Finding stillness in a fast – paced world!
In today’s fast-paced world, it often feels like we’re living life in the fast lane, perpetually racing from one task to the next. The relentless pace can be exhilarating, but it also leaves us yearning for moments of stillness and peace. Yet, paradoxically, many of us have adapted to this frenetic lifestyle by numbing the sensations that come with it. We crave noise and surround ourselves with drama, perhaps as a way to avoid confronting the deeper, quieter parts of ourselves.
The numbing effect of modern life
Our adaptation to this high-speed existence often involves a sort of emotional and sensory numbing. We are bombarded with constant stimuli—social media updates, news alerts, work notifications—that we hardly have time to process any of it. To cope, we desensitise ourselves, letting the cacophony wash over us without truly engaging. This can lead to a dulling of our senses, making it harder to appreciate the simple, quiet moments that life offers.
The craving for noise and drama
Interestingly, while we are overwhelmed by noise, we also seem to crave it. We fill our schedules to the brim, seek out drama in our relationships, and consume media that is fast-paced and sensational. This craving can be seen as a distraction from deeper issues, a way to avoid the stillness that might force us to confront uncomfortable truths about ourselves or our lives.
Authors and thinkers have long explored this phenomenon. Blaise Pascal, the 17th-century philosopher, famously said, “All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.” Pascal’s insight highlights our discomfort with stillness and our tendency to seek distraction. More recently, the psychologist and author Brené Brown has discussed how we use busyness as a shield against vulnerability and discomfort. She writes, “We are a culture of people who’ve bought into the idea that if we stay busy enough, the truth of our lives won’t catch up with us.”
Finding stillness
So how do we find stillness amidst the chaos? It starts with recognizing our patterns of avoidance and making a conscious effort to embrace quiet moments. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, can help us tune into the present moment and reconnect with our senses. These practices teach us to observe our thoughts and feelings without judgement, allowing us to experience stillness even when the world around us is anything but still.
Another approach is to create intentional spaces of calm in our daily lives. This might mean setting aside time each day for a walk in nature, reading a book, or simply sitting quietly with a cup of tea. The key is to allow ourselves to be present in these moments, resisting the urge to fill them with noise and activity.
Embracing a balanced life
Living in a fast-paced world doesn’t mean we have to abandon all sense of stillness. By recognizing our tendencies to numb and distract ourselves, we can start to make choices that foster a greater sense of balance. This might involve setting boundaries with technology, prioritising self-care, and cultivating practices that bring us back to the present moment.
As we navigate the chaos of modern life, it’s essential to remember the value of stillness. It’s in these quiet moments that we can reconnect with ourselves, gain clarity, and find the peace that so often eludes us in the hustle and bustle of daily life. By embracing stillness, we can learn to live more fully and authentically, finding harmony amidst the noise.
