Stillness

oil on canvas, 2023

Stillness. For some, stillness can be one of the hardest things to set aside time for because it involves stepping off the path for a moment. The path that is easy to get sucked into, constantly moving along, waiting until exhaustion overcomes us and forces us to take a breath. This path carries us through our lives and leads us to beautiful experiences, but how much are we missing when our heads are always turned to the future? How often do we take a moment to slow down, allowing space for reflection and finding peace in the past, acknowledging how much we have grown? What would happen if we took a moment to step off the path, be still, and surrender to the present moment?

For some, it can be hard to imagine this type of stillness, with thoughts constantly swirling, making the quiet waters seem like giant waves crashing towards the shore. It could feel like it's only a matter of time until the tides rise and the water washes away the ground beneath your feet. But what if, for a moment, you focus on the now? The ground is still solid beneath you, with luscious grass swaying against your skin, reminding you to remain rooted in this moment. This moment, where truth and hope are seen in how the sky reflects off the water like a mirror, reminding you that the sun rises again even after the darkest nights. Then, just maybe, you start to notice the flowers blooming amidst the grasses, showing you that it is possible to flourish despite the storms that come. You realize that the rain allows your roots to grow deeper and stronger, with each storm only proving to be a reminder that each season you walk through serves a purpose beyond what you could control.

Breathe in the peace of this moment and carry it forward as you gently stand up, dust yourself off, and start on the path again.