As we draw towards the end of 2020, this year for many has been one of change and learning to be adaptable.

On a global scale, we have seen the effects of the pandemic which has had not only economic impacts on a micro and macro level but also mental and emotional impacts as people have had to learn to adapt to changes within their lives such as loss of income, jobs and business closure due to lockdown, for some not being able to see family and friends, home schooling, learning how to deal and operate in a world where we have had social distancing, fear of catching the virus (particularly for those who already have compromised health) to name a few.

The world is no longer the same place as what it was a year ago and as a society we had to make many adjustments that we may not have imagined that we would have. Reflecting upon the changes that have taken place in 2020, has led us to ponder on a concept that is presented in the yoga teachings (from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras) and that is that change is part of life, that it is inevitable, and learning to accept and handle change is part of the practice of yoga and integral to our health and wellbeing.

During this year, we have focussed on developing deeper stillness. This has hugely supported us to adapt and navigate change with steadiness and an embracing.

Stillness is not about doing nothing, being physically still, or being inactive or idle. Stillness is a quality that we innately have, that resides deeply within us all, that is at our core, is at our essence.

When there is the connection of the body and being together, stillness is the quality that is felt and then we move in this quality. The more we connect and hold this quality, then we feel a deep settlement within the body that is free of needing to be stimulated of anxiousness or of stress. There comes a feeling of deep connection, clarity, of oneness, of harmony.

Holding the quality of stillness is very supportive when it comes to things in life that challenge us.

If we already hold a marker in our body where we know what stillness feels like, then when times get tough, when there is change that we are challenged by, we are much better equipped to handle those times. Developing stillness, putting it into your foundation (i.e make it your ‘normal’) supports you when the ‘going gets tough’. And when times are so-called ‘good’, then you have the opportunity to enjoy, deepen into this quality and enjoy all of the benefits that come from it.

Particularly at this time of year, as our borders open as do our homes with the ease of restrictions, life can get busier with social engagements, school finishing, holidays etc. Remember to give yourself the gift of stillness by making how you live your life about the quality, the connection and the spunk that you live it by.

Embracing stillness will not only benefit you, but your loved ones will feel more settled around you and thereby it is a gift that is offered to them too.

To support in developing stillness, try practising The Gentle Breath Meditationor one of our Body Awareness Meditations.