The Art of Stillness
Pico Iyer
16 min
7 Key Points
4.6 RateWhat's inside?
Explore the power of stillness and solitude in this book, and learn how embracing quiet moments can lead to a more mindful and fulfilling life.
You'll learn
1. Why chilling out is good for you in this busy world2. Tips to find your zen3. Fitting chill time into your daily grind4. How being still boosts your creativity and work game5. What different cultures say about chilling out6. Using quiet time for personal growth and self-discoveryKey points
01Make time to chill out, no matter how busy you are. It's good for you
Pico Iyer's work is a gentle reminder of the power of stillness in our lives. It's not about physical inactivity, but rather a state of mental calm and peace. It's about hitting the pause button on our busy lives, taking a step back, and reflecting on our journey. In our modern, fast-paced world, we're always on the go, chasing deadlines, and trying to balance our work and personal lives. This non-stop hustle often leaves us feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Iyer suggests that the remedy to this is embracing stillness. But what is stillness, really? According to Iyer, it's not about doing nothing. It's about carving out time from our packed schedules to quiet our minds and reflect on our lives. It's about disconnecting from the outside world and reconnecting with our inner selves. It's about finding peace in the midst of chaos. Iyer brings up the example of Leonard Cohen, the renowned singer-songwriter, who spent five years in a Zen monastery in California's mountains. Cohen sought stillness to escape the pressures of fame and to find peace and clarity. His experience shows the transformative power of stillness. Iyer also shares his own journey with stillness. He talks about leaving his successful journalism career to live in rural Japan, where he could experience stillness and tranquility. He discovered that this practice of stillness made him more creative and productive. Iyer also offers practical advice on how to embrace stillness. He suggests dedicating a specific time each day for stillness, whether it's early in the morning or late at night. He also recommends finding a quiet place where you can be alone with your thoughts. In essence, Iyer's work is a call to action to incorporate stillness into our lives. It's about recognizing the value of slowing down, reflecting on our journey, and finding peace in the midst of chaos. It's a reminder that in our pursuit of success and achievement, we shouldn't overlook the importance of stillness and tranquility.
02You don't always have to be on the go to have a good life. Sometimes, doing nothing is the best thing you can do
In Pico Iyer's exploration of the concept of stillness, he presents a seemingly paradoxical idea: to truly prosper, we need to stop moving. Now, he's not talking about physical movement or progress, but rather a mental state of calm and tranquility. Think about it. Our lives are a whirlwind of tasks, responsibilities, and distractions. We're always on the go, always striving for more, always seeking new experiences. But this constant hustle can lead to stress, burnout, and a sense of dissatisfaction. We're so caught up in the chase for the next big thing that we often overlook the beauty of the present moment. Iyer suggests that the secret to a richer life lies in stillness, in the art of going nowhere. This means carving out moments in our hectic schedules to simply be still, to quiet our minds, and to focus on the here and now. This could be through meditation, spending time in nature, or just sitting quietly in a room. This stillness allows us to reconnect with ourselves, to delve deeper into our thoughts and feelings, and to cultivate a sense of inner peace and contentment. Take Iyer's own experience, for example. He spent time in a monastery in Kyoto, Japan, cut off from the internet and all forms of modern technology. Yet, he found this experience incredibly enriching. The stillness and tranquility allowed him to reflect on his life, gain new insights, and return to his daily life with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity. This idea of stillness isn't new. It's been championed by philosophers, poets, and spiritual leaders throughout history. Take the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates, for instance. He believed in the importance of self-reflection and introspection, famously saying, "The unexamined life is not worth living." Similarly, Buddhism emphasizes meditation and mindfulness as a path to inner peace and enlightenment. So, going nowhere isn't about physical inactivity or lack of ambition. It's about taking time to be still, to reflect, and to reconnect with ourselves. By doing so, we can lead a richer life, not in terms of material wealth, but in terms of inner peace, contentment, and personal growth.
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03Being alone and quiet might feel lonely, but it can also be a good thing
04Don't let your gadgets control you. Too much tech can make you unproductive
05Make time for some quiet reflection. It can help you understand life better
06Take a break when you can. You might not get another chance
07Conclusion
About Pico Iyer
Pico Iyer is a British-born essayist and novelist of Indian descent. Known for his travel writing, he explores cross-cultural intersections and the concept of global identity. Iyer has written for Time, The New York Times, and other publications, and is the author of several books, including "The Art of Stillness."
