Nancy Kline (Time to Think) says that the quality of all human actions is underpinned by the quality of our thinking. Sometimes, we believe we don’t have time to think, that there is too much to do to make space for this and rest.
As you navigate your way through life and work and everything in between it can be challenging to make space for all that you want to do, to be and to experience. Many more of us now work from home, sometimes through choice and sometimes it has just evolved that way. While this has many benefits, the energy is also different. It can be a struggle to create boundaries around the work day and to not always be ‘on’. Similarly, life can require a lot from us in all sorts of ways.
We all need time to let our mind and body pause and re-calibrate. There can be a lot of talk about work-life balance, but I prefer the idea of finding your centre of gravity. From there, we can lean in and out in different ways. And we always know we can come back to centre.
This is similar to ‘samasthiti’ (equal standing) in yoga, the still point in the movement. Some translate it as ‘to stand in balanced stillness'.
When was the last time you stood in balanced stillness, literally or metaphorically? Stillness means you can be steady while the world spins around you.
Stillness and silence are often thought of as the absence of something, I would argue they are a resource. They are where you can truly hear your own thoughts, where you can hear the whispers, the quiet callings and groundings from that inner voice, inner wisdom.
And stillness can come in many forms. A moment of clarity, presence or focus. An inner quality, one we can all cultivate. Stillness is in all of us, it’s just not always that easy to access.
“If you don’t have time to meditate for an hour everyday, you should meditate for two.”
— Zen Proverb
In times of uncertainty, turning in and using your own capabilities and inner wisdom is both grounding and empowering. While two hours of meditation a day isn't realistic for most, 10 minutes of guided relaxation or meditation is absolutely possible! I know you will feel the benefits.
Many of us find that we are spending a lot of time in our own heads and our thoughts. Your thoughts are just thoughts. You are not your thoughts. But here's the thing, your thoughts do guide what you do. Becoming aware of your thoughts enables us to take authorship of your actions and ultimately your life.
To help you lean into calmness, I’ve created these audio resources to reduce stress, help you sleep and soothe your soul.
Your Inner Sanctuary - find space to think, do and be
Cultivate Joy - learn to bring more joy into your life
Awareness of Thoughts - become more aware of yourself
Loving Kindness - send kindness to yourself and others
Here are a few pointers to set yourself up well and get the most from these practices.
Find a space that is quiet and calm (or as close to that as you can find).
Grab a blanket so you don't get cold.
Ideally, you’ll lie on your back. If you have lower back or knee niggles place a pillow or two under your knees, this should make you feel more comfortable. You can lie on your bed, the floor or a yoga mat if you have one.
If sitting up is more comfortable for you then please do that. Sit in a chair with both feet on the floor and hands resting in your lap, palms facing up allowing the fingers to gently curl inward.
Turn the lights down or off - you don't want to be dazzled when you open your eyes! Better still light some lavender-scented candles for a warm, comforting glow.
Secondly, before you start you need to be aware that there is no right or wrong way to do these practices. Thoughts will arise, try to acknowledge them as thoughts and then return to the practice, tune back into the sound of my voice. Try to drop any expectations you might have of yourself and let it be what it will be. Sometimes, when we deeply relax we can feel emotional, I want you to know that's okay. If you shed a few tears, that's OK, it's how your body releases stress and of course, it’s OK if you don’t.
Guiding you through the wood, the trees and the spaces in between. Join me each month as I dive into a theme inspired by my work and the conversations I have.
Time to Think: Listening to Ignite the Human Mind (2002) by Nancy Kline