The Art of Stillness | Pico Iyer | TED

The place that travel writer Pico Iyer would most like to go? Nowhere. In a counterintuitive and lyrical meditation, Iyer takes a look at the incredible insight that comes with taking time for stillness. In our world of constant movement and distraction, he teases out strategies we all can use to take back a few minutes out of every day, or a few days out of every season. It’s the talk for anyone who feels overwhelmed by the demands for our world.

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[TED]

Learn how to make your travels truly transformative in Pico Iyer’s upcoming TED Course “How to take a life-changing journey.” You’ll learn how to set an intention and choose a destination, how to make the most out of your arrival and be fully present while you travel, how to navigate cultural differences and how to live differently when you return home. Enroll now:

[AsifHaq]

"So in an age of acceleration, nothing can be more exhilarating than going slow. And in an age of distraction, nothing is so luxurious than paying attention. And in an age of constant movement, nothing is so urgent as sitting still."
That's profound.

[wilija]

I love his speech! I know what he means by finding stillness in everyday life activities. At first it takes effort to open up but after it becomes just natural.And yes, it is very easy to go with the flow while you travel. Stillness is a sense of total peace. Silence in noise. 

[pieexperiences]

Watching Pico Iyer’s TED Talk fills us with so much hope and gratitude. His words resonate so deeply with our mission at Pie Experiences. It’s a reminder that true travel is not about checking off countries, but about embracing moments that stay in your heart and mind forever. We’re so thankful for his inspiring message, as it reaffirms the path we’re on—to help travelers slow down, feel more, and live each journey fully. This is what we dream of: creating experiences that transform lives.

[MaxOstrov]

I loved this speech! Stillness in motion, is an attribute I strive to achieve, each day. And have taken on the symbol of the hummingbird to represent it in many ways... I also, recently watched an interview with Bruce Lee, again, where he explains his philosophies... One of the main, and best known ones, being his saying "Be like water, my friend." I think this ties-in, well. As water, much like yourself, moves with the laws of earth and gravity, whereas you may travel due to the expectations of society, and the livelihood of your family, etc...But very similar...He, then, goes on to explain that when water fills a cup, it becomes the cup, when it fills any space, and becomes still, it becomes that space. But only when it stops moving, and fills the space around it, and lets the space around it fill you, in return, can you truly live in that moment, and master it. I could go on, and on... But, for now, I think I'll just be still. Thank you.

[BalconStreet]

I was a travel addict, and I know sometimes travels are a way to run from yourself and your thoughts, I am trying to slow down. this quarantine time is a great opportunity for us to try stillness.

[pradi]

What a clarity... stillness is the key...!!

[ericjohnson]

"In stillness all things can be known." Steps to Knowledge: The Book of Inner Knowing.

[sudhindrak]

Smooth speaker and supremely gifted to speak on issues that relate to all of us. 

[swsephy]

Ted has been posting some not-so-great content lately in my opinion, but I really enjoying this one.

[derekonlinenow]

Amazing! Watching this video was like bathing in the water of enlightenment.

[bladyjoker]

One of the most beneficial stories I've heard in a while. Internet sabbath and nowhere here I come!

[adrienperie]

Well, hearing Nassim Haramein, a physicist, describing to me how meditation would allow me to reconnect my physical me with my true self didn't make me start doing it, but this did. Well done Sir, you are a great teacher, thank you.

[RadChild]

Going nowhere is usually my preferred vacation. 

[monicaferro]

Loved it! And happy to have introduced some stillness in my life! Trying to slow down. Less talk less noise ..still a long way to achieve real stillness. The movement of his hands I think shows he is nervous. Or in some people movement helps deeper concentration

[VincentAndre_HK]

I did practice the music listening thing before sleep, I have to say it was nice indeed, and I just can't recall why I stopped... 

[DrJamilahMerrick]

Beautiful articulation on the art of going nowhere

[ARTByJAMESPATRICK]

Great talk, I'm only now starting to understand the importance of this :)

[chaz-e]

Stillness helps you gain Mindfulness, exemplify your potential.

[jennifercastillo]

Realmente muy bueno creo que este audio video llego a mi vida en el momento correcto gracias al universo que me trajo hasta aquí