Stillness Doesn't Always Look Quiet

I drove in the dark to get there, just over an hour's drive before sunrise. The anticipation was building as I drove over the bridge knowing I was just about to arrive. I rolled my windows down, turned the radio up, and sang loudly the whole way over the bridge. I had a smile on my face as I glanced out at the water on either side. I felt such gratitude too, for where we get to live. For being able to experience mornings like this one. Even though they don't happen nearly enough. I pulled in first and there were a handful of cars in the parking lot. My friend showed up a few minutes later.

We spread a blanket out on the sand and alternated between moments of just taking it all in and chatting. A few people were scattered in the distance, walking along the shore or watching the water like we were. The light shifted as the sun rose, and we had a nibble to eat until a seagull swooped in. Its beak brushed the bag as we scrambled to grab our items back. Then we went back to watching, noticing, talking, and taking the moment in.

Eventually, we decided to go on a walk. The conversation continued the entire time, ranging from catching up with our lives to deeper, more spiritual topics.

On the way back, I was stunned. People had been there the whole time, in the corner of my vision, but none of it had actually registered. We'd been so deep in that bubble of conversation that the beach had filled in around us without either of us noticing just how much.

I went for a swim to cool off. Then we packed up, changed, and went out for a late breakfast, still talking. I didn't plan for that morning to become a stillness practice. It just was. No breathing technique, no intention setting beforehand. Just water, early light, and a friend on the same wavelength.

I used to think stillness had to look a certain way. Quiet, still, and deliberate. That morning taught me otherwise. Sometimes it's loud singing over a bridge or nonstop conversation on a long walk. Stillness is just being fully in whatever is happening, without performing for anyone, including yourself.