Stillness - a gift rarely attained

We have really put ourselves in a pickle in modern culture. I would argue that the need for perpetual movement (in order to simply survive) is a disease we suffer from most gravely in the US, ironically one of the most "blessed" societies in the world. Or is it?

On the one hand we have brilliantly figured out how to harness massive strength from our workforce and ingenuity in the US but at what cost? Thanks to women's lib and the cost of housing, we are all out there working, marketing, plotting how to make our money. We are lucky to have the opportunity, but do we contemplate what opportunities we have foregone. We eat on the run and haven't a moment to contemplate who we really are and what makes us happy; let alone actually concentrating on attaining inner-peace and dare I say joy.

In stillness we have the ability to look out and see what is around us. When we actually stop moving, creating, thinking we have the chance to evaluate whether our activity is out of desire or need. I am willing to bet, if given the opportunity to stop, would find that the path they are on are not going the direction that's best for them. We are only given one life and we should aim to thrive, not just survive. Is it possible to stop and make that happen? After all we have mortgages and student loans and children and a commute and promotions and retirement and all these things that we MUST put our efforts towards? OR, DO WE HAVE THE POWER TO REFUSE TO LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO THESE RULES? I think yes.

Now, that I have changed my course the test will be whether I can achieve this elusive inner-peace and joy that we all desire. After finding stillness, I can now see what makes me happy and what drained the life-force. I also have the advantage of a healthy body. How many of us go without 8 hours of sleep, time to read leisure material that enriches our minds, time to stroll on the beach and reflect, and moments dedicated to connecting with our family. These are gifts of which no person should be denied in this short life. Why then, when we individuals make up our society, do we put up with these things being robbed from us for years on end?