Image by Kirill Averianov from Pixabay
In a world that praises hustle and constant movement, stillness can feel like laziness or wasted time. But being okay with stillness isn’t about giving up—it’s about learning how to be present without needing to fill every moment.
Let’s talk about why stillness matters, what it really means, and how you can start to feel comfortable with it.
Stillness Isn’t Emptiness
Stillness isn’t the absence of productivity. It’s not doing nothing—it’s allowing your mind and body a chance to just be. That could look like sitting on the porch watching the wind blow, or lying in bed without reaching for your phone.
It’s in these quiet moments that we often hear the thoughts we’ve been drowning out. Stillness gives space for clarity, reflection, and even creativity.
Why We Resist Stillness
Many of us were raised to believe that doing more is always better. So when we sit still, we start to feel guilty. Our brains whisper things like:
- “You should be doing something.”
- “This is lazy.”
- “You’re falling behind.”
But none of those things are true. They’re just the noise of a world that equates worth with busyness.
How to Start Embracing Stillness
Learning to be okay with stillness takes time. It’s a skill, just like anything else. Here’s how to ease into it:
Start Small
You don’t have to sit in silence for hours. Try taking five minutes a day to pause—no screens, no music, no multitasking. Just breathe.
Redefine Productivity
Stillness can be productive in its own way. It’s where you recover, recharge, and reconnect with yourself.
Pay Attention to What Shows Up
When you sit still, you might feel discomfort at first. Let it come. Notice it without judgment. The more you practice, the easier it gets.
The Quiet Moments Hold Power
Stillness doesn’t mean you’ve stopped growing. In fact, growth often begins in the quiet. It’s in the pause that we find strength, balance, and sometimes even answers we’ve been chasing for too long.
Being okay with stillness means giving yourself permission to rest, to listen, and to just be. Not because you earned it—but because you deserve it.
Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.