Have you ever felt like life was spinning out of control, like no matter how much you tried to keep everything in balance, it just felt chaotic?
I’ve definitely been there, especially during those times when there’s too much going on, and I feel pulled in a hundred directions at once. But then I remember something that always grounds me—finding stillness in the middle of all that movement.
I’ll never forget a moment during one of my yoga practices years ago. I was feeling overwhelmed, and my mind wouldn’t settle. But as I moved into each pose, something shifted. It wasn’t that I stopped moving or that life became less hectic—it was that I became fully present. My thoughts quieted, and I experienced a deep stillness, even while in motion. That’s when it clicked: stillness isn’t the absence of movement; it’s finding harmony within it.
As the saying goes, “In stillness, the world surrenders.”
I think that’s true not just in yoga, but in life.
This brings us to the true meaning of yoga, which literally means union.
Yoga is about creating oneness—oneness with ourselves, with our breath, with the moment, and ultimately, with life itself. It’s the connection of body, mind, and spirit, working together as one. In that sense, finding stillness is more than just quieting the mind or holding a pose. It’s about experiencing the depth of being fully connected, fully whole.
Imagine a spinning top. When it's perfectly centered and spinning at full speed, it appears motionless—not because it’s stopped moving, but because it’s in perfect alignment. This is the essence of stillness: a dynamic, harmonious flow, not a lack of energy or life. It’s the feeling of being fully engaged in what you’re doing, without the mental conflict of wanting to be somewhere else.
Isn’t that the real depth of yoga?
To be so connected, so one with what you’re doing, that you move through life with grace and ease? That’s the depth of oneness we all seek—where we feel aligned, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. It’s the kind of connection that brings peace because there’s no conflict inside of us. There’s only unity.
In real life, most of us don’t feel like that perfectly centered top. Instead, we feel like we’re spinning in all directions, with conflicting thoughts and feelings pulling us apart. This inner resistance drains our energy, leaving us tired, frustrated, and disconnected from the joy of simply being.
I’ve found that when I’m half-hearted in what I’m doing—whether it’s teaching a class, running a business, or even just spending time with loved ones—parts of me shut down. I’m not fully present, and my energy gets blocked. But when I show up wholeheartedly, when I’m present and engaged, everything changes. I feel more alive, more energized, and more in sync with life.
This shift doesn’t happen because there’s suddenly more energy—it’s because I’m no longer resisting the flow of life. When we stop trying to spin in opposite directions, the energy inside us moves freely. There’s less conflict, less friction, and more harmony.
In those moments of stillness—when we’re fully present—we tap into something deeper. It’s the place where we connect with ourselves, and something greater. It’s where we experience the truth of who we are without the noise of doubt or distraction.
And isn’t that the ultimate goal of yoga?
To experience that oneness within us, to feel connected to life, to others, and to the world in a way that transcends the chaos.
When we touch that stillness, we experience life differently. We feel aligned, connected, and peaceful. It’s a sense of oneness with ourselves, and with the world around us. And that’s where the true joy of living lies.
So, the next time you feel like life is spinning out of control, remember that stillness isn’t about stopping. It’s about aligning yourself with the moment, embracing where you are, and allowing the energy to flow. In that space, you’ll find the peace, connection, and joy you’ve been searching for.
Isn’t that what yoga is all about—finding that connection, that oneness, within ourselves and the world? What helps you find stillness and connection in your life?
Share your thoughts—I’d love to hear from you!
Love
Sumit
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