The Curse of the Human Doing
If you had asked me a few years ago about the importance of stillness, I probably would have laughed in your face. As a self-proclaimed “Achiever” according to the StrengthsFinder assessment, the idea of purposefully doing nothing was completely foreign to me. I was the epitome of a “human doing” rather than a “human being” – constantly busy, productive, and on the move.
My wife Gail, bless her heart, knew I needed to slow down. She recommended I read The Joy Diet by Martha Beck, warning that while I might not agree with everything in the book, the first chapter on “Nothing” would really challenge me.
Intrigued, I dove in during our next vacation. And challenge me it did – I ended up reading that first chapter four times, captivated by Beck’s premise that “doing nothing is the most productive activity you will ever undertake.” The ancient wisdom literature she references, like Psalm 46:10 (“Be still and know that I am God”), only further solidified the importance of this practice.
Yet in our always-on, media-rich society, finding that stillness can feel nearly impossible. As Mother Teresa so poignantly expressed, “We need to find God, and He cannot be found in noise and restlessness.” Abba Poeman, one of the ancient desert fathers, went even further: “If you are silent, you will have peace wherever you live.”
The Transformative Power of Silence
Despite my initial resistance, I decided to give this “doing nothing” thing a try. For over three weeks, I carved out at least 15 minutes each day to simply be still – no distractions, no noise, no agenda. Honestly, it was one of the most transformative experiences I’ve ever had.
In those moments of quiet, I could finally hear the cacophony of voices in my own mind that I had been drowning out for years. I began to reconnect with my true self, beyond the constant busyness and productivity that had defined me. It was as if I had been living in a perpetual state of noise and chaos, and this stillness allowed me to finally find some much-needed peace and clarity.
The Gift of Imperfection
Now, I’ll be the first to admit that I’m no expert when it comes to the practice of stillness. In fact, I often feel a bit pretentious even attempting to write about it. But perhaps that’s the very value I can bring to this conversation – I’m not so experienced that I’ve forgotten what it’s like to be a beginner.
So if you’re anything like the old me, someone who struggles to turn off their mind and just “be,” let me offer a few suggestions based on my own journey. Because the truth is, the busier you are, the more important this practice becomes. You need it in your life more than you know.
Start Small, Start Now
The most important thing is simply to start. It’s easy to blow off the discipline of stillness, convincing ourselves that we don’t have the time. Don’t fall into that trap. Even if you can only set aside five minutes a day, do it. And if you miss a day or two, don’t beat yourself up – just start again.
One of the best pieces of advice I received was to treat your stillness time as sacred, just as you would any other important appointment or commitment in your life. Set a timer, turn off your phone, and let your loved ones know not to disturb you. This deliberate choice to prioritize stillness can make all the difference.
Find Your Stillness Sanctuary
Another helpful tip is to choose a specific place that becomes your “stillness sanctuary” – somewhere you associate with calm, quiet, and reflection. This could be outdoors in nature, a cozy corner of your home, or even your car during your daily commute. The key is to create an environment that minimizes distractions and allows you to truly be present.
For me, I’ve found that my office can be a great stillness sanctuary, once I’ve taken the time to create that intentional space. I’ll lock the door, hang a “Do Not Disturb” sign, and let the hustle and bustle of work melt away, replaced by a sense of inner peace and focus. It’s as if I’m suddenly aware of the calming energy that’s always been there, just waiting to be tapped into.
Breath, Movement, and Mantra
Of course, simply sitting in silence can be daunting, especially for those of us who are more accustomed to constant stimulation. That’s why it can be helpful to incorporate some gentle, purposeful elements into your stillness practice.
Focusing on your breath is a powerful way to anchor yourself in the present moment. Take slow, deep inhales and exhales, allowing your body to naturally find its rhythm. You can even experiment with techniques like 4-7-8 breathing, which has been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Subtle physical movements can also enhance your stillness. Try slowly shifting your weight, rolling your shoulders, or even lying down if the situation allows. And don’t be afraid to incorporate simple mantra-like phrases, such as “I am,” “Let go,” or “Be still,” to provide a gentle framework for your practice.
Stillness as a Mirror
One of the most profound insights I’ve gained through my stillness practice is the way it can serve as a mirror for our internal world. When we give ourselves the gift of quiet, we’re suddenly confronted with the cacophony of thoughts, emotions, and sensations that we’ve been ignoring or suppressing.
This can be both liberating and daunting. On one hand, it allows us to truly tune in to our authentic selves, beyond the masks and personas we present to the world. But on the other hand, facing that rawness and vulnerability can be deeply uncomfortable.
That’s why it’s so important to approach stillness with self-compassion and patience. Remember that there is no “right” way to do it – the beauty of this practice lies in its ability to meet us exactly where we are, without judgment or expectation.
The Rhythm of Stillness
Just as a well-composed piece of music requires a masterful understanding of rhythm and timing, the art of stillness in acting demands a keen sense of pacing and flow. It’s not simply about doing nothing; it’s about deliberately choosing when to react, when to pause, and when to let the silence speak.
By experimenting with the duration of our stillness, we can create moments of anticipation, introspection, and revelation. A brief pause might build tension, while an extended moment of stillness could signify a character’s deep contemplation. And sometimes, the absence of any pause at all can convey a sense of panic or urgency.
It’s a delicate balance, to be sure, but when we get it right, the impact can be truly mesmerizing. Just think of the opening scene in Inglourious Basterds, where Christoph Waltz’s character maintains an almost unnerving stillness, punctuated only by the subtle shifting of his weight and the methodical eating of nuts. Or the haunting, stoic performance of Javier Bardem in No Country for Old Men, where his stillness speaks volumes about his character’s cold, calculated nature.
The Art of Listening
Stillness in acting isn’t just about solo moments; it can also be a powerful tool in scenes involving dialogue or interaction. By fully immersing ourselves in the words and energy of our scene partners, we can respond through thoughtful, intentional stillness – creating an intense exchange of emotions and unspoken communication.
In these moments, our stillness becomes a mirror for the feelings being expressed, amplifying the connection between characters. It’s as if the silence itself is engaging in a conversation, allowing space for our scene partners to fully inhabit their own physicality and emotional journey.
Think about the iconic scene in Good Will Hunting, where Robin Williams’ character sits across from Matt Damon, barely moving, yet captivating the audience with the sheer depth of his emotional presence. It’s a masterclass in the power of stillness, where less truly becomes more.
Stillness as a Balancing Act
Of course, as with any skill, the art of stillness in acting requires practice and experimentation. It’s not about freezing up due to stage fright or taking a break on stage – it’s about making a deliberate, impactful choice that enhances the emotional depth of a performance.
The key is to find the right balance, exploring the full range from minimal movement to complete stillness. Start by pushing the boundaries, seeing how much you can get away with without losing the audience’s attention. Then, gradually find the sweet spot that feels most authentic and captivating for your character and the scene.
Remember, stillness is not about doing nothing; it’s about being intentional. It’s about allowing the scene to unfold naturally, rather than forcing an artificial sense of tension or emotion. And when we as actors are truly still and present, we let the moment speak for itself, inviting the audience to fill in the gaps with their own interpretations and emotional responses.
The Enduring Allure of Stillness
In the realm of acting, where movement, emotion, and expression often take center stage, the concept of stillness might seem counterintuitive. Yet, ever since I realized the potential of this powerful technique, I’ve been utterly captivated by it.
As I’ve rewatched some of my favorite shows, monologues, and scenes, I’ve noticed a common thread: the moments that truly move me, that leave a lasting impression, often involve an actor who barely moves, yet commands the audience’s attention with their sheer presence.
I believe there’s something deeply human about this quality of stillness, something that resonates with us on a primal level. It’s the closest we come to witnessing real life unfold before us, unfiltered and unadorned. And in a world that often feels like it’s moving at a relentless pace, these moments of quiet contemplation can be both soothing and profoundly affecting.
So if you’re an actor or aspiring performer, I encourage you to explore the art of stillness. Embrace the challenge, experiment with the techniques, and witness the transformative power of doing less. Because when you master the art of stillness, you’ll unlock a whole new realm of emotional expression and connection – not just with your audience, but with your own authentic self.
And who knows, maybe your moments of stillness will be the ones that move someone else, just as Robin Williams’ unforgettable performance in Good Will Hunting did for me all those years ago.
