The Art of Stillness

“The Art of Stillness” is a poem that delves into the struggle between spiritual yearning and the distractions of modern life. Through a blend of introspective questioning and raw imagery, I am looking to capture the inner turbulence that often accompanies the pursuit of clarity, faith, and purpose. Themes of distraction, inner noise, and divine silence are woven throughout, culminating in my candid admission of failure and longing. Not all is lost, however. The final verses offer a glimmer of hope, encouraging persistence on the path toward enlightenment, with patience as the vehicle and stillness as the key. By the end, we are hit with a moment of recognition that stillness is not merely the absence of movement but an active—often painful—discipline that leads to spiritual awakening.

Bridges and Tunnels Reading The Art of Stillness 2 minutes

By Kenneth DaneApr 21, 20250 comments

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"Breathe in... Observe the breaths Explore them as they flow/ Breathe out... Observe the thoughts Let them linger—Let them go"

Kenneth Dane

Child stuck in the rain, holding a teddy bear

Be still

To separate the weak from devout

Be still

Wolves disguised as sheep

Yearn to eat the crowd

Be still

Silence bellows

Cacophonic and it’s loud

Discernment on a level

That I cannot bring about

Breathe in

Observe the breaths

Explore them as they flow

Breathe out

Observe the thoughts

Let them linger—

Let them go

Breath hitches

It’s ok to stray

Just return to now

Aggravation

The truth is but a whisper

Drifting on a sea of shouts

God’s word is in the stillness

Can I recognize its sound?

Fear lurks

Sweat forms

And my heart begins to pound

Will I ever know my purpose?

Will I ever come to form?

Has opportunity skipped right over me?

Has my moment come and gone?

Don’t tell me to be still

Don’t tell me to be calm

I don’t want to explore my every breath

I just want to know what’s wrong

I’ve made many an attempt

But, despite my meditation

I’ve fallen victim to every ploy

I’ve suffered constant misdirection

I’ve failed every time “they” have

Tried to subvert my own attention

Smoke and mirrors

Gift of gab

I’m a glutton for distraction

If I could only learn the art of stillness,

Maybe I’d know my call to action

Be Still

Start anew

This journey is chock full

Detours

Circumvention

Pit-stops

Deviations

Be Still

Observe your thoughts

Stay with this current situation

Patience is your vehicle

Enlightenment is your destination

Entropy's Embrace

Poetry in Chaos

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The Art of Stillness

Bridges and Tunnels