The Power of Stillness

In our fast-paced world, we often find ourselves caught in a whirlwind of activity, constantly reacting to circumstances and trying to control outcomes. But what if the key to finding true clarity, understanding, and peace lies not in frantic doing but in our willingness to be still?

The concept of stillness as a pathway to clarity is not new, but we often struggle to embrace it and practice it. Our culture conditioned us to believe we are failing if we’re not actively working towards our goals. However, this perspective can actually cloud our judgment and prevent us from seeing the bigger picture.

The Illusion of Reality

Understanding Our Perceived World

Consider that what we perceive as reality is often just a projection based on past experiences. Neurobiologically, our brains piece together our reality by filtering information through the lens of past experiences and learned patterns. This process involves the brain’s default mode network (DMN), which is active when we are not focused on the outside world and are engaged in self-referential thoughts. The DMN helps create our sense of self and personal narrative by integrating memories and experiences.

The Role of the Amygdala and Hippocampus

We react to situations based on what we’ve experienced and learned before rather than truly creating new, conscious responses. This reactive pattern is deeply rooted in the brain’s limbic system, particularly the amygdala, which processes emotions and is crucial in the formation of fear responses. When faced with new stimuli, the amygdala triggers a response based on similar past experiences stored in the hippocampus. This process is designed for quick decision-making in potentially dangerous situations.

The Cycle of Fear and Anxiety

However, this system can also keep us trapped in cycles of fear and anxiety, especially when we face uncertainty of any kind. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for higher-order thinking and decision-making, can become less effective when the amygdala is overactive, leading to a predominance of reactive over proactive responses. This looks like being in a constant heightened state of anxiety and on a rollercoaster of negative thought patterns.

Mindfulness and Neurobiological Change

Understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of our perceived reality reveals the importance of mindfulness and conscious effort in creating new responses. By engaging in practices that calm the amygdala and strengthen the prefrontal cortex, such as meditation and stillness, we can begin to reshape our perceptions and responses. This helps us break free from the illusion of reality built by our past experiences.

Breaking Free Through Surrender

We can break free from this cycle and it’s possible through surrender. What if, instead of constantly trying to figure everything out on our own, we could surrender to something higher and trustworthy—higher wisdom, if you will. This is where faith comes in—not as a passive acceptance of circumstances but as an active choice to trust in something greater than ourselves.

Surrender as a Neurobiological Process

Surrender doesn’t come easy. Neurobiologically, it involves quieting the overactive amygdala and strengthening the connectivity in the prefrontal cortex, which can be achieved through mindfulness and meditative practices. Letting go of our perceived control, self-identity, and even our understanding of what constitutes a real change in our lives is necessary for finding clarity. It requires being willing to bring our old ways of thinking and being ‘to death’—the death of our reality and identity—so that something truly new can emerge.

This process of surrender can activate the brain’s default mode network (DMN) in a different, more constructive manner. By consciously choosing to trust, open our hands, and let go, we can rewire our neural pathways, fostering greater resilience and openness to new experiences. This is what The Divine Remembering is all about: embracing a deeper connection to a higher wisdom that guides us toward genuine growth and change.

Embracing Holy Ignorance

Interestingly, this process often involves embracing a kind of “holy ignorance.” Neurobiologically, this means quieting the brain’s constant need for certainty and prediction, functions typically managed by the prefrontal cortex. Just as a child approaches life with wonder rather than preconceived notions, we are invited to let go of our need to know and control everything. This doesn’t mean ignoring reality but rather opening ourselves to a reality beyond what we can see or understand with our limited perspective. Engaging the brain in this manner allows for greater neuroplasticity, fostering a mindset open to new ideas and experiences. More insights on this in the blog post, How Identity Forms the Malleable Self.

Aligning with the Greater Flow of Life

The journey of faith and surrender is not about reaching a specific outcome, which we tend to attach to. It’s about aligning ourselves with a greater flow of life, trusting that we are part of a larger story unfolding in ways we can’t always comprehend. This perspective shift engages the brain’s default mode network (DMN) in a positive way, helping us see our lives as interconnected and meaningful. This unseen “kingdom,” as some traditions call it, is coming and already here—we just need the eyes to see it. By aligning with this greater flow, we tap into a sense of purpose and belonging, which can profoundly impact our mental and emotional well-being.

Finding Clarity

As we learn to surrender and be still, we find clarity emerges naturally. We discover that what we thought was so important was actually quite insignificant, and what we overlooked was essential. This is the paradox of faith – that in letting go, we find what we were seeking all along.

The Invitation to Stillness

So the next moment you start to feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges, consider your power to be still. Instead of immediately reacting or trying to control the situation and force a solution, take a moment to surrender your fears and plans to a higher wisdom. You might find that in the quiet, you hear the guidance you’ve been seeking all along.

The True Nature of Transformation

Remember, true transformation often looks different from what we expect. It’s not always about quick external changes. Instead, it’s about profound internal shifts in perspective that allow us to find clarity and engage with life in a new and better way. This is the most significant change of all.

Practical Steps to Embracing Stillness and Finding Clarity:

1. Schedule Regular Quiet Time: Set aside specific times each day for quiet reflection or meditation. Even five minutes in the morning can help you center yourself and receive.
2. Practice Mindful Breathing: When you notice yourself reacting out of habit, pause and take a few deep, slow breaths. This will help you break the cycle of automatic responses and bring you back to the present moment.
3. Engage in a Beginner’s Mindset: Try engaging in a new activity with curiosity instead of expectation and without the pressure to perform. This can help you embrace “holy ignorance.”
4. Surrender to a Higher Wisdom: When feeling overwhelmed, take a moment to surrender your fears and plans to your higher power. Offer your trust by acknowledging that you are part of a larger story unfolding in ways you can’t always comprehend.

About the Author: Hart Steen

Resources:

Here are some valuable resources to deepen your understanding and engagement with the concepts discussed in this blog. Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Books

1. Stillness is the Key by Ryan Holiday
2. The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle
3. Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life by Jon Kabat-Zinn

Meditation Apps

1. Headspace: Offers guided meditations and mindfulness exercises.
2. Calm: Provides meditation sessions, breathing exercises, and sleep stories.
3. Insight Timer: Features a large library of free meditations and mindfulness practices.

We encourage you to leave comments, ask questions, or share your own experiences on this topic. Your insights can help others on their journey.