During this time of mandated stillness, I pulled a book from my que with the quarantine in mine entitled Stillness in the Key by Ryan Holiday. The book is a perfect must-read for all those looking for directives on understanding the peace, prosperity, productivity, and purpose of pure stillness as the world steps on the brakes, silence becomes common; businesses closed, less cars on the road and fewer people walking the city streets.

One of the first quote in the book sets the tone. “All of humanity’s problems stems from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.” Stillness is required to become master of one’s own life; leading to enlightenment, often times greatness, happiness, and joy. Often times when we are not still, we are looking to the future or reflecting on the past, but stillness requires us to be ready present and demands all of out attention in the now.

As I selectively take in the news and keep up with the world, I have also made a point to use this time the universe has given to listen–listen to my calm heart, my subdued spirit, my hushed dreams, my whispering inner voice, my tranquil intuition and my settled soul. I am finding that all the loud busy noise, even though, strong perhaps maybe wrong; but, this still voice although soft, quiet even a bit meek is right.

Stillness has us wrestling the big questions of our life. Taking a second look at our plans. It challenges us and hopefully makes us stronger and wiser. I’m finding these days to be a bit messy minded as clarity and wisdom comes after the tussling and toiling; pondering notions, rationalizing reasons, and abstracting ideas. Sorting through what is important, relevant, real and right for Seeking for the truth requires a lot of looking in the dark to get to the dawn. Honestly, the dark can be scary when you are looking within (its hard work).

Hopefully, when this is all over and the world goes back to the new normal; there will be splendid horizons sharing the kind of light that only comes from the stillness of a flame lit from within.