Why Stillness Is The Key To Happiness
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- čas přidán 9. 07. 2024
- In his book Stillness is the Key, Ryan Holiday writes that: “The call to stillness comes quietly. The modern world does not.”
We’ve got so many things vying for our attention on a daily basis. The stress of work, family responsibilities, financial worries, seeing everything that’s wrong with the world on the news, social media.
But who has the power to stop? Or time to think?
The irony is that we use that feeling of overwhelm as an excuse to not make time for stillness, yet our daily struggles become much easier to deal with when we act from a place of stillness instead of stress. And I think that, intuitively, we know that.
Truly great people share this key quality, which is the ability to be still, even while the world rages around them. We just have to be proactive and make time for it.
Stillness is not the same as idleness or nothingness. It’s about slowing down time, appreciating the little things, thinking about what truly matters, and being in a state of calm.
Stillness is that time when you had a brilliant idea come up out of nowhere or that time when you wrote this thoughtful article almost without effort. It’s watching the sunset without wanting to take out your phone to share it online.
I’ve found that I’m the happiest when I feel calm and peaceful inside. It’s why I’m interested in living with intention: slow living, minimalism, things of that nature. And actually, happy doesn’t even seem like the right word, content is more accurate.
The state of mind where I feel grounded, balanced, no matter what life throws at me. That does more for my well-being than anything external.
Over the years, there have been a few practices that I keep going back to whenever I notice I’ve gone too far into the red. These habits help me to slow down, recenter, and regain this feeling of stillness. Maybe some of them might be helpful to you, too.
Resources mentioned in the video:
• Stillness is the Key - Ryan Holiday: a.co/d/8tLaRJa
• Lead Yourself First - Raymond Kethledge & Michael Erwin: a.co/d/j1GNXiT
• Digital Minimalism - Cal Newport: a.co/d/1quENHe
• Life on Purpose - Victor J. Strecher: a.co/d/63xne5p
• Millennium World Peace Summit of Religious & Spiritual Leaders By Acharya S. N. Goenka: • Millennium World Peace...
• Last Chance U Basketball: www.netflix.com/title/81046613
• Technology Shabbats: www.tiffanyshlain.com/tech-sh...
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
00:16 My Journey to Finding Stillness
04:59 Cultivate Solitude
08:02 Limit screen time
09:57 Do Something Meaningful
- WHAT TO WATCH NEXT -
3 Simple Habits That Calm Me: • 3 Simple Habits That C...
- LINKS -
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
♪ TikTok: / slowlivingminimalist
🖼 Posters: iampetercook.gumroad.com/l/po...
💻 Try Skillshare for free for 1 month: www.skillshare.com/en/r/user/...
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you. - Jak na to + styl
The story of finding joy with the hedgehog really resonates with me. I camp and backpack a lot in the wilderness. For a long time, I would take in the sights while thinking about the miles, next campsite, equipment I have, etc. At one point, I began to take time after lunch to relax for a few minutes. As I would observe nature around me, I began to notice all kinds of things that I previously didn’t notice while always moving. An insect on a plant. A bird’s repeated behavior as it flies back and forth. The way that branches move in the wind. As you described, this slowing of time into the moment opened up a whole world being present and drawing me into it.
Thank you for the wonderful video and reflections.
That's a wonderful experience, thanks for sharing! It reminds me of the very first video I published on this channel: Slow Living in Winter: How Snow Calms Me Down (czcams.com/video/4rTeiULHS6Q/video.html). In it, I talk about how I love going on forest hikes. The first 20-30 mins I tend to have a racing mind, but then it eventually quiets down and I become more present. That's when I can really see the beautiful nature that surrounded me all along. Similar to what you shared about your wilderness experience! ✨ Your comment is a reminder to myself to set the intention to look around and get out of my head, next time I'm in nature.
Thank you for including so many book recommendations in your videos! I love being able to dive deeper into the topics you bring up.
You're welcome, Emily! I get inspiration for my videos from books so I do my best to reference these sources where possible. 📚
Yes, it's the quiet, simple life that will bring us the inner peace we seek.
That's also my experience 🙏🏻
Your videos always help me!
I might not see it when it came out, but I love to listen to on the weekend to decompress
I am trully blessed to have found your channel. Hope you never stop uploading 😊
That's wonderful to hear, thanks for watching the videos. Have a great weekend! 😀
Thank you for sharing your experiences, I greatly appreciate it. Have a great day, Peter.
You're welcome, I wish you a great day, too! 😀
It did help at least one person! Thank you!
Happy to hear it, Xavier! 😀
I am a introvert and I live my life the way I want it. If my screen time is higher than last week..so what…no shabatt for me…. I am at peace,stillness…..my motto is live your life….❤
Great motto, Linda ✨
thank you for a great clip. I can relate to it. I seek solitude; it makes me calm and brings clarity of thoughts. But, it is difficult to get that in the fast moving world.
Not too sure where I am at the moment tbh. I feel like a leaf blowing in the wind and have no solid goals 🤷🏽♂️. Let's try be still, shall we. I'm going to set a 10min timer and be still/meditate after I post this comment 😑🙏. Great video btw 👍
Good luck, I hope practicing stillness helps! 🙌🏻
I resonate with so much of this video. You are so self aware of the lifetime of learning that benefits us all. I do like the way you share your learning journey.
Stillness is indeed a difficult concept when our lives are out of balance, your tips are very insightful. When my journey into stillness first started it was so difficult to switch off and climb down from the hamster wheel. I had to learn to claim stillness rather than 'slow down' into it.
For example I had to rethink the queues at the supermarket. I had no choice but to stand and hope I had chosen the right one.
Before Stillness I would chastise myself if I had picked the wrong queue. Now I look at the queue as an opportunity to claim that time to mindfully meditate or just look out at the the nature in outside.
I had a job that required me to travel by car at times. Although I had to pay attention to my driving I tried to incorporate stillness by narrating parts of my journey such as saying 'I am approaching a junction that has a poplar tree overshadowing the large house'. Although technically that isn't Stillness it did support my method of being still when I could because it made me think about things other than work. Thank you
Thanks for such a thoughtful comment! I can relate to what you said about waiting in line at the supermarket. Have you seen the movie Office Space? It's hilarious, and in the opening scene the main character is stuck in a traffic jam. Each time he changes lanes, the lane he just left starts moving 😅.
I really like the idea of reframing the experience. By naming what you see. That's a great way of becoming present (and still!) and stop the negative thoughts about the situation (why is this happening? What's wrong with that slow driver in front of me? etc).
Take care! 😀
I am so glad I found your channel. I've been enjoying the other "slow living" videos out there, but sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the idyllic "country cottage core" genre as it's very far away from my own reality. They are beautiful to watch and escape into... but your videos bring me peace knowing that slow living and the desire to be present and full of gratitude does not need to look a certain way. Your videos are so important!
I can relate, I also enjoy watching that type of content. But it's not always the most practical for city dwellers like myself. I believe slow living is attainable for everyone, regardless of where you live. It may take some adjustments, living in the countryside is different than in a big city. But ultimately it's a mindset that we can all adopt and apply in our own lives. Things like living with intention, being present, practicing gratitude. Glad to hear you're enjoying the channel! 😀
Dude, thank you for this.
The ending especially was exactly what i need it to hear and keep reminding myself
You are the best!
Happy to hear it, glad the video was helpful. Take care! 😀
giving permission to be still is a gift. To just "be" is so enjoyable. ... finally arranging my life to experience these on a regular 👍
Well put, JoAnn! ✨
Thank you for framing stillness and solitude in this way. I have a tendency to regard my enjoyment of solitude as a guilty pleasure, when there's absolutely nothing to feel guilty about. My soul craves peace and quiet and gentle communion with nature.
That's indeed not something to feel guilty about! I'm glad the video was helpful 😊
Thank you Peter
You're welcome! 🙌🏻
Thanks again, Peter, for being your very genuine self. Good reminder about the digital sabbath. Cheers, my friend.
Glad you enjoyed the video, cheers to you, too! 😀
Your videos are really well put together. I appreciate the fact that you put a pic of the book you are quoting on screen, as then I can take a pic if I am interested in reading it.
Thanks! 🙏🏻 Good to hear showing the book cover is helpful, I'll keep doing that then. Often, I also add a link to the book in the video description.
Peter, a great video and of the few I've caught on your channel I continue to be more impressed and find much what you share of real value. Social Media is toxic in my book but CZcams is definitely of a different genre if you will. I feel this strong connection to our hosts and it's audience. Love reading other listeners comments and learning from them as well. No one seems too reserved something going on in their own lives. But in the end so much to be said 'silently' about Stillness, no noise and in your own little corner of the world where I never feel alone, only at peace and with comfort. Namaste!!
Thank you for the kind words, Mike! I agree, CZcams is of a different nature than other online platforms. With long-form content, there's more opportunity for nuance, depth, and building connection. I also love reading comments like yours, it inspires me to keep making these videos. Take care! ✨
Absolutely true Thank you for thisb
You're welcome, Editha, glad you liked the video! ✨
Your videos are getting better and better. There's not doubt that your channel is set to grow. Such meaningful and thought-provoking content with great book suggestions too! Best wishes from Texas!🥰
Thank you for the kind words! 😊
Great video as always, Peter. Thank you for this
Thanks, glad you liked it! ✨
Minimalism is connected in all aspects of our life not only with material things. The key is consistency in all areas of our life. As usual, great message. Though I liked the entire video, the last three minutes are worth replaying. Learning is sharing! Meditation/stillness should be part of everyone's life! Thanks for sharing your views/ideas that too in a simple way. As you said, it will motivate at least one person, which is your success.
Thank you for the kind words 🙏🏻 I'm glad you enjoyed the video, especially the last bit.
Really enjoyed this video! It encourages and inspires me to keep going. Thank you.
Thanks, happy to hear it! 😀
been watching your video's since last month thank you
That's great to hear! 😀
Reminds me the book "10 percent happier" by Dan Harris when he described his retreat.
I like the journey Dan Harris is on. The origin story (panic attack on live TV) and how that led him to meditate, write the book, start the app, and make meditation accessible to people with a skeptical mind. Inspiring!
As always, thanks for your advice and experiences, you can't imagine how much they help me, your videos are too short for me Peter, greetings from Barcelona🙂
That's kind of you to say, Beatriz, I'm happy to hear that 😊
Beautiful video, amazing message! Thank you! 💛👍
You're welcome, glad you enjoyed the video! 🙌🏻
Thank you.
You're welcome, Julie! 😀
A truly great video. Meaningful to many more than one, I’m sure. Thank you for your efforts!
I'm glad you liked the video, Penny! 🙏🏻
The idea of taking an entire day away from technology seems both liberating and impossible at the same time. However, I think that kind of challenge to step away from tech and social media is what makes it such an interesting idea. I think I might try to spend a day away from tech this week and see how it goes
Great intention, Daniel! For inspiration, you might want to watch one of Nathaniel Drew's older videos about doing a 24-hour dopamine detox: czcams.com/video/-QvEZoPy96g/video.html
Good luck if you go ahead with it, and if you do, I hope it does indeed feel liberating!
I devour Ryan Holiday’s books. I am currently reading Discipline is Destiny and it has changed my life for the better in so many ways. I haven’t even watched your video yet but I had to mention… lol. I also loved Stillness is the Key. Ok! Off to watch what I’m sure will be an amazing video…
It's a great book, Penny! 📖
❤❤❤
❤️ 🙌🏻
Hoi Peter, bedankt voor de link naar de video van Goenka! Ik deed twee vipassana's in Dilsen-Stokkem maar die video had ik nog niet gezien :)
Graag gedaan, Nadia! Er zijn helaas niet zo heel veel videos van S.N. Goenka. Dit is degene die mij toendertijd het meest raakte en daarom regelmatig opnieuw kijk.
@@IAmPeterCook Hij is dan ook heel mooi!
I struggle so much with the idea of stillness. I think it's because I'm afraid of not achieving anything. Instilled into me by my parents. I'm scared I will become bored. I was taught "only the lazy are bored". Any ideas to combat this?
The entire culture and economic system are against stillness nowadays, that's sad. Mindfulness, keeping your agenda as free as possible and healthy daily habits may help against the common mindset and system.
@josseton9435, that is challenging, I can relate to this. I have to keep reminding myself that it's OK to prioritize stillness and slowing down. To me, it's not black and white. It's not stillness OR achieving goals. There's a lot of scientific research showing that stillness, relaxation, and taking time off makes people more productive long-term. Because that's a sustainable lifestyle. We aren’t designed to expend energy continuously. Rather, we’re meant to be pulsing between spending and recovering energy. If we carve out moments to slow down, we will be ready to accelerate when it’s really needed.
To me, being bored is not something I'm scared of. I'm embracing it. I use it as a practice to be more present. For example, I'll wait in line at the supermarket and intentionally don't grab my phone. Instead, I'll just look around. And if I notice the urge to grab my phone because I'm anxious about being bored, I note that (and still don't grab my phone 😉).
For more inspiration, you might want to watch my video "The Art of Doing Nothing": czcams.com/video/_hFmagRoiA8/video.html
Hope this helps! ✨
@@IAmPeterCook I noticed that the profession and working conditions are also an important factor. Working part-time and lot remote was a real relief for me to spend time and energy on more important things in life. More is not always better. People sacrifice a lot for money and don't consider the other costs and impact on their life and health (physical and mental).
Hoi Peter, boekentip: Een simpel leven van Roderick Nieuwenhuis
Dank voor de tip!
10:13 - Now I understand how you read your script without making it too obvious that you are reading 😜
I'm actually experimenting with not reading my script from a teleprompter anymore. This is one of those videos. Still wrote a script but I'm trying to freestyle more around it. A work in progress 😉
Here's the mentioned video from s n goenka czcams.com/video/P97criit1qI/video.html
Ah whoops I see it is linked in the description missed it first time
Thanks for sharing it, Dan! I had initially not added any resources mentioned in the video in the description. I added them shortly after publishing the vid.
Stick with animals,
they'll never let you down.
Indeed 😉