I'm reminded of what Michael, the protagonist in Robert Heinlein's classic book Stranger in a Strange Land
would say – “waiting is full”.
Stillness is a containment vessel that quickens
what is held. Paradoxically, stillness is also a very mindful activity. In one sense, stillness can be
seen as similar to the pause between inhalation and exhalation in the breathing
cycle. Without the stillness of the pause, no action in either direction is
possible.
The notion of stillness
generating activity has import personally as well as organizationally. In today’s
business world the maxim of “he who hesitates is lost” has been fully
integrated into exhortations to be first to market, to be constantly vigilant
(Andy Grove’s notion that only the
paranoid survive) and to swim like sharks (which will drown if they stop
moving). Trying to get a manager, a leader or a team to take even a day to
become still enough to examine where they are, who they’ve become and where
they are going is almost impossible. It takes courage, discipline and intention
to become still when there are so many stimuli demanding our attention. Yet, without
periodically and intentionally examining these questions we run a very great risk of losing
connection with that which gives meaning to what we are doing. And, without
meaning we invite burnout, disease and emotional disengagement – the number one
cause of lost productivity and employee turnover in the world.
Stillness invites and encourages
reconnection. It is necessary to the process of sustainability. Stillness is a meaning-filling
activity.
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