Throwback Thursday: Finding Stillness
I really like the Facebook “Memories” feature, where they pull up and share with you all your posts from previous years on a specific date. It’s fun to look back and see what you did on this date a year ago, two years ago, ten years ago! I find it interesting how many times I have had flat tires on the same date over multiple years. Or snow days at work.
Anyway, I’ve been looking back at old blog posts in that same way – what was I doing/wearing, how was I feeling last year or four years ago at this time? I’m writing this intro on May 31, 2020…and the post below is from May 31, 2019. How funny that I was writing about spending time alone and sitting in stillness at this time last year…when this year, that is what the wholeΒ world has been doing!
Enjoy.
Stillness: the absence of movement or sound.
I’ve been finding stillness is something I’m craving more and more. I was never a person who craved sound and action around all the time. I don’t leave the tv or radio on. I love music, but put it on only sparingly.
But when I first really noticed loving stillness was when I was going through radiation two years ago. The treatments were immediately after work, every afternoon for six weeks. So by the time I got home after work and treatment, I was Really Drained. It was April through June, and the weather was just mild enough that I could have a window open and feel a little air movement…and maybe hear some birds…but overall it was quiet and still. And I would lie on my bed, lights out in the shady room, close my eyes and just be still. I wasn’t sleepy, I didn’t fall asleep…but for up to an hour I would just lay atop my cool comforter, quiet. And as much as radiation was an unpleasant experience, it did have this nice element – that I allowed myself time to be still.
After treatments were over and life eventually returned to normal, busyness set in and quiet time was not something I normally allowed myself. I was too “busy.” We’re all busy. Work, school, family, home, friends, side jobs, moving, cleaning, socializing, etc. There’s so much going on in everyone’s life. It’s easy to get caught up and forget there are other ways to be.
Last week I was reminded how much I needed to have times of stillness. I try to meditate several times a week, but really, I’m not very good at it π Trying to clear my mind of thoughts is like wrestling in jello – those thoughts are slippery suckers and refuse to be tamed. But if I just sit quietly without trying to do ANYTHING…not meditate, not “not think,” just let my mind go where it wants freely with no struggle, then I wind up on the other side feeling better.
I’ve actually passed on “fun” times recently so I could have quiet time with myself…and suffered no FOMO!
And the quiet is helping. But I still need more of it. I feel myself craving it more than anything. More than entertainment, more than company. More than Doritos.
If you’ve been feeling stressed…or exhausted…or overcommitted…you might try finding a little time to just be quiet and still. I know it can be hard if you have family, especially children…and maybe you need to hide out in the bathroom or car…but if you can’t do an hour (I realize in most people’s life that is a luxury), do half an hour. If you can’t do half an hour, do five minutes. If you’re someone who struggles to be alone and still (I see you, Mochi), go for a gentle walk in a park or on the beach, no headphones, just you and your mind.
What’s that saying about making time for meditation (and I equate stillness with meditation), something like, “if you can spend an hour meditating, do an hour…if you can only spend five minutes, really do an hour!” It’s something like that…that if you’re that hard-pressed to find five minutes of peace in your day, then you really need to be making time for it.
I do find great peace in nature. I miss the days of walking with Caleb in the woods. But I still find little spots that are lovely and peaceful, that are a little bit away from the rush of the rest of the world. I’ve shown Peconic River Herb Farm on the blog before. It’s truly one of my favorite places on the Island. I went with a friend on Memorial Day, we wandered around the retail section for a bit, adding plants to the wagon…then we made our way down to the pond, where she tried to get pictures of a bullfrog in the pond…and I found an adirondack chair in the shade with my name on it (FYI: ALL adirondack chairs in the shade have my name on them) for a little siesta.
I just got this top at an Anthropologie in-store sale last weekend and have already worn it twice, I adore it! It’s one of those clever mixed media tops that is pretty, chiffony fabric in the front with a stretchy knit in the back.
Hope you all find some stillness and peace this week.
What I Wore:
- Anthropologie boho mixed media top size 3x. Sorry to say it’s out of stock online, but I found a couple things with a similar vibe here and here.
- Gloria Vanderbilt tapered Amanda jeans in Scottsdale wash, size 22W short – GIFTED
- Aldo espadrilles, sold out. Comparable here and here.
- A New Day/Target sunglasses. Similar here and here.
- Beaded bracelets I made
Pictures of me by my bullfrog-photographing friend, Linda. Thanks, Linda!
This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may receive a small commission if you click on them and/or buy something as a result of clicking that link.
Donna
Gosh!! These are some truly beautiful pictures, Bettye!! You look relaxed and gorgeous – thank you for sharing these stunning images, I feel calmer already!!
Donna π§π»ββοΈβ€οΈπ
https://donnadoesdresses.com
bettyewp
Oh my gosh, I scheduled that post so long ago I forgot it was even coming up!
THE BRAIN IS A TERRIBLE THING TO WASTE
Find some calm today, Donna, for sure.
Ashley
The Anthro top is so cute! Down for the boho vibe.
Stillness is something I’m learning to love- I’m naturally a busy/get shit done person; just sitting down to relax is not my forte. But I’ve been trying for the past six-ish months or so to adopt a meditation practice. You’re right- it’s not always easy and sometimes your mind just WON’T cooperate, haha, but even a tiny bit of stillness is a good thing. π
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
bettyewp
I require SO much stillness and quiet. Amazingly, even after the past few months of quarantine and work from home, I Still Want More! Friends are just starting to meet up again on the weekends to just sit outside somewhere and when I get the invitation I’m like…DO I HAVE TO?? After 10 WEEKS OF BEING ALONE!!! Ha.
Your post today was excellent – guys, Ashley shared more Black Lives Matter resources on her page at lestylorouge.com if you’re looking for even more opportunities to learn and help. I’m so glad to see bloggers using their platforms for this important cause.
Karen
I soak this up!!!
xo karen
bettyewp
xoxo
jodie filogomo
I do think we forget about stillness. That’s when I tend to have ideas and great thoughts. Busyness is pushed (maybe self imposed) and doesn’t always do us justice. I’m terrible at it really. But this is a good reminder to try it more. We don’t have the tv on almost ever, but we were just talking how powerful music can be.
Love the top, and love the photos.
XOXO
Jodie
bettyewp
One big perk of corona/quarantine is the increased quiet time I’ve had. And I still want more!
Shelbee on the Edge
Wow, I love this post. I need much more stillness. Even during quarantine, I am not getting much of it. And my soul is craving it. Thanks for the reminder that I need it.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
bettyewp
Put it on a list. Put in a reminder on your phone. Write it in lipstick on your bathroom mirror. FIND YOUR STILLNESS. It’s so easy to forget and keep DOING.
Yesterday I passed on Sunday Funday with Friends (aka sitting in the parking lot at the marina cuz there’s nowhere else to go) because I knew I just needed some quiet me time. Even though 99% of my time is ME time, only a small bit of it is QUIET STILL time. I have to be really…oh crap i just lost the word…specific? INTENTIONAL. I have to be really intentional in saying, no computer, no phone, I’m moving OUT of the messy/work/productive part of the apartment into the peaceful part (living room or patio) or leaving the apartment altogether to go sit at a quiet beach, even if in my car. Sometimes I’ll set my phone timer for 15 minutes and just lay on my bed in the dark. No podcasts or music. Just dark silence. It’s wonderful.
You go find yours, Shelbee!
Iris
Love all your pictures. Quiet and peace are definitely needed commodities that we get too busy to enjoy. Good post BTW.
Grace & Peace,Iris
http://www.IrisOriginalsRamblings.com
bettyewp
I love my quiet time.