Chapter 1: The Stress of Change

Life often presents us with significant stressors—death, divorce, and relocation being among the most challenging. Recently, we experienced this firsthand when we sold our home and moved just a few miles away. The process stretched over many months, filled with countless showings and preparations.

Before each showing, we would gather our pets, tidy up, and stage our home, retreating to a nearby park to wait for an hour while potential buyers explored our space. This routine was not only taxing but also disrupted our daily lives.

Unfortunately, the timing of our sale was less than ideal. Economic downturns, rising interest rates, and falling property values deterred many interested buyers. Despite our beautiful home featuring a stunning swimming pool, a jacuzzi surrounded by palm trees, and a charming guest house, we faced challenges.

We worked with a professional real estate couple who taught us the importance of staging—removing clutter, ensuring everything was in working order, and presenting the home immaculately. The difference was stark when we viewed other properties, many of which were cluttered, poorly maintained, and had unpleasant odors. We had to pass on several homes with potential due to the overwhelming amount of disarray and necessary repairs.

Eventually, our home sold, allowing us to purchase a lovely new place in the same neighborhood. Our aim was to downsize, reduce maintenance costs, and save money for experiences like travel and dining. With two country clubs nearby featuring pools and spas, it seemed impractical to maintain our own.

“It’s easier to die than to move…at least for the Other Side you don’t need trunks.” — Wallace Stegner, Angle of Repose

Despite our ongoing decluttering efforts, we still filled my mother-in-law’s summer home garage with boxes, and we rented a storage unit for larger furniture. Currently, my wife, son, two dogs, and cat are temporarily staying at her two-bedroom summer home. While it’s comfortable, our lives feel disorganized as we navigate through suitcases and packed belongings.

“I hear there are people who actually enjoy moving. Sounds like a disease to me—they must be unstable. Though it does have its poetry, I’ll allow that. When an old dwelling starts looking desolate, a mixture of regret and anxiety comes over us and we feel like we are leaving a safe harbor for the rolling sea. As for the new place, it looks on us with alien eyes, it has nothing to say to us, it is cold.” — Jan Neruda, Prague Tales

Currently, renovations are underway at our new home, preventing us from moving in and leaving us in a state of limbo. Ultimately, moving is stressful even under the best conditions.

Chapter 2: Embracing Stillness

When I was a child, I often escaped to the woods behind our home in Los Gatos, California. Surrounded by oak trees and wildlife, I found a special tree that served as my retreat. Its branches formed a perfect chair where I could recline above the leaves, closing my eyes to feel the gentle sway in the breeze. Those moments were pure bliss.

I have always craved solitude and tranquility to calm my mind and restore my spirit. In hindsight, I realize that the essence of those peaceful retreats was stillness.

“Be still. Stillness reveals the secrets of eternity.” — Lao Tzu

Nature offers a profound path to finding stillness, but it can also be discovered in libraries, gardens, or any space that allows you to relax and reconnect with yourself. Prioritizing stillness in your life is essential.

What will happen to us if AI takes over everything we do?

Recently, I watched a YouTube discussion on artificial intelligence, which left me feeling disheartened. The experts discussed both the advantages and drawbacks of this technology, with the latter dominating the conversation. Dystopian warnings about rogue AI and the impact on creative professions filled the air.

The rapid technological changes are replacing so many analog experiences I once cherished. Reading a physical newspaper has given way to scrolling on my iPad, and letter writing has been replaced by emails. The world feels increasingly foreign, and I can't help but relate to the feelings of nostalgia that many experience.

I often think of my grandmother, who lived a simpler life devoid of modern distractions. She found joy in nature, baking, and the company of loved ones. I remember taking her to the park, where she would sit on a bench, humming old Irish songs and watching the world around her. It was this stillness that brought her peace.

In her last days, she would quietly flip through a photography book of Ireland, longing for the simple beauty of her past life. Surrounded by family, her final words were, “I’m grand,” just before she returned to eternal stillness.

Chapter 3: Cultivating Inner Peace

Our anxious minds often obstruct our ability to truly live. Concerns about finances, family, work, and health dominate our thoughts, compounded by the fast pace of modern life and global events. For those of us nearing the later stages of life, the rapid changes can feel overwhelming.

How can we find solace in this chaos?

The answer lies in seeking stillness. We must create habits that allow us to breathe, slow down, and reconnect with ourselves.

“When you enter a place of stillness, you awaken the divinity within you.” — Peggy Sealfon, Escape From Anxiety

Filmmakers Michael Raimondo and Justine Du Toit explore this theme in their inspiring short film, “Awaken,” featuring Antony Osler, an author and Zen practitioner.

Antony reflects on his childhood, expressing a need for solitude that resonates with my own experiences in the woods. He emphasizes the clarity and connection that comes from embracing stillness in our lives.

After watching the troubling AI discussion, I took a moment to step outside with my dogs. We found a sunlit spot in a nearby park, where the sounds of nature enveloped us. Lying back on the grass, I felt the same tranquility I had experienced in Scotland, surrounded by the gentle sounds of a creek.

How about you? When was the last time you embraced stillness and connected with your inner self?

Chapter 4: The Necessity of Stillness

Stillness is essential for everyone, not just creative individuals. It balances the noise and chaos of life, helping us recalibrate our sense of well-being. Engaging in silence, meditation, or quiet reflection can guide us back to our inner essence.

“Everything that’s created comes out of silence. Your thoughts emerge from the nothingness of silence. Your words come out of this void. Your very essence emerged from emptiness. All creativity requires some stillness.” — Wayne Dyer

Incorporating stillness into your daily routine is vital. Resist the distractions that disrupt your inner peace. By making time for stillness, you may calm your anxious mind and uncover the eternal secrets within.

I’m John P. Weiss. I write insightful stories and essays on life. If you enjoyed this piece, consider subscribing to my free weekend newsletter, The Saturday Letters.

In this video, the power of stillness is explored further, emphasizing its importance in our lives and how it can lead us to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the universe.