Stillness.

Within you there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself.
- Hermann Hesse

In stillness the world is restored.
- Lao Tzu

Your innermost sense of self, of who you are, is inseparable from stillness. This is the I Am that is deeper than name and form.
- Eckhart Tolle

Blessed are the single-hearted, for they shall enjoy much peace. If you refuse to be hurried and pressed, if you stay your soul on God, nothing can keep you from that clearness of spirit which is life and peace. In that stillness you will know what His will is.
- Amy Carmichael

Uncontrolled, the hunger and thirst after God may become an obstacle, cutting off the soul from what it desires. If a man would travel far along the mystic road, he must learn to desire God intensely but in stillness, passively and yet with all his heart and mind and strength.
- Aldous Huxley

One of my greatest joys comes during the times when I am able to be still. I enjoy this because it allows for conscious breathing to occur, thoughts can be organized, and blessings appreciated.

In my classroom I try teach my students to understand and apply the benefits of stillness. As we do this (yes, I do it with them; modeling being a great teacher) pencils and paper are stowed, lights are dimmed, sonatas are played, students find "their spot" in the room, and reflection begins. We use this as a prelude to journaling, as a method of preparing ourselves for hard work, or anytime we need to just to gather ourselves.

It works. But, as with any skill, the benefits of stillness are only achieved when practiced. At the beginning of each year I receive many raised eyebrows when I ask the students to, "Be still and think about what you're thinking about." This time of the year is when growth begins to manifest itself. Students' hands aren't raised immediately. There is contemplation of the questions asked and thoughtful responses are formulated. Journals are taken to recess. Quotes written on 3x5 cards are left on my desk. We are thinking. Even our most reluctant reflectors have suggested stillness when we begin brainstorming for writing pieces.

In our culture of pace, movement, and change, an appreciation for the wonder of simply being can be lost. Reflection can draw us back from the fray. Quiet contemplation of what's ahead and what has been completed can afford us a more fully realized effort.

Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action.
- Peter Drucker