Standing Tall

        "Have you ever stood still - just standing, doing nothing? It is an interesting experience and takes so little time. The mind flows forward, and for those who are used to moving, the sense of stopping is sometimes a bit disconcerting. It is as if we have to be doing something, going somewhere, listening to sounds, making words, and creating movement. Standing still makes everything slow down. Of course we are talking about standing still in a quiet place. If that is impossible, then the skill of concentration must be brought into the experience.

        Standing still can cause a magical feeling of standing tall. If one lets go of memories, sorrows, and worries, and things to be done, the lifting can make one feel somewhat taller. Perhaps it is the spirit within who is growing taller - stretching upward. In the midst of busy times and many activities, there is always a need to give the body and the mind a moment of rest, a moment of peace, a reviving of the spirit. We take for granted the breaks for snack and lunch, but we seldom give the spirit a break. Standing still does just that and though not as easy as it sounds, it can be improved upon quickly with practice.

        Standing still sometimes causes a shifting inside, a re-arranging that can be felt. It is at the moment that this is felt that the mind begins to speed up as it sometimes starts to analyze what is happening. When this shifting is going on, then is the time to take a breath and relax and be careful that the awareness doesn't speed up the need for movement outwardly. Have you ever tried this with children? They can benefit, too, especially if closing the eyes for a minute or two becomes part of the exercise.

        Some people go until they burn out. They become stressed and then wonder why they become ill. Try taking 'standing breaks' and see if you don't feel better with a calmer energy to carry with you."