When the best action is to simply be still

By Rose Kuo
Tech team, TED

We live in an era of constant movement and stimulation, both in the physical domain (planes, trains and automobiles) and the technological (the internet). The chase never ends for belonging, distraction and anticipation. 

As travel writer Pico Iyer once wrote in an essay: "We travel, initially, to lose ourselves; and we travel, next, to find ourselves."

In his engaging and profound TED Talk, Pico explores an inherent contradiction. How do we find stillness in all this movement -- both physical and mental -- and how then do we find ourselves?

He encourages us to step back: "It's only by stepping back, and then further back, and holding still, that we can begin to see what the canvas means and to catch the larger picture."

He doesn't discourage travel. Rather, he makes suggestions on how we might consciously make room for reflection and growth in the midst of travel.
 
As someone who has traveled over one million miles for both work and play, I find Pico's revelation refreshing. He's inspired me to make space, take a breath and remind myself that it's OK to stay in place. As we spend time anticipating our travel this holiday season, also try sitting still and being thoughtful to explore and love the world we're already in.