Pico Iyer

The Art of Stillness

1. IDEA 1

   Going nowhere can be an adventure

   Iyer, a travel writer who has visited many countries, argues that sometimes the most rewarding journey is staying still. In a world of constant movement and distraction, sitting quietly can show us more about ourselves than any trip.

2. IDEA 2

   Cohen found peace in stillness

   Iyer describes visiting the singer Leonard Cohen, who lived for years at a Zen centre on Mount Baldy in California. Cohen found stillness there after a busy life. The story shows that stillness can be found by deliberately stepping away from a busy life.

3. IDEA 3

   Stillness helps us see clearly

   Iyer argues that stepping back from constant activity allows us to make sense of our experiences. Stillness brings perspective. Without such pauses, he suggests, days pass in a blur, and we do not really understand what matters to us.

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