What does stillness look like?

Here we are, striving to find more peace in our every day lives,  but how do we know when we're there? How do we know when we are in the zone? Sure, sometimes the universe just clicks and everything runs impossibly smoothly. You are walking on sunshine, with time for all, and a smile on your face, and a spring in your step... and your friends are asking what drug you're on and could you please share because feeling at one with the universe is clearly unusual. Abnormal. Inhuman. 

But mostly life isn't like that. Mostly it's boring and repetitive and anxious with little spikes of glee just to reassure you you're not dead. So how will we know when we are at peace? What does it feel like? What does it look like? Is life just slightly less boring? 

cristinacosta

There has to be a middle ground between shiny manic happiness, and humdrum normality. I don't know about you, but I doubt I'll ever manage a buddha-like zen state. But it would be nice to feel like I'm making progress.

And so, I look to others I admire who appear calm and still. I look at the qualities I would like to emulate:

A ready smile. It's not there all the time like a rigid rictus,  but it's quick to flash to life.

Time to listen to others. Even just to greet someone with genuine attentiveness is enough. That says to me that they're not so caught up in their own life that they're too busy for others. It demonstrates respect and shines with compassion. We are not alone on the big blue ball of Earth.

Posture! Such a simple, easy thing. Good comfortable posture is a sign of someone who is handling their stresses well and is taking care of their body. 

When I find myself noticing these qualities in myself,  I know I'm on the way to inner stillness.

However! Much as our body affects our mind (try doing something mentally complicated while you're tired and you'll see what I mean),  our mind affects our body. If I want to gain inner stillness, I can encourage my body by smiling,  active listening and monitoring my posture. As without,  so within. If my body is calm,  my mind will follow. If my mind is still,  my body will follow.