Function of Stillness

“We make vessels of clay,” observed Lao-tzu,
“but their true nature is in the emptiness within.”

The Taoist Arts approach to stillness at least in the guise of meditation is emptying our minds without focussing on emptying or stillness itself.  There is no stated goal of Taoist meditation during a particular sitting session.  The direction is as simple as, “If thoughts come in, just let them go.  Don’t focus on them.”  This observation of our chattering mind is extremely useful as it allows us to experience how our particular mind works with the thoughts, feelings and what-nots that lurk within us.  Observing this while sitting still in a posture facilitating internal circulation allows us to connect mind and body in subtle ways.

Certainly, there are other martial arts and meditation practices that can help us connect in this manner.  The form is not as important as the non-judgmental observing of ourselves.  Over time with a long-term practice, we get to know ourselves and how we respond internally to the events around us. This understanding born out of observation enables us to see the myriad things in the world and not be moved by them.  Stillness emerges. Once we connect with some level of stillness within ourselves, we are more relaxed and able to weather difficult experiences.  Our manager can come yell at us and we respond with calm and listening to what’s behind the words so we can interact in a way to discharge the angst and deal with the problem at hand.  Our spouse can come home all wound up from work and we can interact with them  in such a way to help them understand they are home and safe.  We may find ourselves in a car accident and react as we can to avoid death or dismemberment if at all possible.  Connecting with the stillness within allows us to respond appropriately to the situation and it’s needs.  This is the function of stillness.  We see a need and fill the need.  We observe without judgement and do what’s necessary in the short-term while not sacrificing the long-term.

SIDE NOTE:  Stillness is an unstated foundational concept of managing the “business of you” I share on another blog at www.bizofyou.com.  Instead of meditation, martial arts or other art forms, it looks at ourselves through the lenses of business and systems thinking to ultimately achieve the same thing, using stillness to create the life we truly want.