Yoga is Skill in Stillness

“Yoga is skill in stillness” (a girl at Yoganjali Natyalayam, Pondicherry)

Many years ago, during a class at Yoganjali Natyalayam in Pondicherry, Ammaji asked, "What is Yoga?" Among many creative answers, one stood out: "Yoga is skill in stillness".

True clarity cannot exist when the mind is restless and distracted. Patanjali, in Yoga Sutra I:2, states: “yogas chitta vritti nirodha” meaning Yoga is stilling the whirlpools of the mind that obscure our perception of reality. Without stillness, there can be no clarity, and without clarity, we cannot realize our true selves, remaining endlessly trapped in surface-level identifications with the body, thoughts, and emotions.

For me, 'skill in stillness' captures both the effort and discipline required to still the mind, as well as the skillful actions that naturally arise from a place of calm and stability. Yoga is a journey of inner mastery that transforms my perception of the world and how I engage with it.

I’ve experienced this "skill in stillness" most vividly over the past two years. My best work unfolded when my mind was calm and at peace, allowing me to see with clarity. From that clarity, my actions came effortlessly, as if they were the most natural response. These spontaneous actions felt inevitable, energizing me while keeping my mind at peace, leading to effortless high performance.

This inspired the name of my offering: Stillness Does. Stillness leads to clarity, which in turn nurtures skillful, natural actions that return us to vibrant stillness. It forms a cycle - stilling the mind for simple, natural, vibrant, meaningful living. By embodying this way of life, we cultivate our stillness.

Doing our being and being our doing. Being and doing become one. Our actions naturally express our essence, reflecting who we are at a fundamental level. They arise from a deep understanding and awareness of ourselves. Our existence is shaped by our actions; what we do repeatedly is what we become.

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Take a moment to sit in silence and stillness, creating space for your inner wisdom to sprout fresh and unique insights as you contemplate the powerful words, "Yoga is skill in stillness". You will recognize when your inner wisdom emerges, as the insight will certainly surprise you.