
Paris, France
August 2019
(photo by Carla Romarate-Knipel)
A new year has begun
My feet wants to keep going
But my heart desires to be still.
Within me a clock is ticking
Not fast or hurried, but steady
It is saying, you can be still
And keep going.
Stillness does not mean stuckness
Stillness can be active courage
Willing to remain calm and focused
Even when so many things are screaming for my attention.
Time to be still is good
At the beginning of the new year
It is necessary.
In stillness you take a deep breath
Before you take the next step:
You notice
You pay attention
And then you go on …
until it’s time
To be still again.
By Carla A. Romarate-Knipel
January 5, 2026
