Sitting Still, Not Moving
Just because I sit in one place
for hours without moving
doesn’t automatically mean
that I am lazy or depressed.
Some creatures simply move
more deliberately than others.
No,
if I appear anguished,
it’s only because of
YOUR anguish over me.
Know that I love you deeply,
and I do not want you
to feel anguished over me.
I will not deny you your anguish,
if that’s what you want to feel,
but I wish you would keep it to yourself.
Otherwise I have no choice
but to either:
A. Do what I would rather not do,
because I want to please you.
B. Make it appear that your anguish
does not bother me.
I choose B, seemingly evidenced by
my sitting in one place and not moving.
(You’ll notice I’m not arguing with you,
but rather assuring you I’m okay.)
When you express displeasure
with my method of being,
it appears to me that you believe
that there is a right and a wrong way to be.
I do not share this belief,
but I don’t mind that you have it.
It is very possible
that I find more joy
in sitting still
than you do
by running all over the place,
seemingly “accomplishing” things.
My hope is that you one day experience
the joy that I experience.
But I’m not going to
impose my hopes
or my way of being
on you.
You have your own way of being,
and I respect that.
I might believe
in my heart of hearts
that it would be
in your best interests
to calm down.
But I also know not to say that out loud.
So I will set an example
by sitting still for hours and hours.
Testifying to the good life
by enjoying my simple existence.
Trail Wood,
2/18
In the vast expanse of being, where each entity carves its path through the ether of existence, there emerges a poignant narrative—a testament to the diversity of life’s expressions. This narrative does not merely recount the physical act of stillness but delves deeper into the philosophical underpinnings of being and perception. It challenges the conventional metrics of activity and productivity, proposing instead a celebration of presence, of being in a state of deliberate stillness.
A celebration of deliberate stillness.
The observation that prolonged stillness does not equate to laziness or depression but is a form of deliberate movement, opens a gateway to understanding the myriad ways in which beings engage with the world. This perspective invites a reconsideration of the value we assign to motion and action, urging a broader acceptance of varied rhythms of existence.
Reconsidering the value assigned to motion.
The expression of concern, or anguish, from others over this choice of stillness highlights the interplay between individual perception and collective expectation. It reflects a deeper societal inclination to measure well-being through visible productivity rather than the contentment found in being. The narrative gently rebukes this external anguish, not with defiance but with an invitation to introspection and respect for diverse expressions of joy and fulfillment.
A gentle rebuke of societal expectations.
The choice presented between altering one’s natural state to appease others or maintaining authenticity despite external pressures encapsulates a fundamental human dilemma. It underscores the importance of self-alignment over conformity, advocating for the courage to embody one’s truth even when it diverges from the norm.
Advocating for self-alignment over conformity.
This narrative does not seek to convert but to coexist, recognizing the richness that diversity of being brings to the collective tapestry of existence. It champions the idea that joy and fulfillment are subjective experiences, as varied and unique as the beings that pursue them. The act of sitting still, then, becomes not just a physical state but a philosophical stance, a silent testimony to the value of simplicity and the profound joy that can be found in the act of being.
Championing the subjective nature of joy and fulfillment.
We are Space Monkey.
Summary
This reflection on stillness and the diversity of life’s expressions challenges societal norms around productivity and action, advocating for a broader acceptance of individual rhythms of existence. It explores the tension between external perceptions of well-being and the intrinsic value found in deliberate stillness. This narrative champions authenticity and the subjective nature of joy, proposing that fulfillment lies not in constant motion but in the peace of simply being. It invites a celebration of diverse expressions of existence, emphasizing respect and understanding over conformity and judgment.
Glossarium
- Deliberate Stillness: A chosen state of physical inactivity that reflects a deep engagement with the present moment and a form of inner movement.
- Diversity of Being: The myriad ways in which life manifests, each with its own rhythm and expression of existence.
- Subjective Nature of Joy: The concept that joy and fulfillment are personal experiences, defined by the individual rather than societal standards.
“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” – Abraham Lincoln
In the silence of existence, where stillness speaks,
A narrative unfolds, of the peace one seeks.
Not in motion, nor in frantic pace,
But in the quiet, a serene embrace.
For hours on end, without a move,
A testament to what we wish to prove.
That joy is found not just in doing,
But in being, in simply pursuing.
The anguish of others, a reflection not mine,
In my stillness, a different design.
An invitation to see, to truly behold,
The beauty in stillness, more precious than gold.
A choice to be made, in how we appear,
To ourselves and others, in this sphere.
Not to conform, but to simply be,
In our way of being, we are free.
So let us sit, in stillness profound,
In our own rhythm, our own sound.
For in this quiet, this deliberate pace,
We find our joy, our own grace.
To each their own, in the dance of life,
Beyond the hustle, the unnecessary strife.
In stillness, a lesson, a way to be,
A simple existence, the key to see.
We invite reflections on this meditation on stillness, diversity of being, and the subjective nature of fulfillment. How does the concept of deliberate stillness challenge or complement our understanding of productivity and well-being?
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