Slow down, think deeply

What is essential is invisible to the eye. The key to inner peace is ‘stillness’. The secret to Holidays’ book ‘Stillness is the Key’ are the mini-stories he explores and shares which offer simple life lessons. In the book, Holiday references historical figures, ancient philosophers and other successful figures throughout history, which layout his frameworks for achieving true stillness in life, teaching how to master the mind, body and spirit. Here’s a look at some learnings from reading this book:

1. Today, much of our lives are on auto-pilot. Through this book, its possible to learn the meaning of slowing down and thinking deeply for a few moments, which has helped bring to light more significant, meaningful, and profound questions. What do I want out of my life, and where do my values lie? Holiday creates an understanding that “we have to get better at thinking”, this means deliberately and intentionally asking ourselves big questions on parts of our lives to understand what is really going on.

2.           Finding confidence and avoiding ego feels like a delicate balancing act. Holiday explores the stark differences between the two in the book, creating an understanding of how the different characteristics work and act. He explains that confidence is knowing what matters with the ability to ignore others opinions when they least matter, and ego is unsettled by doubt, which can be overcome with persistence.

3.           Letting go can be one of the biggest challenges in life. Holiday explains that being outcome-focused hinders clarity which can get in the way of your true potential and performance. It develops stress and robs people of their clear minds, which would be more helpful when trying to reach or attain a goal. Stepping back or letting go without control will open the door wider for opportunity, eliminating anxiety that feeds worry and doubt. 

4.           Anger is one of the emotions that has no upside. Holiday explains, “anger ultimately blocks us from whatever goal we are trying to achieve.” It is a counterproductive emotion, but having the ability to control and conquer our anger will give a sense of relief from all the things holding us back in life. 

When the world is facing a transition from light to dark and back again like it is today, full of noise, stillness is the key for individual performance and wellbeing.