My notes on “Stillness is the Key” by Ryan Holiday
Being reading very good things about Ryan Holiday books, and it was on my “Want to Read” Goodreads.com list for a long time.
I enjoyed the book, but … I don’t know why, it’s not a 5 star review for me. It’s maybe a 4 or 3 1/2. I guess the main reason is my fault, not Ryan’s fault. English not being my main language I found the wording and literature used too unnecessary complicated.
But hey, again: This is my fault.
My notes:
“Give things a little space, don’t consume news is real time, be a season or two behind on the latest trend or cultural phenomenon, don’t let your inbox lord over your life”
“Chop wood, carry water, chop wood, carry water, chop wood, carry water” Do the work, don’t overanalyze.
“The world is like muddy water. To see through it, we have to let things settle”
We all need more time doing nothing. Just contemplating and thinking. If possible in nature: “Just be quiet and think. It’ll make all the difference in the world”
“Enough is beautiful thing”. “No ceaseless wanting. No insecurity of comparison. Feeling satisfied with yourself and your work? What a gift”
“What do we want more in life? That’s the question. It’s not accomplishments. It’s not popularuty. It is moments when we feel like we are enough. More presence. More clarity. More insight. More truth. More stillness”
On boring routines: “The truth is that a good routine is not only a source of great comfort and stability, it’s the platform from which stimulating and fulfilling work is possible”.
Get rid of things. “Start by waling around your house and filling up trash bags and boxes with everything you don’t use. Think of it as clearing more room for your mind and your body. Give yourself space. Give your mind a rest. Want to have less to be mad about? Less to covet or be triggered by?. Give more away.”
“The wise and busy also learn that solitude and stillness are there in pockets, if we look for them”. Grab those moments, schedule them, cultivate them.
Make the time for your hobbies. Build the discipline. Yes, discipline of regulrly pursuit your hobbies.
Quotes:
“Always remember, others may hate you, but those who hate you don’t win unless you hate them. And then you destroy yourself”. Ryan Holiday
“To be really happy and really safe, one ought to have at least two or three hobbies, and they must be all real” Winston Churchill
“The advantages of nonaction. Few in the world attain these”. The Daodejing
“It’s only ideas gained from walking that have any worth”. Friedrich Nietzsche
“As a well-spent day brings a happy sleep, so a well-employed life brings a happy death”. Leonardo da Vinci
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