Stillness – Why Doing Less Heals More
‘In a world that values doing, stillness is a radical act of healing.’
What if stillness is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for self-care? At Tranquillity for Wellness, I’ve come to learn that it’s in the moments of pause, of quiet, of intentional rest, that true healing begins and it comes from within.
There have been times I've had to make myself STOP, put on a timer and instruct myself not to get up (unless it’s an emergency of course) until the timer goes off. A thought may come into my mind and I think I should do that task right now while its in my mind.
NO - the task can wait! Write down the task if you think your going to forget it. Witness what goes on in your mind without judgement. Stopping and moving towards stillness is not always easy. Maybe you simply don't like stopping or feel you “cant”. Witness your response to the word ‘stillness’. Does it feel inaccessible? Frustrating or maybe sensed as a struggle with your internal chatter?
Whether it’s through restorative yoga, gentle breathwork, or simply sitting in the peaceful embrace of nature, you have choice. Stillness invites you to come home—to yourself.
The Science of Stillness
The concept of Stillness isnt woo woo; it’s physiological. When we slow down, we activate our parasympathetic nervous system—the body’s “rest and digest” mode. Its a natural state, where the body begins to heal, stress hormones like cortisol decrease, and our immune system is strengthened. Simply a few minutes of deep relaxation each day can lead to reduced anxiety, improved sleep, and greater emotional resilience.
In restorative yoga, for example, the body is supported in resting postures. There is no striving, there is a gentle stretching involved but its passive. It more like a softening and simply being with yourself. This passive release gives the nervous system the space it needs to reset.
The Gift of Doing Less
Beyond the physical, stillness opens the doorway to your inner world. In silence, we start to hear what’s really going on beneath the surface—our true needs, our desires, our fears, and our intuition. This is where the soul whispers - you could think what I teach is actually yoga for the soul.
As a wellness coach and intuitive guide, I often remind my clients that answers arise in the spaciousness between thoughts—in the quiet space after a long exhalation.
Stillness isn’t emptiness. “Stillness is dynamic… It’s life in harmony with itself... Stillness, therefore, is a higher energy state than what we are used to.” Erich Schiffmann; Yoga the Spirit and Practice of Moving into Stillness; 1996
Creating Space for Stillness in Everyday Life
You don’t need go to a retreat to find stillness. What is required is a willingness, a consistency to practice it. Here are a few simple ways to begin:
The Morning Pause: Before doing anything else. Take three slow breaths. Ask yourself, What do I need today?
Stillness in Nature: Sit outside, barefoot if possible, and simply listen to the birds, the breeze, your breath.
Evening Ritual: Try a 10-minute body scan before bed. Let your awareness move slowly through the body, consciously witnessing and releasing tension as you go.
Tranquillity as a State—and a Place
Tranquillity isn’t simply the name of my sanctuary—it’s a way of life. Here, among the still trees and gentle silence, I’ve witnessed big shifts in those who simply allow themselves to stop. The body softens. The mind quiets. The spirit begins to rise again.
If you’re craving space to breathe, rest, and reconnect with your true self, I invite you to explore the offerings at Tranquillity for Wellness -whether through a private session, a virtual practice, or a soulful day retreat - www.tranquillityforwellness.com
Begin Today
What would happen if you gave yourself ten minutes of stillness today? No phone, no agenda. Simply you, your breath, and the quiet knowing that in doing less, you are receiving more.
Because healing isn’t something we force. It’s something we allow.
If you are keen to know more, experience more, I have a new beginner-friendly, on-line, self-paced course called Move Breathe Relax 101 - its hosted by The Awakened Guru.
Click the link below to find out more http://theawakenedguru.com/movebreatherelax101
