What does it take to be still? Why you should, as a leader strive for stillness

What it takes to be still

This past week has been full of reflection, fueled by two significant moments: time spent with my men's group and a quiet Sunday morning in church. Both experiences triggered some deep reflection about navigating the constant motion of life, facing challenges, and seeking peace amidst it all.

In my men's group, we discussed how we handle the unrelenting pace of the world. We spoke of work, family, and the pressures that constantly bear on us. One particular point we discussed was how the Bible reminds us that life is full of struggle and that growth often requires walking through painful moments. It's a journey that's not just about getting through the day but learning and growing?in the process. These struggles are not unique but part of the shared human experience.

Later that week, as I sat in church, I was struck by the concept of stillness—something so elusive in the chaotic world we live in. It's no secret that we're always on the move, striving, pushing, and often feeling overwhelmed by the pressures we face. But what does it take to be still? How do we find calm? And more importantly, how can leaders create this stillness within themselves and bring it into their organizations?

I found myself thinking about Jesus as a leader. Jesus understood pain and struggle intimately. He didn't shy away from the difficult moments; instead, He embraced them, knowing they were a necessary part of the journey.?Right up?until the very end, He faced tremendous pain, yet found stillness, and was delivered away from the pain—not by avoiding it but by going through it with purpose.

So, how does this apply to leaders? Leadership, much like life, isn't about avoiding the?difficult?parts. It's about navigating them with grace, courage, and faith.?True?leadership requires us to be still in the face of chaos, to find that inner calm that allows us to make decisions with clarity, and to create an environment where others can also find that stillness.

Why should we try to be still?

Stillness allows us to recalibrate. It gives us the space to reflect on our values, our direction, and the actions we need to take to grow. It also allows us to connect with a higher purpose and recognize that, like Jesus, we are on a journey that includes struggle but leads to peace. The challenge for leaders is to cultivate this stillness—not only within themselves but also in their teams and organizations.

But the question remains: why should you, as a leader, strive for stillness?

1. Stillness brings clarity: Among the constant noise, stillness allows us to see clearly. It helps us cut through the distractions and focus on what truly matters. Leaders who cultivate stillness are better equipped to make thoughtful decisions rather than reactive ones.
2. Stillness eases fear: Fear often arises when we're overwhelmed by the unknown. Stillness, on the other hand, provides a moment of predictability, where we can breathe and assess the situation with a calm mind. In that space, we can differentiate between real dangers and those anxieties we've created?in our minds.
3. Stillness fosters resilience: Just as Jesus demonstrated resilience through His struggles, stillness helps leaders build the mental and emotional resilience needed to lead effectively. When we take the time to be still, we restore our energy and can face challenges with renewed strength,
4. Stillness enhances connection: As leaders, our ability to connect with others is very important. Stillness allows us to be present—to truly listen to others, to understand their needs, and to create deeper relationships. When we are still, we show up as our best selves, encouraging others to do the same.
5. Stillness aligns us with our moral compass: Finally, stillness allows us to realign ourselves with our values and moral compass.?In the hustle of daily life, it's easy to lose sight of?what's?important. But in stillness, we can reflect on whether we are living and leading in alignment with our principles.

Questions to consider

As you reflect on the idea of stillness in your own life and leadership, I encourage you to consider these questions:

1. What brings you calm? Think about the people, activities, or places that bring you peace. How can you incorporate more of that into your daily routine?
2. What drives your anxiety? Identifying the sources of your stress is the first step?to managing it. Are your anxieties based on real challenges, or are they self-created? For my god fairing readers there is similar teachings here - 5-Week Reset with Jesus | Jai's Butter.?
3. What is your moral and professional compass? Take a moment to reflect on your core values. Are you leading in a way that aligns with those values?
4. What eases your fear and establishes predictability? Consider the habits and routines that bring structure to your life. How can you use these to ground yourself and those around you?
5. Is your anxiety real or falsely created? Finally, challenge your fears. Sometimes, our anxieties are based on imagined outcomes rather than reality. Distinguishing between the two can help reduce unnecessary stress.

Stillness is not a luxury but necessary for effective leadership and personal well-being. In these moments of calm, we find clarity, build resilience, and connect more deeply with ourselves and others. Leaders who cultivate stillness are better equipped to navigate life's challenges and lead purposefully. So, take a breath. Be still. And watch as the world around you changes, starting from within.