“Be Still” I have posted this phrase on my Instagram page. I encourage myself and others to do this. However, what I have learned in the last 13 days is that it takes great effort to Be Still.

In the midst of a year-long mind, body and soul transformation commitment I made to myself, I scheduled a medical procedure. The procedure required me to Be Still for 2 weeks. On the days leading up to the procedure I did my best to tie loose ends in my life so I could really focus on and enjoy what was before me. I also mentally planned what my 2 weeks would look like: daily cardio 5 days after my procedure, organize my home office and have lunch with a few people. Oh and if I had visitors, prepare delicious treats. I also looked forward to binge watching TV. After my procedure I was so happy! I was taking selfies, laughing with mom and my sister. I was totally jovial! That evening when I laid down, I felt like all the life had been sucked out of my body. All I could do was sleep. The next few days I tried to execute my planned activities. I cooked one meal and was back in bed from pure exhaustion. I couldn’t even keep my eyes open to watch a 30-minute sitcom. Even though I wanted to get out of bed, my body screamed NO Girl! Be Still!

After 7 days I finally had energy to do cardio. I jogged 5 miles in my neighborhood. Then I did some necessity shopping and cooked another meal. I instantly felt a sore throat coming and was forced back to bed. I caught a cold, likely from doing too much. For fear of catching the pleurisy or pneumonia, I didn’t leave the house again. I finally started the TV binge. I had food delivered to the house. I was STILL for 5 consecutive days. I turned off my work phone. I put my personal phone on mute and responded only when the mood moved me. I randomly checked my work phone. I tended to my son and had phone chats with my mom and sisters about silliness. I slipped into complete Zen. I wasn’t sure I would ever want to leave this space. I learned, albeit a forced lesson, to Be Still.

On Day 13, I began to reflect on all the effort it took to just Be Still! It sounded so simple but required great effort. I now know how to truly BE STILL

— Dzidra J.