Stillness precedes action from "summary" of Zen in the Art of Archery by Eugen Herrigel
In the practice of archery, the archer must first achieve a state of complete stillness. This stillness is not merely the absence of physical movement, but a mental and spiritual quietness that precedes the action of shooting the arrow. The archer must learn to let go of all distractions and quiet the mind, allowing the body to move in harmony with the target. Only in this state of stillness can the archer truly connect with the target and achieve a perfect shot. The arrow must be released effortlessly, without hesitation or doubt. This requires a deep level of trust in one's abilities and a surrendering to the moment. The archer must be fully present, fully focused, and fully aware of the task at hand. This concept of stillness preceding action is not limited to archery, but can be applied to all aspects of life. Before embarking on any endeavor, one must first find a sense of inner calm and clarity. By cultivating a state of stillness, one can approach challenges with a clear mind and a steady hand. In our fast-paced world, it is easy to get caught up in the chaos and lose sight of the importance of stillness. However, by taking the time to quiet the mind and center oneself, we can approach each moment with intention and purpose. Through stillness, we can find the strength and clarity needed to take decisive action and achieve our goals.
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