“Stillness is a powerful way to find contentedness and success in life.”

In his book, “Stillness Is The Key,” Ryan Holiday talks about the importance of stillness in our day to day lives.

According to Ryan, “Stillness is not about inactivity. It’s about powerful moments that change our lives.”

Stillness help us think clearly, avoid distraction, conquer impulses, and eventually find happiness.

We are constantly stressed out from overflowing inboxes and constant stream of social media notifications popping up every minute.

Prominent people from all walks of life are being featured in this book and how they cultivate stillness into their lives; including John F. Kennedy, Tiger Woods, Anne Frank, and other figures.

“If people could find peace within themselves, they would still be able to think, work, and be well even if the world is at war.” -Philosopher Seneca

Ryan Holiday also talks about slowing things down and being in the present moment in his book, “Stillness Is The Key.”

Nowadays, we take photos instead of enjoying a beautiful sunset. We take several photos of our food taking time to get the perfect angle to look pretty on Instagram, instead of eating it while it’s still warm and delicious. We check our phones while staying in line at the grocery store.

We’re constantly bombarded with information. Too much of anything is not good. Including too much information.

In a busy, noisy world, stillness is the key to peace, clarity, and happiness.

Ryan Holiday also talks about how journaling is a time of reflection. I couldn’t agree more.

I used to journal a few years back. No wonder I was more calm and collected than I am now. I journal from time to time though, when I remember. This book reminded me how freeing it is to write your thoughts down. Or even just be still and listen to my own thoughts.

Keep a journal. Write down your thoughts before going to bed and you’ll find yourself being free from those noisy thoughts swirling in your head and you’ll be able to sleep soundly.

Journal. Get things off your chest. Find stillness through writing and reflection.

I’m a night person so I don’t wake up early. That’s why during days that I miraculously wake up early, I enjoy the break of dawn with a cup of tea before everyone else awakens. Before the horns start blaring and the children chatter excitedly on their way to school.

A constant companion during these peaceful hours in the morning is a good book and my stuffed animal. Occasionally, a crow would fly near the windowsill as if to say, “Good morning. I see you have woken up early today. Have a nice day.” It does a couple hops towards me but doesn’t get too close, and then it flies away in search for its breakfast.

In “Stillness Is The Key,” Ryan Holiday also talks about the importance of taking naps. I used to take naps when I was in college. I call it a “power nap” where I would take naps for 20-30 minutes after having lunch. When I wake up, I feel refreshed, my head clear of any unnecessary thoughts, and then I head off to take classes.

We tend to feel that there is always something to do. We tell ourselves that we need to reply to that mail. That we have to join the last-minute outing that out friends invited us to. We don’t need to do everything all at once. There is no need to add another thing in our already full plate. You’ll just end up with leftovers and you won’t feel good afterwards.

STOP. Be present. Know your limits. Learn to say, “NO.”

Give attention to your physical health, to your spirit and mind, and you can cultivate “stillness.”

You can feel the “power of stillness” in your life when you slow things down. Calm things down. Quiet things down. Embrace stillness today. 

Overall, “Stillness is the Key by Ryan Holiday,” is a very insightful read.

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