The Power of Stillness

Welcome back to the Ikigami Insider! As the holiday season begins, we’re reminded of the quiet power of stillness, particularly on the first Sunday of Advent. In this issue, we explore how moments of stillness help you reconnect with your Ikigai, overcome performance addiction, and balance dopamine-driven distractions.

The Silent Path to Ikigai

In our fast-paced world, stillness is often undervalued, yet it is the very foundation for clarity and purpose.

Clarity in Silence:
Just as a pond settles after a storm, stillness allows the mind to regain clarity. This quiet focus helps identify what truly matters—your Ikigai. Through silence, you create space for intuition and self-awareness, revealing the intersection of passion, mission, vocation, and profession.

Reflection: Find a quiet space today. Breathe deeply and ask yourself, “What brings me joy, and how can I offer it to the world?”

Breaking Free from Performance Addiction

Performance addiction—the relentless pursuit of achievement—is a common struggle, especially among high performers. Stillness offers a counterbalance, reminding us that worth isn’t tied to results.

1. Pause and Reset:
   Research shows that silence reduces cortisol levels, helping to counteract stress from overachievement. By embracing stillness, you can reflect on intrinsic values rather than external validation.

2. From Doing to Being:
   The Advent season is a reminder to pause and prepare, not for perfection, but for presence.

   Exercise: Take 10 minutes today to journal about a recent achievement. Focus not on what you accomplished, but on how it made you feel and aligned with your values.

The Dopamine Trap

Modern life keeps us chasing dopamine highs—social media likes, notifications, or instant gratification. While these may feel rewarding, they distract from deeper fulfillment.

1. Stillness as a Reset:
   Silence interrupts the dopamine cycle, allowing the brain to recalibrate. This creates room for sustainable joy rooted in purpose, not fleeting hits.

2. Building Dopamine Awareness:
   Use stillness to observe your cravings. Are they aligned with your Ikigai, or do they steer you away?

   Tip: The next time you reach for your phone out of habit, pause. Instead, spend one minute focusing on your breath.

The Advent Connection

On this first Sunday of Advent, stillness takes on spiritual significance. It’s a time to reflect, prepare, and align with the values of hope, peace, and purpose.

Meditation: Light a candle, close your eyes, and repeat:
"May I find stillness within, clarity in silence, and purpose in peace."

I-K-I-G-A-I Framework for Stillness

1. I – Intention: What small, quiet habit can you create today to foster stillness?

2. K – Knowledge: Learn how stillness impacts your mental and physical health.

3. I – Imagination: Visualize a life where peace guides your actions.

4. G – Growth: Celebrate moments of stillness as victories against distraction.

5. A – Action: Begin with one minute of stillness today.

Call to Action: Your Stillness Journal

Write a letter to your future self. Begin with this reflection:
"In this moment of stillness, I discover what truly matters."
Seal it, and read it on the last Sunday of Advent. Notice how your connection to purpose deepens through these weeks.

Reflection in Verse
Still waters run deep, a calm embrace,
In silence, we find our truest space.
Through quiet moments, purpose is born,
A guiding star, each Advent morn.

Photo Thumbnail James Wheeler on Unsplash

Further Reading

• Ciaramicoli, A. P. (2016). Performance Addiction.

• Brunson, R. (2015). Dotcom Secrets.

• Koike, R. (2012). The Art of Thinking Clearly.

Thank you for taking this moment of stillness with me. May it inspire you to nurture quiet moments throughout the week, reconnecting with what truly matters. Together, we can create a life aligned with purpose, balance, and peace.

Yours in quiet contemplation,
Miriam