Why it is Hard, but Necessary to Sit. Yes, I'm talking to You, Parents and Educators
Mar 07, 2025I can't meditate! If you can hear yourself saying those words, then the idea of sitting, just to sit, can feel like an impossible luxury. Spare time doesn't exist. (At least not for anyone I know!) Taking a moment to sit might even seem counterproductive because there’s always another fire to put out and emails to answer. So why is it so hard to pause, and why is it so necessary?
The Struggle to Stop
For parents and teachers, the pressure to keep going is especially intense. You’re not just responsible for your own work; you’re supporting students, colleagues, and sometimes entire communities. Sitting still can feel like letting everyone down.
Our brains are conditioned to jump from one thing to the next and to be on alert in case of an emergency. In this environment, sitting can feel uncomfortable, even anxiety-inducing. The quiet can be deafening when you’re used to constant noise.
Why Sitting Matters for Wellness
And yet, sitting is one of the most powerful acts you can do for yourself and those you serve. When you sit, you allow your mind to catch up with your body. You create room for reflection, clarity, and intentionality, which are all qualities that are essential for effective leadership, parenting and teaching. Yoga teaches us this too.
Research shows that mindfulness practices, such as simply sitting and focusing on your breath, can reduce stress, improve focus, and boost emotional resilience. These are crucial tools for navigating life's challenges. (And boy do we have challenges in our educational system right now!)
Take a minute to sit and focus on YOUR truth. Moving through your day with mindful attention can bring your truth to light.
How to Start Sitting
If sitting feels hard, start small. You don’t need to carve out an hour of your day or set up a meditation cushion. Here’s how to start:
- Find a Quiet Spot: It doesn’t have to be perfect. Your desk, your car, or a bench in the school courtyard will do.
- Set a Timer: Start with just two minutes. Knowing there’s an end point helps. And make sure the alarm is a pleasant sound, not a siren!
- Focus on Your Breath: Inhale for four counts, exhale for six. Repeat. I know, the four part breath is popular, but holding your breath can make some people feel anxious so try this instead.
- Notice What Comes Up: Your brain will think. You will have thoughts. Notice them without judgment and return to your breath.
The Ripple Effect of Sitting
When you make space to sit, your mood may naturally shift. People will ask you why your skin looks so good or how do you stay so calm? Tell them about your 2 minute secret.
In stillness, you can hear your own thoughts, feel your own feelings, and remember why you chose to work with kids in the first place. The ripple effect is often much bigger than we think it is.
Embrace the Challenge
Yes, sitting is hard. It goes against the grain of everything our culture tells us about success and productivity. But it is also one of the most radical and necessary acts you can do. So the next time you feel the urge to push through without pause, resist it. Sit. Breathe. Be.
Let me know how it goes! - Stef
Want to Learn Easy Ways to "Sit" with the Writing Yoga® Method for Free?
If this sounds interesting to you, I would love for you to try my next free session.
It’s the perfect opportunity to explore Writing Yoga® in real time, connect with like-minded individuals, and experience firsthand how guided movement, sitting, and writing can come together to create grounding and clarity.
Whether you’re curious about starting a new practice, need a little reset, or are just looking for a space to pause and reflect, this free session is designed to meet you where you are. I’d love to have you there!
Click here if you’d like to learn more and sign up.
Are you a school administrator looking for an unusual historic retreat this summer for your team?
I have room to work with six school districts at Cedarmere and the Walt Whitman Birthplace on Long Island. We had a wonderful experience with local districts this past summer, and I'm excited that I can help to shift the mindset toward positive change. So please reach out to me if you have any questions, or click here if you’d like to learn more.
Remember to sit, write & move (SWiM!) each day for a calm, creative & more compassionate life.
For more activities and resources, please go to www.WritingYoga.com
Thank you for making the world a calmer, more creative and compassionate place!
Copyright © 2024 Stefanie Maura, All rights reserved.
