Weekend Boost No. 168
STILLNESS AS STRATEGY
In a world that rewards speed, output, and constant visibility, choosing stillness can feel countercultural — even risky. Yet for leaders, stillness is not withdrawal; it’s wisdom in motion. It’s how we create the space to see clearly, discern what matters, and respond with intention instead of urgency.
Stillness doesn’t mean doing nothing. It means cultivating the quiet where clarity, creativity, and courage can emerge.
Below are three resources to help you explore stillness as a form of leadership strategy.
The Art of Stillness - Pico Iyer — TED Talk: Writer Pico Iyer reminds us that “going nowhere” can be its own form of progress. Through his reflections on travel, solitude, and awareness, he shows that stillness is not escape but return — to what truly matters.
The Sacred Pause - Tara Brach — Meditation The “sacred pause” is a simple but powerful mindfulness practice — a way to interrupt the momentum of doing and reconnect with presence. In that pause, possibility opens. Tara Brach’s short guided meditation is a perfect entry point.
The Science of Silence - From The Guardian: Silence has measurable effects on our brains and bodies. Research shows that short periods of quiet can replenish cognitive resources, reduce stress, and increase creativity — proving that stillness isn’t indulgent; it’s strategic.
THE PRACTICE
What would it look like to treat stillness as part of your leadership strategy?
This weekend, try this:
Before your next decision, conversation, or action — pause for 60 seconds.
Let the noise settle. Notice what becomes clear.
Ask: What does stillness reveal?
Stillness is not the absence of progress. It’s how progress finds its direction.
