One of the strange laws of the contemplative life," Thomas Merton, one of its sovereign explorers, pointed out, "is that in it you do not sit down and solve problems: you bear with them until they somehow solve themselves. Or until life solves them for you." Or, as Annie Dillard, who sat still for a long time at Tinker Creek-and in many other places-has it, "I do not so much write a book as sit up with it, as with a dying friend.
In "The Art of Stillness," Pico Iyer explores the value of contemplative living, illustrated by reflections from thinkers like Thomas Merton and Annie Dillard. Merton suggests that contemplating life's challenges isn't about fixing them immediately but allowing time for them to resolve naturally. This approach emphasizes patience and acceptance in the face of problems, highlighting the wisdom of bearing with uncertainties rather than rushing to find solutions.
Dillard's perspective resonates with this idea, as she describes writing as a process of companionship with the subject, akin to keeping vigil with a dying friend. This metaphor reflects the deeper connection between contemplation and creativity, showing that true understanding often emerges through stillness and presence rather than through hurried action. Together, these insights illustrate the transformative power of embracing stillness in a fast-paced world.
