The Gift of Stillness: Women in Conversation
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The Gift of Stillness: Women in Conversation
On JustGospel's Just Business, Lindi Tshabangu hosted entrepreneurs Jo Watts and Helen McDowell exploring the transformative power of being still—a gift often mistaken for weakness but essential for thriving.
Jo's Off-Grid Journey
Jo, who's run her business for 30 years, took an unprecedented step: five days completely off-grid in the Karoo ravine with seven strangers. No watch, no phone, no devices, no mirrors. "Who am I if I am completely just with me?"
The "Inventure" (inward adventure) changed her life. Eight hours of hiking required complete presence—stick, left foot, right foot, constant awareness. "Did I just do that for eight hours? It felt like forever but like an instant." Two weeks later: "The difference between who I was before and after was borderline miraculous."
The Misconception
Being still is seen as weakness or allowing people to trample over you. Helen countered: "Taking time out is seen as luxury, not necessity. But it's like an emotional and physical bank account. The more you invest in yourself, the more you have to give, the stronger you are."
Matthew 11: "Come to me, all who are weary, and I will give you rest."
Practical Tools
1. Intentionality: "Make it number one priority. When planning days, weeks, or months, time for yourself comes at the top."
2. Recognize You Deserve It: Jo identified the root: "So many women don't think they deserve it—that's just selfish. Not recognizing how fundamentally important it is to your wellbeing."
3. Schedule It: "Put it in your diary. Book it." Helen schedules non-negotiables a month in advance. "If it gets to the day, you'll always sacrifice it for something 'more important.'"
4. Physical Boundaries: "Make a 'Do Not Disturb' sign. Stick it on your door. Mom's one hour of quiet time."
Business Applications
Stillness is strategic. Helen: "Stepping back creates space between you and what's going on, giving different perspective and clarity."
Jo practices "single tasking"—focusing intently on one thing. "The more we multitask, the less present, productive, and satisfied we are."
The Body Barometer
Jo's test: "Am I reacting or responding? My body tells me—I get blotchy and red. That moment: Pause. Listen. This accesses your parasympathetic nervous system, tapping into rational brain."
Helen: "First recognize the reaction. Then breathe—I hold my breath, building pressure. Think through your response. Sometimes say: 'I'm not responding now. I need to step away.'"
Breathing Work
Helen discovered yoga breathwork: "I stressed and sweated more doing breathing exercises than any exercise in my life. But I slept so much better. I could feel stress going down to my toes."
The Responsibility
Jo concluded: "It's my responsibility, not someone else's, to be still, to replenish."
Psalm 46:10: "Be still and know that I am God. It is when you are still that you will find peace, and that only comes from surrendering."
The Gift of Stillness: Women in Conversation
On JustGospel's Just Business, Lindi Tshabangu hosted entrepreneurs Jo Watts and Helen McDowell exploring the transformative power of being still—a gift often mistaken for weakness but essential for thriving.
Jo's Off-Grid Journey
Jo, who's run her business for 30 years, took an unprecedented step: five days completely off-grid in the Karoo ravine with seven strangers. No watch, no phone, no devices, no mirrors. "Who am I if I am completely just with me?"
The "Inventure" (inward adventure) changed her life. Eight hours of hiking required complete presence—stick, left foot, right foot, constant awareness. "Did I just do that for eight hours? It felt like forever but like an instant." Two weeks later: "The difference between who I was before and after was borderline miraculous."
The Misconception
Being still is seen as weakness or allowing people to trample over you. Helen countered: "Taking time out is seen as luxury, not necessity. But it's like an emotional and physical bank account. The more you invest in yourself, the more you have to give, the stronger you are."
Matthew 11: "Come to me, all who are weary, and I will give you rest."
Practical Tools
1. Intentionality: "Make it number one priority. When planning days, weeks, or months, time for yourself comes at the top."
2. Recognize You Deserve It: Jo identified the root: "So many women don't think they deserve it—that's just selfish. Not recognizing how fundamentally important it is to your wellbeing."
3. Schedule It: "Put it in your diary. Book it." Helen schedules non-negotiables a month in advance. "If it gets to the day, you'll always sacrifice it for something 'more important.'"
4. Physical Boundaries: "Make a 'Do Not Disturb' sign. Stick it on your door. Mom's one hour of quiet time."
Business Applications
Stillness is strategic. Helen: "Stepping back creates space between you and what's going on, giving different perspective and clarity."
Jo practices "single tasking"—focusing intently on one thing. "The more we multitask, the less present, productive, and satisfied we are."
The Body Barometer
Jo's test: "Am I reacting or responding? My body tells me—I get blotchy and red. That moment: Pause. Listen. This accesses your parasympathetic nervous system, tapping into rational brain."
Helen: "First recognize the reaction. Then breathe—I hold my breath, building pressure. Think through your response. Sometimes say: 'I'm not responding now. I need to step away.'"
Breathing Work
Helen discovered yoga breathwork: "I stressed and sweated more doing breathing exercises than any exercise in my life. But I slept so much better. I could feel stress going down to my toes."
The Responsibility
Jo concluded: "It's my responsibility, not someone else's, to be still, to replenish."
Psalm 46:10: "Be still and know that I am God. It is when you are still that you will find peace, and that only comes from surrendering."
