HOW many of us actually sit and do nothing?
Twenty-first century life drives the myth that we have to be constantly busy and constantly achieving, failing to pick up on the benefits of stillness. Even if we are sitting, it is rare to be surrounded by silence: sound from televisions, radio or computers, laptop or mobile phones and even household devices such as washing machines, microwaves or dishwashers, may provide background white noise, coupled with existing noise from traffic outside our homes. Sitting still in silence with no sound or visual distraction is an increasingly rare activity. Yet there are important benefits to be found in the still of a moment.