Understanding the Difference Between Being Stuck and Being Still

The urgency to resolve everything at once often overwhelms me.

This seems to be my personal mantra. The sensation of feeling trapped is distressing; I find myself yearning for a new career, a different living situation, a fresh job, and innovative ideas—all at once. Typically, this is when I feel compelled to grab a fresh notebook. Yet, there are instances when I realize that perhaps I’m not as stuck as I believe. Instead, what I truly need is a moment to pause, reflect, and embrace stillness.

Both feeling stuck and experiencing stillness share similarities: they both involve inertia, stagnation, and an absence of progress. However, their underlying energies contrast significantly. The sensation of being stuck breeds restlessness, confusion, and a sense of despair. There’s an intense urgency, but it feels like the energy is trapped. In contrast, stillness embodies calmness, tranquility, and serenity without the need to rush anywhere.

During those moments of frantic stuckness, it becomes challenging to discern what actions to take or even what I truly desire. Often, I convince myself that if I sit down and concentrate intensely (imagine a furrowed brow), I’ll uncover my next steps. Unfortunately, this rarely unfolds as I anticipate.

It’s only when I grant myself permission to embrace stillness and accept my current state that I gain the clarity I seek and understand how to proceed. I learn to welcome the uncertainty, despite its discomfort.

Accepting my present circumstances doesn’t equate to resignation. It’s not about believing that my situation is permanent. Instead, it’s about recognizing that my current state is temporary and trusting in my own abilities. The harder I struggle against feeling stuck, the deeper I sink into that state. I must ease my efforts and release my grip.

In moments of stillness, I often sense that change is imminent, and solutions are on the horizon. Thus, I allow myself to remain present and shift my focus elsewhere. Sometimes I organize a closet, tidy my desk, or clear out clutter in my living space. Other times, I tackle the daunting “to-be-filed” pile or indulge in long walks.

This stillness teaches me to relinquish my expectations and not to fret over outcomes. Concentrating on the tasks at hand clears my mental space, allowing new ideas to emerge and perspectives to shift. The frantic energy of "I MUST FIGURE IT OUT RIGHT NOW!!!" dissipates, creating room for creativity and potential.

If you find yourself feeling stuck, perhaps this is the ideal moment to embrace stillness. Journaling during this time can also help you explore your next steps.