can be a daily practice or a specific time of year.
We would be very happy to hear about your strategies for practicing stillness in academia!
Anne-Wil Harzing & Christa Sathish