Basics Ramblings

I read the title again of the newest book from the RCC library — “The Art of Standing Still”. This is the first time I have chosen to read a book because of the title. The Art of Standing Still? What could it mean. I remember the verse of scripture — Be still and know I am God.

I picture Tai Chi last night, demonstrating my favorite part, for our dear teacher standing still waiting for four beats before I take a step side ways. During that time I take deep breaths and relax, deciding what I will do after Tai Chi practice.

Is that what — Be still and know that I am God — is all about? Stopping in my busy life to take deep breaths, given by God, belonging to Him, rejoicing in Him?

As I thought these thoughts, my fingers itched to ramble over the keyboard, and I rambled back to the time when I learned the Basics. Reading and Writing. Little did I know while I was in the second grade that our Queen for the year would impact my life by teaching the Basics. Queen 2 sat at her desk all day. A desk that seemed to tower over the room like a throne. Once in a while she held out her sceptre to one of the second grade peons. I remember the day I held up my hand for over an hour, waiting to be recognized. Finally I ventured out of my seat and approached her. Not only was I not recognized, I was verbally hastened to my seat. Yet, I learned the basics — reading and writing.

Now words pour out of my fingers. What can the book, The Art of Standing Still, contain? Philosophical reasoning, will their be a compelling plot that rides on standing still? Why is it an art? A moment captured by the writer where standing still meant the saving of a life or honor? A story of a person with no energy — but then, is there a story?

Going through a variety of ideas, I find that it is more exciting to consider the subject than to read the book. Yet. . . although my contemplative curiosity is growing by the moment. Ramblings of observations made through the years concerning standing still bombarded me.

• An art teacher once said, “Say that it is finished, and stop painting. Know when to quit.”
• An English teacher once said, “Do you really need the extra words? There is more impact to stop sooner.”
• In order to cross the street (Basic), “Stop, look, and listen.”
• An Olympic Coach once said, “Picture in your mind you actions before you begin the competition.” Should I have done that before writing?
• A piano teacher once said, “If you don’t think about the notes, and practice the wrong ones, you will practice the song wrong.” (Thanks, Mom!)
• A Weight Watcher Coach once said, “Stop and think before you eat a food that can put extra handles on your body.” Evidently I don’t know the art of standing still in that area.
• A conversationalist once told me, “Active listening asks that you ‘hear’ what is said and not form your own rebuttal/response while hearing in a conversation.” This works in the classroom, with a spouse, with children and even when talking to yourself!

So, is the title just a euphism for stopping to think? Will I read the book? (Not until I finish the current book by Angela Hunt, but The Art of Standing Still is Waiting in the Wings!) Oh, Waiting in the Wings could that be a sequel, right?
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