People often think that being still is "doing nothing."  However, when appropriate, doing nothing is actually doing something very important and critical to living a healthy, balanced life.

Try the sometimes challenging practice of sitting quietly and continuously without getting sucked into the thoughts and stories that will arise-instead, let them float by like passing clouds. The problem for us is that we are no longer comfortable in stillness and seek (like addicts) constant stimulation from outside sources. Simply, we have lost sight of and appreciation for the intrinsic fullness and beauty of nature and our integral place in it. During these short days and long nights, we have the perfect opportunity to recondition our innate ability to reside there.

By cultivating stillness and a state of conscious awareness, we can return to a more authentic way of being.  Sitting still and at rest means intentionally letting go of any preoccupation with the future or rumination over the past. As we reacquaint ourselves with the stillness, we return to the moment.

Question: I can't seem to sit still. I've been taught since my youth to keep moving, always being productive. I'm simply uncomfortable with just doing nothing.  The only time I can sit still is when I watch TV, but without that stimulation, I feel the need to be doing and accomplishing something. Is something wrong with me?

Answer: Yes, there is something wrong with you - you have lost your natural ability to sit, be quiet and enjoy stillness.  Fortunately, with some practice, you can get this skill back...and this is an ideal time of year to get started.

• Honor the shorter days by eating dinner earlier and settling in sooner.
• When it gets dark, turn off your gadgets and any noise - including music - or outside stimulation.
• Sit still in a quiet place.
• Turn down the lights, enjoy the dark, learn to feel and see what is inside.
• Listen to the earth around you - the sounds of your creaking house, the heat coming on and off, the wind outside, the occasional bird or traffic sound, your beating heart and breath.

On Thursday, December 16^th, we will be hosting a discussion of the book The Dirt on Clean: An Unsanitized History by Katherine Ashenburg.  As a part of this, we will be taking a look at modern hygiene practices and the ways we think of cleanliness.  A journalist from French TV, Arte TV will be joining us to film our conversations as it appears the French are amused by how Americans deal with this issue. I actually think they feel we are a bit strange, frankly (no pun intended). Indeed, it should be an interesting discussion. The program will begin at 6PM. If you are interested in attending or wish further information, please contact vida@trentandcompany.com.  We hope you will be able to join us as well. 

• On December 4^th, John Conway will join us to discuss a variety of topics, including surrender and forgiveness, consciousness and something he calls, "the psychic shift,"
• On December 11^th, Michael Rosenbaum will speak with us about giving and receiving around the holidays.
• On December 18^th, Dr. Jordan Josephson will join us to discuss his book,  Sinus Relief Now.
   

On Tuesday, February 15^th at 7pm, I will be leading a workshop at The Bedford Post Inn.  The workshop will cover "Restoring Balance in a 'Chronic' Culture."  Chronic health conditions on the rise in the US, where more than half of Americans are afflicted with a long-term or permanent illness.  This workshop is designed to help anyone who is dealing with a chronic condition, anyone whose loved one has a chronic condition and anyone who feels out of balance.   Whether someone is struggling with fibromyalgia or asthma, migraines or depression, back pain or cancer, infertility or addiction, the workshop will offer actionable steps for dealing with a long-term condition physically, emotionally and spiritually.  I will also offer thoughts on why these often-devastating afflictions are so common today. 

FINALLY! A New Thought for the New Moon