Finding Stillness -My Story

In the whirlwind of being a teacher, taking a breather seemed like an impossible feat. My days were jam-packed with endless tasks, responsibilities, and commitments, leaving zero space for a moment of calm. Books to mark, emails to reply to, lessons to plan, resources to make.

But then came a turning point – a period of dealing with chronic stress that completely shifted my perspective.

Amidst this chaos, something changed within me. The constant rush of urgency started to fade, and I began to grasp the importance of having moments of peace and renewal in my life. There was always going to be something to do, however, I needed to slow down now, not once everything was done.

This realisation was transformative, but let's be real, it wasn't a walk in the park. Embracing stillness required a conscious effort to change how I viewed things. I had to be OK with leaving emails unanswered too (they weren't all urgent), know when enough was really enough and walk away from things not being 'perfect' so I could find moments of stillness. At first, it was challenging, uncomfortable even.?

What hit me hard was that these moments of quiet weren't just idle breaks – they were chances to step back from the daily grind and connect with my own thoughts and emotions.

Taking a breather, both physically and mentally, helped me see how crucial it was to recharge. Rest wasn't just a bonus; it was a necessity. During those pauses, I found that I could actually refuel my creativity, take better care of myself, and gain the mental clarity needed to keep pushing forward.

There were times when I felt unsure about slowing down when I was so busy; progress seemed like a faraway destination. That's when embracing stillness truly mattered. Instead of getting caught up in the constant rush of things, I learned to hit pause, reflect, and adjust my approach.

I took moments to stand in the sun and feel the warmth on my face, I would pause and take a few breaths when I felt myself rushing from one thing to another, and I made time to have lunch each day - small, simple moments stared to bring stillness and the benefits with it..

Embracing stillness became my way of finding balance amidst the daily hustle. It's a reminder that even a brief moment of pause can lead to some powerful insights. Through all this, I've realised that stillness isn't just doing nothing – it's a strategic move that helps us grow and come back stronger.

So, here's a thought: Have you taken a moment lately to find some stillness in your own busy journey?

Here are some reflection questions you can ask to help with embracing stillness:

1. What does the concept of "stillness" mean to you in the context of a busy life?
2. Can you recall a time when you recognised the need for a break from your daily tasks and responsibilities? How did you respond to that realisation?
3. How do you typically react to stress or periods of intense busyness? Do you tend to push through or take a moment to step back?
4. What challenges do you face when attempting to incorporate moments of stillness into your routine? Are there any specific barriers that prevent you from doing so?
5. What are the benefits that can come from intentionally creating spaces of calm and reflection amidst a hectic schedule?
6. What are some activities or practices that help you feel more grounded and present during moments of stillness?
7. How might embracing stillness positively influence your overall wellbeing and sense of fulfilment?

Feel free to use these questions to facilitate meaningful discussions or personal reflections on the importance of embracing stillness and finding balance in life.

2024 is not too far away. I am now taking bookings to discuss how I can support you, your staff, and school on their wellbeing journey. Book a time to chat about how we can work together to co-design and build wellbeing in your school. Some options include PD sessions/days, staff wellbeing assessments and data, creating wellbeing action plans and working with wellbeing committees.?

(I still have some space for the end of 2023, however, this is limited)

Amy Green

The Wellness Startegy