When I thought about the name for my business, I knew I wanted “Stillness” in it, as it is such a crucial part for me. (see also claudialiebmann.com/stillness/ or claudialiebmann.com/en/its-a-superpower/). But I also wanted it to include the joy it brings.
“Delightful Stillness” came to me during meditation, and I loved it: “delightful” encompasses light (as in brightness), light (as in “not heavy”), and joy.
When was the last time you felt true delight? Do you have this word in your vocabulary?
Kids are so great at feeling and expressing it! They can “squeal with delight” – a phrase rarely used when talking about adults, which is a shame!
When I think about where I find delight, I would probably say especially in nature. Going for a walk in the woods, hearing the birds sing, experiencing the sun shining through the leaves – this is true delight for me. Side note: did you know that in Japanese, there is actually a word for this? It’s called “Komorebi,” which means “sunshine filtering through the leaves of trees.”
Connecting with children, playing and laughing with them, or even a baby that just looks and smiles at me, makes me happy and experience delight.
It is something that doesn’t necessarily need words. It requires a bit of innocence, an open heart, and playfulness.
This is how I want to approach „Qi Gong and Stillness“. I try to invite this energy when I practice it myself, and I also want to bring it to my classes. For me, it is important that we enjoy it. It should never feel like a chore you don’t really like but want to do because it might get you somewhere. The “thing itself” should feel good and joyful.
Our lives can be and feel so serious, especially when we grow up. And the spiritual path, meditation, yoga, etc., can also take on an aura of seriousness.
I believe that lightness, joy and fun are and should be a big part of it all.
When we are too serious about something we can actually block the energy from flowing freely. Can you feel it in your body? Feel into what lightness and joy make your body feel, versus “taking it seriously.” Can you feel the difference? Lightness versus tightness?
We lose something as we get older: we don’t take things with lightness and play anymore, we are told we should “take things seriously.” And with that, we lose lightness, play, fun, and joy – the innocent joy of being alive. We are told that if we want to be successful at something, we have to “take it seriously.” Is this true? Can’t we be just as committed to something by approaching it with ease? Wouldn’t that be more fun?
Believe me, I am completely aware that there are things that can make life challenging or heavy. I’ve been there! But the thing that will ultimately save us is letting the light and joy back in!
So, join me in creating glimmers of delight, joyful moments of stillness – or pockets of „Delightful Stillness“ – as often as we can!