stillness

The Power of Stillness: Listening for the Soul’s Whispers

 in quote  tagged coach / coaches / coaching / Elsa Barker / quote / soul / stillness / wisdom
An image of still water. Light reflects upon the front of this image. The text reads. "Only in the stillness of detachment can the soul yield up her secrets." (Elsa Barker)

The quote of the day is:

“Only in the stillness of detachment can the soul yield up her secrets.” (Elsa Barker)

Have you ever noticed that the most profound moments of clarity often come when you stop striving for them? I think that is what Elsa Barker, an early 20th-century poet, is pointing towards with this quote.

Stillness. It’s one of those experiences that can feel impossible to describe. So much of what we attempt to capture about stillness, presence, or the soul often relies on language—yet language struggles to define what has no real form. Words simply don’t do justice to the experience.

When I reflect on Elsa Barker’s phrase, “the stillness of detachment,” I understand what she’s pointing toward, but something about the word detachment doesn’t quite fit for me. The feeling of that word doesn’t quite match that experience.

For me, detachment implies disconnection, a sense of being removed from what’s around me. But the stillness I experience feels anything but disconnected. It’s alive and aware, deeply present yet unbothered by my usual thinking, which quiets down almost effortlessly. It seems so vast and yet so intimate and personal at the same time.

It’s in this space—where the noise of thought fades—that the soul and its presence become easier to notice. There’s a sense of grounded calm, of being in the moment without striving to have to figure it all out. It can seem that from here special secrets are being revealed.

But perhaps detachment, in this sense, isn’t about isolation or disconnection. It feels different—it’s gentler, more like a release What if detachment, in this context, isn’t about disconnection at all? What if it’s about letting go—of control, of outcomes, of needing to know? When we let go, stillness has a way of rising naturally, and in that stillness, the soul whispers its truths.

There are times when it seems that you are being shared beautiful truths, something precious being surrendered, as if you are being trusted with something of immense value. Things so gorgeous that you well up with emotion. Then there are secrets that when whispered just seem so obvious that you adapt them into your life without giving it another thought – almost as if it always looked that way to you.

It seems to me that when we allow our thoughts to settle, we tap into a natural stillness. It’s not something we create—it’s always there, waiting for us. When the mind quiets, clarity and wisdom often follow effortlessly.

Elsa Barker’s words remind us that the soul’s truths are often revealed not through effort but in moments of stillness. Perhaps the invitation is not to chase these moments of stillness but to notice them when they arrive—trusting that the soul will reveal what you’re ready to hear. Where might stillness already be waiting for you today?

About Jen Waller

Jen Waller

Jen Waller is a transformative coach who helps people reconnect with their inner wisdom and get out of their own way to live the life they would love. With nearly 20 years of coaching experience, Jen works from an inside-out perspective, guiding clients to discover clarity, calm, and creative solutions. She brings a depth of understanding to her writing, offering insights that invite reflection and fresh perspectives. When she’s not coaching, Jen enjoys walking dogs for The Cinnamon Trust, indulging in her love of theatre, and exploring popular science fiction.

Ready to experience more stillness and clarity in your life? Connect with Jen for transformative conversations that help you uncover your true potential. Click here to connect.

Embracing Stillness: Unveiling Your Authentic Self by Letting Go of Busyness

 in quote  tagged action / busy / coach / coaches / coaching / Georges Bataille / quote / stillness
The image captures a breathtaking natural scene at sunrise. The foreground shows a lush, grassy cliff edge, which sharply descends into a vast expanse of clouds. These clouds blanket the landscape below like a soft, dense sea of cotton, stretching infinitely towards the horizon. The sky above is a gradient of deep purples at the top, blending into vibrant oranges and yellows near the horizon where the sun emerges. The scene is both majestic and serene, evoking a sense of calm and introspection. This visual is paired with a quote by Georges Bataille that reads: "If I give up the viewpoint of action, my perfect nakedness is revealed to me."

The quote of the day is:

“If I give up the viewpoint of action, my perfect nakedness is revealed to me.” (Georges Bataille)

Georges Bataille (1897–1962) was a French philosopher and writer who delved into themes of mysticism, eroticism, and the depths of human experience. His thought-provoking ideas often challenged conventional norms and invited readers to explore the hidden facets of their inner lives. For me this quote is pointing towards the stillness that is available underneath any busy thinking and need for action.

Always Looking Busy

In one of the very first jobs I had, we were taught to always look busy in case the owner of the business walked in. Even when there was no actual work to be done, the expectation was to appear engaged—always in motion. This wasn’t just about productivity; it was about the perception of hard work.

This mindset isn’t unique to that job. Many of us carry the sense that we should always be doing something, even when there’s no pressing task at hand. Society often equates constant action with value, leading us to fill our time with busyness. But is this relentless pursuit of busyness truly fulfilling, or is it preventing us from connecting with ourselves on a deeper level?

Letting Go of Busyness: Embracing Stillness for Self-Discovery

But what happens if we pause and let go of this constant need for action? If we allow ourselves a moment of stillness, what might we discover?

Two Paths of Discovery

  1. Confronting Discomfort: You might feel uneasy or anxious. The absence of activity can bring underlying fears or doubts to the surface. Thoughts like “Am I wasting time?” or “What if I’m not doing enough?” may arise, accompanied by a sense of restlessness. It may also seem unusual and unfamiliar if you are not used to an absence of busy thinking.
  2. Embracing Openness: Alternatively, you might experience a sense of peace and expansiveness. Without the constant buzz of activity, there’s room for self-awareness and clarity. This stillness can reveal your authentic self—the “perfect nakedness” Bataille refers to—a state of being where you’re connected with your true thoughts and feelings.

Unveiling Your Perfect Nakedness

Letting go of incessant action allows the layers of busyness—both societal and personal expectations—to fall away. While it may feel odd or vulnerable at first, this state allows you to encounter your genuine self without pretence or distraction. You may rediscover forgotten passions, recognize suppressed emotions, or gain clarity on what truly matters to you. This “perfect nakedness” is about emotional and psychological openness, allowing you to connect deeply with your authentic self.

Reflection

Consider taking a moment to step back from the whirlwind of daily tasks. What do you feel when you allow yourself just to be? Does it bring discomfort or relief? By noticing these feelings, you might uncover insights about yourself that constant action has kept hidden.

I’ve found that when I allow myself moments of stillness, I reconnect with parts of myself that get overshadowed by daily demands. It’s in these quiet times that I’ve gained clarity on what’s truly important to me, and had ideas and solutions apparently pop out of nowhere without me needing to try to do anything. It also just feels really lovely.

Embracing moments of stillness can be a transformative experience. While sometimes it may initially seem unfamiliar and odd, it also offers the opportunity for profound self-discovery and growth. I encourage you to take that first step toward unveiling your “perfect nakedness” and see what insights await.

About Jen Waller

Jen Waller

Jen Waller is a transformative coach dedicated to empowering individuals to get out of their own way and make a meaningful impact in the world. With an impactful, nurturing coaching style, Jen supports clients in unlocking their potential and achieving their goals. As an experienced coach and trainer, she guides clients from self-doubt to success.

Discover how Jen can support you to get out of your own way here.

Finding Stillness in a Busy World: A Journey Back to Self

 in quote  tagged coach / coaches / coaching / Lao Tzu / quote / stillness
The image captures a serene and breathtaking landscape at sunrise, featuring a tranquil river reflecting the vibrant colors of the sky and the lush greenery along its banks. The river is calm, mirroring the soft oranges and blues of the dawn sky, while the background is dominated by majestic karst mountains, their unique shapes silhouetted against the lightening horizon. The landscape is lush, with dense vegetation along the river's edge and floating vegetation in the water itself, adding to the scene's natural beauty. Above this peaceful scene, a quote by Lao Tzu is displayed: "Returning to the source is stillness, which is the way of nature. The way of nature is unchanging. Knowing constancy is insight."

The quote of the day is:

“Returning to the source is stillness, which is the way of nature. The way of nature is unchanging. Knowing constancy is insight.” (Lao Tzu)

In a world that often seems to spin faster each day, finding moments of stillness can feel like a luxury we can’t afford. Yet, ancient wisdom tells us that it is precisely this stillness that leads us back to our true selves. Lao Tzu, the revered Chinese philosopher and author of the Tao Te Ching, invites us to explore the profound connection between stillness, nature, and insight. In this blog post, we’ll delve into how embracing the unchanging aspects of nature can illuminate our path to self-understanding and peace.

As I write this, I recall times in my life when I felt so rushed and busy that the very idea of connecting with stillness seemed ludicrous. Perhaps you’ve felt something similar—a thought like, “It’s okay for them to say that,” followed by even more frustration about the lack of time to do everything, or a nagging sense that something was wrong with you. If that sounds familiar, know that you’re not alone, and there’s no need to pile on extra self-judgment or criticism.

But here’s the thing: you’re still reading this post, which tells me that a part of you recognizes the importance of stillness—even if it’s a deep longing to experience it. So, let’s explore what that stillness truly is. Have you ever noticed how peace can emerge in the brief moments between tasks? Or are you dismissing those moments as unimportant, or simply not noticing them at all when they happen?

I’ll attempt to describe that stillness, knowing that words often can’t fully capture the experience. My encouragement to you is to look beyond the words and see what resonates with you.

Descriptions like “returning to one’s true self” or “connecting with your fundamental nature” might sound grandiose. In my experience, there’s a profound beauty in this, but there’s also an ordinariness—it’s our natural state, even if we’ve forgotten it. Think about the serenity of a sleeping baby or the calm presence of a content animal. It’s that sense you get when basic needs are met, and there’s nothing pressing to do or be.

Stillness isn’t about emptying your mind or achieving some lofty spiritual goal. It’s about recognizing that beneath the constant stream of thoughts and the busyness of life, there’s a place of peace that’s always available, at any moment we can just drop back into that space. It’s not something you have to create; or even do. It’s something you return to – maybe you’ve noticed that feeling when you wake up, before any thinking kicks in about your busy day.

For me, one description I use is it’s like I’m sat in a park on a sunny day just lazily watching the comings and going around me. Imagine the warmth of the sun on your skin as you sit, observing the world without rush or obligation but without overthinking. If there’s something that becomes obvious I need to do, I naturally do it.

So, how can you begin to reconnect with this stillness? It might be as simple as pausing for a few moments during your day to take a deep breath and notice the world around you without judgment. Maybe it’s allowing yourself to sit quietly with a cup of tea, or taking a walk in nature and feeling the ground beneath your feet.

You may already know where and when you are in a habit of already reconnecting with that stillness. I’ll mention that there will be new things that just occur to you in that moment to do that you wouldn’t have thought of in advance. I think that just points to the fact that stillness is available in any moment, and it doesn’t have to be accessible by just a set route or set of activities.

Personally, I suggest that just noticing and listening makes this so much easier. Remember, there’s no time limit. If you start judging yourself for not achieving stillness quickly, gently let those thoughts pass and offer yourself kindness instead.

Conclusion:

Remember, stillness is not a luxury reserved for the few; it’s a natural part of who we are. By embracing it, even in small ways, we align ourselves with the unchanging way of nature and open the door to profound insight and peace. Embracing stillness, even briefly, can bring profound peace. Why not take a moment now to pause and notice what you notice about reconnecting with the stillness within you?

About Jen Waller

Jen Waller

Jen Waller is a transformative coach dedicated to empowering individuals to get out of their own way and make a meaningful impact in the world. With an impactful, nurturing coaching style, Jen supports clients in unlocking their potential and achieving their goals. As an experienced coach and trainer, she guides clients from self-doubt to success.

Discover how Jen can support you to get out of your own way here.