The Power of Stillness

What is "The Power of Stillness: Mindful Living for Latter-day Saints" by Jacob Z. Hess about?

• Integration of Mindfulness and Faith: The book explores how mindfulness and contemplative practices are inherently present within Latter-day Saint (LDS) doctrine and culture, offering a bridge between ancient spiritual wisdom and modern LDS life.
• Addressing Spiritual Burnout: It addresses the challenges of spiritual burnout, busyness, and distraction in contemporary life, proposing stillness and mindful living as antidotes.
• Practical Guidance: The authors provide practical advice, exercises, and real-life examples for incorporating stillness, silence, and mindfulness into daily gospel living.
• Restoring Depth to Spiritual Practices: The book aims to help readers rediscover the richness and transformative power of prayer, scripture study, Sabbath observance, and relationships through mindful presence.

Why should I read "The Power of Stillness" by Jacob Z. Hess and co-authors?

• Relevance to Modern Life: It tackles the pervasive issues of stress, over-scheduling, and spiritual emptiness that many Latter-day Saints and others experience today.
• Faith-Consistent Mindfulness: The book reassures readers that mindfulness is not foreign or incompatible with LDS beliefs, but rather deeply rooted in the restored gospel.
• Practical Tools for Change: Readers gain actionable strategies to create more space, stillness, and meaning in their spiritual and everyday lives.
• Personal and Communal Transformation: The book offers insights for both individual growth and building more compassionate, connected communities.

What are the key takeaways from "The Power of Stillness" by Jacob Z. Hess?

• Stillness is Essential: True spiritual depth and connection with God require intentional pauses, silence, and stillness, not just more activity.
• Mindfulness is Already Present: LDS practices like prayer, Sabbath observance, and temple worship are inherently mindful when approached with awareness and presence.
• Transformation Through Practice: Consistent, mindful engagement with spiritual practices can revive faith, heal relationships, and foster personal growth.
• Embracing Discomfort and Not-Knowing: The book encourages readers to hold space for questions, discomfort, and uncertainty as part of the journey toward deeper faith and understanding.

How does "The Power of Stillness" define mindfulness, and how is it connected to Latter-day Saint teachings?

• Mindfulness Defined: Mindfulness is described as “paying attention, in the present moment, on purpose, and non-judgmentally,” or “conscious affectionate awareness of the moment.”
• Scriptural and Prophetic Roots: The book highlights that mindfulness is embedded in LDS scripture and prophetic counsel, such as the invitations to “be still and know that I am God” and to ponder and meditate.
• Not Just an Eastern Practice: While mindfulness is often associated with Buddhism, the authors show it is a universal spiritual skill, present in Christian and LDS traditions.
• Heart in the Present: The Chinese character for mindfulness (nian) combines “now” and “heart,” paralleling the LDS emphasis on bringing one’s heart to God in the present.

What problems does "The Power of Stillness" identify with the current pace of LDS and modern life?

• Chronic Busyness: The book critiques the culture of relentless activity, both in church and secular life, which leads to spiritual and emotional exhaustion.
• Superficial Spirituality: Overemphasis on “doing” can flatten worship, making prayer, scripture study, and church attendance feel like empty routines.
• On-Demand Mentality: Modern expectations for instant answers and constant stimulation undermine the patience and openness required for genuine spiritual growth.
• Loss of Heart: The authors warn that the “death or loss of the heart” can result from an over-hectic lifestyle, diminishing the richness of spiritual practices.

How does "The Power of Stillness" by Jacob Z. Hess suggest Latter-day Saints can incorporate stillness and mindfulness into their daily gospel living?

• Intentional Pauses: Build moments of stillness into daily routines, such as pausing between activities or before spiritual practices.
• Mindful Worship: Approach prayer, scripture study, and temple attendance as opportunities for deep presence and communion, not just tasks to complete.
• Sabbath as Retreat: Reimagine the Sabbath as a restorative retreat, focusing on rest, reflection, and connection with God and family.
• Practical Exercises: The book offers “Things to Try” at the end of each chapter, including breath awareness, body scans, and mindful listening.

What are the main concepts and practices of mindful prayer and scripture study in "The Power of Stillness"?

• Prayer as Communion: Prayer is reframed as a two-way, mindful dialogue with God, involving listening, silence, and heartfelt presence rather than just reciting requests.
• Scripture as Experience: Scripture study is encouraged as a mindful, immersive experience—slowing down, pondering, and seeking personal revelation rather than just reading for completion.
• Embracing Silence: Both practices benefit from periods of silence before, during, and after, allowing space for the Spirit and deeper insight.
• Dealing with Distraction: The book normalizes wandering thoughts and teaches gentle redirection of attention as part of the spiritual practice.

How does "The Power of Stillness" address dealing with inner noise, distraction, and restlessness?

• Turning Toward Discomfort: The book teaches that inner turbulence is normal when seeking stillness, and encourages turning toward, rather than avoiding, uncomfortable thoughts and feelings.
• Anchoring Attention: Techniques such as focusing on the breath, body sensations, or sacred words help anchor the mind and cultivate calm.
• Gentle Curiosity: Readers are encouraged to observe their thoughts and emotions with compassion and curiosity, reducing self-judgment.
• Patience and Practice: Quieting the mind is presented as a gradual process, requiring patience and repeated practice.

What does "The Power of Stillness" say about handling doubt, questions, and not-knowing in faith?

• Not-Knowing is Normal: The book affirms that uncertainty and lack of answers are a natural and purposeful part of mortal experience and spiritual growth.
• Holding Space for Questions: Readers are encouraged to create compassionate space for their own and others’ questions, without rushing to resolve them.
• Mindful Inquiry: Mindfulness helps differentiate between thoughts and reality, allowing for more objective evaluation of doubts and concerns.
• Faith and Conviction: The authors caution against both glorifying doubt and rigid certainty, advocating for humility, patience, and openness to ongoing revelation.

How does "The Power of Stillness" by Jacob Z. Hess apply mindfulness to relationships, marriage, and parenting?

• Being Present with Others: Mindful presence is key to deeper connection, empathy, and healing in relationships, including marriage and parenting.
• Letting Go of Unrealistic Expectations: The book encourages accepting partners and children as human beings, with space for mistakes and growth.
• Mindful Communication: Practices such as full attention, non-judgmental listening, and pausing before reacting are emphasized.
• Transforming Family Life: Mindfulness is shown to enhance family rituals, discipline, and daily interactions, making home life more peaceful and nurturing.

What are the unique Latter-day Saint perspectives on mindfulness and stillness presented in "The Power of Stillness"?

• Restoration Mindfulness Advantage: The book argues that the restored gospel uniquely integrates “being” and “becoming,” offering abundant opportunities for mindful stillness within its practices.
• Temple and Sabbath as Retreats: LDS temples and the Sabbath are highlighted as built-in sanctuaries for retreat, reflection, and non-doing.
• Doctrine and Dharma Synergy: The authors explore synergies between LDS doctrine and broader contemplative traditions, suggesting the Church has potential for a profound meditative tradition.
• Openness to All Truth: Drawing on Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, the book encourages gathering truth from all sources, including mindfulness practices.

What are the best quotes from "The Power of Stillness" by Jacob Z. Hess, and what do they mean?

• “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10): Emphasizes the foundational scriptural call to stillness as a path to divine connection.
• “Beware the barrenness of a busy life.” (Socrates): Warns against the spiritual emptiness that can result from constant activity without reflection.
• “Forever is composed of nows.” (Emily Dickinson): Highlights the importance of living fully in the present moment as the essence of eternal life.
• “When we are still, looking deeply, and touching the source of our true wisdom, we touch the…living Christ in ourselves and in each person we meet.” (Thich Nhat Hanh): Suggests that mindful presence allows us to experience Christ within ourselves and others.
• “Try a little harder to be a little better.” (President Gordon B. Hinckley): Encourages gentle, ongoing progression, aligning with the book’s message of compassionate growth.