The Art of Just Being: A Guide to Finding Stillness and Presence

Introduction

Welcome to The Junction, a space dedicated to leaving you inspired and empowered to make a difference in your life and those around you. This past Sunday, we delved into the concept of “Just Be”—an exploration of what it means to allow ourselves and others to exist without the pressure to change or meet expectations. This guide is designed to help you access the state of “Just Be” based on our insightful discussion.

The Importance of Just Being

In our fast-paced world, we are often caught up in doing—completing tasks, meeting goals, and striving for more. However, there is immense value in simply being. By pausing and allowing ourselves to just be, we can find peace, clarity, and a deeper connection to our true selves.

Guided Meditation: Finding Stillness

Start by grounding yourself with a simple meditation:

  1. Get Comfortable: Sit in a comfortable position and close your eyes.
  2. Tune into Your Breath: Notice your breath, taking deep breaths in and out.
  3. Focus on the Rhythm: Pay attention to the natural rhythm of your breathing. Inhale, pause, exhale, pause.
  4. Embrace the Pauses: In these pauses, find stillness. Allow yourself to just be, without rushing or thinking about the next moment.
  5. Release Tension: As you exhale, let go of any tension. Inhale energy and positivity.
  6. Stay Present: Keep your focus on the breath and the sensations in your body, enjoying the tranquility of simply being.

Reflections on Just Being

Our discussion highlighted several key insights into the art of just being:

1. Recognizing Your Essence

Understanding the essence of being involves connecting with your true self beyond societal roles and expectations. This essence is about who you are at your core, unburdened by the need to constantly do or achieve.

Exercise:

  • Reflect on moments when you felt most at peace. What were you doing (or not doing) at that time? How did it feel to be in that state?

2. Giving Yourself Permission

Allowing yourself to just be requires giving yourself permission to rest and slow down. This is especially important in a culture that often values productivity over well-being.

Exercise:

  • Take a moment to consciously grant yourself permission to rest. Write a permission slip to yourself, affirming that it’s okay to pause and just be.

3. Embracing Stillness

Finding stillness can be challenging, especially if you’re used to a busy lifestyle. However, stillness is where we can truly connect with our inner selves and find peace.

Exercise:

  • Set aside time each day to sit in stillness. Start with just five minutes, gradually increasing as you become more comfortable with the practice.

Practical Ways to Just Be

Here are some practical ways to incorporate the art of just being into your daily life:

1. Mindful Mornings

Start your day with mindfulness. As soon as you wake up, take a few moments to breathe deeply and set an intention for the day.

Exercise:

  • List three words that describe how you want to be today (e.g., calm, grateful, joyful). Repeat these words to yourself as you begin your day.

2. Nature Connection

Spending time in nature can help you connect with the present moment and just be. Whether it’s a walk in the park or sitting in your garden, nature has a calming effect on the mind and body.

Exercise:

  • Go for a walk and focus on the sights, sounds, and smells around you. Let go of any thoughts about the past or future, and immerse yourself in the present moment.

3. Gratitude Practice

Gratitude can shift your focus from doing to being. By appreciating what you have, you can cultivate a sense of contentment and presence.

Exercise:

  • Each evening, write down three things you are grateful for. Reflect on how these things make you feel and savor the positive emotions they bring.

4. Body Awareness

Tune into your body and its needs. Practicing body awareness can help you stay grounded and present.

Exercise:

  • Throughout the day, take a few moments to check in with your body. Notice any areas of tension and consciously relax them. Pay attention to how your body feels and what it needs.

Overcoming Resistance

It’s natural to encounter resistance when trying to just be. Here are some tips to help you overcome it:

  1. Acknowledge Resistance: Recognize that resistance is a normal part of the process. It’s okay to feel uncomfortable or restless at first.
  2. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Understand that learning to just be is a journey, and it’s okay to take it one step at a time.
  3. Create a Supportive Environment: Surround yourself with people who support your desire to just be. Share your journey with them and encourage each other.

Conclusion

The art of just being is about embracing the present moment, finding stillness, and allowing yourself to exist without the pressure to constantly do or achieve. By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you can cultivate a deeper sense of peace, clarity, and connection to your true self.

Invitation to Join Us

We invite you to join us next Sunday at The Junction as we continue to explore meaningful topics that inspire and empower us. Let’s gather to share, learn, and grow together in this supportive community.

When: Next Sunday
Time: 10 AM MST
Where: Zoom

Thank you for being a part of The Junction. Let’s embrace the art of just being and see what unfolds in our lives. Have a wonderful week!