Activity and Stillness

The past few weeks have been hectic for me. I had an apartment full of company for over a week, got out of my usual routine, and spent lots of time and energy in a whirlwind of activity.

Now the company is all gone. The apartment is quiet. And my life is settling back into that comfortable, safe, and even pleasantly boring, routine.

I've learned that it's OK for my life to get a little frenzied and unpredictable at times. It OK for me to be spontaneous, get out of my comfort zone, and do some new and different things. But it's also beneficial for me to have a routine, some peace and quiet, and spend quality time alone.

It's that all-important balance.

This morning I woke up about 4:30am to heavy rain, thunder, and lightning—typical pre-dawn weather for where I live. I stayed in the bed, got very still, and just listened. A wondrous clarity, calmness, and serenity filled me. I realized that a balanced mix of activity and stillness nurtures my growth as a person. Without the activity, I fail to appreciate the stillness. Without the occasional frenzy, I forget the blessings of serenity. Hours filled with people, places, and events help me to value equally the hours of silence, prayer and meditation.

Stillness brings clarity and insights, but activity helps me understand the necessity for interacting, communicating, reaching out, giving and receiving, and being emotionally present—so I can live and share the experience, strength, and hope gleaned from the solitude.

next: Choosing to Love