It’s an odd phrase with ‘don’t’ and ‘do’ in the same sentence. This quote from Buddha, “Just don’t do something. Stand still (or stand there).” is wonderful when you think about it. It seems to contradict itself.

There are so many ways to interpret ‘stand still.’ In a world full of obligations and expectations, we are often trying to do one more thing to exhaustion or just want to feel like we made a difference. I got something done. Standing still is not progress, or is it? I am still hoping to find peace in the midst of conflict, derision and negativity. Why don’t I give up?

There must be some some reason. Maybe it’s a gift from God or the people he puts in my life for encouragement. The standing still has become very important in my life. To sit with my stuff, problems, struggles, gratitude and blessings, even if they are uncomfortable. I want to look at them with curiosity and wonder, not anxiety. I love the Serenity Prayer written by Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971) that is often associated with Alcoholics Anonymous, but so appropriate in all avenues of life! Use your favorite search engine for the whole prayer and substitute your own form of higher power where necessary! In the prayer, you pray to accept the things you cannot change and the courage to know the difference. What brings you serenity? What a wonderful and easy discernment for all of us. What can I do today?

Making a quiet moment of reflection without music, podcasts or distraction (birds and chirping are allowed!) helps to ground us so we can stand firm and solid. (Stand on solid ground with bare feet and you will truly be grounded!) We are less swayed by the world and its problems. In this moment, in this breath, I am okay. Now what? The possibilities are endless! What will you dream today?

Peace requires practice. And breathe and stand there.

Living one day at a time;
enjoying one moment at a time;
accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;