Stillness

Stillness refers to a condition of little or no motion of the body, a quiet environment, and a calm, undistracted state of mind. It can be physical, sensory, or mental, and may involve pauses, silence, or sustained attention without active distraction.

Etymology traces the term to Old English stilnes, with stil meaning calm or quiet, and related to still. In many languages, stillness is linked to both external quiet and inner composure, a dual sense that appears across religious, philosophical, and secular contexts.

In philosophy and religion, stillness is often associated with clarity, wisdom, or surrender. Buddhist traditions view mental stillness as a basis for insight; Daoist and Confucian streams emphasize harmony and measured action; Christian contemplative practices seek an inner quiet that opens attention to the divine. In secular psychology, stillness is studied as mindful awareness or flow of attention, sometimes described as nonjudgmental attention to the present moment.

Practices aimed at cultivating stillness include meditation, breath awareness, body scans, and slow, deliberate movements such as yoga or tai chi. Stillness can also arise in daily life through intentional pauses, sensory withdrawal, or immersion in nature, as well as in the arts, where pauses, silence, or minimalism convey a sense of calm.

Benefits frequently associated with stillness include reduced physiological arousal, improved concentration, better emotional regulation, and creative or reflective insight. It is not universally appropriate or sufficient in every situation, and discernment about when to cultivate stillness versus action is often emphasized.