calm | INSTAGRAM | SEP 04

😌 “Sitting in stillness helped me feel connected to something bigger than my own daily drama, and it gradually instilled in me a quiet confidence in my own voice and perspective.” — Mallika Chopra⁠ ⁠ Stillness is available to all of us at any time, with practice. It is a state of being still, of being quiet, calm, inactive, relaxed. It is the absence of disturbance that brings inner peace and tranquility, whatever is happening on the outside.⁠ ⁠ Inspiration for practicing stillness⁠ ⁠ 💧 Repeat a calming phrase. “I am calm” or “I am still” or “I am here now.”⁠ ⁠ 🎧 Listen with soft attention to relaxing music or sounds. (The Calm app includes Nature Melodies that combine instrumentation with soothing songs of nature ― birdsong, ocean waves, evening crickets, falling water.)⁠ ⁠ ⏸ As often as you remember, pause, and notice your breathing for a few minutes. Don’t force or control the rhythm, just give attention to your in breath and out breath.⁠ ⁠ 🏡 Create an intentional space in your home where you practice quiet. It might be as simple as a pillow on the floor or a scarf you put over your shoulders.⁠ ⁠ 😌 Enjoy the Returning to Now guided meditations in the Calm app.⁠ ⁠ ⏱ Set a timer for two, five or ten minutes and practice being still with your body. Notice what comes up for you. ⁠ ⁠ Self-reflection⁠ What am I busy with today? Will this matter one year from now? Five years? Fifteen?⁠ ⁠ Go to the link in our bio to check out the entire Calm Intentions Collection.⁠