Research Updates

Follow the progress of The Stillness Project as we explore cultural attitudes toward stillness and quiet moments.

Current Status: Active Recruitment

Last Updated: July 2025

Participation Goals

What we need: • Survey responses: 150+ participants from diverse backgrounds • Interviews: 10 participants across different age groups and cultures • Diversity: Multiple cultural backgrounds, age ranges, and geographic regions

Current Progress

Recent Milestones

July 2025: Study Launch ✅

• Website launched with complete study information • Survey platform activated and thoroughly tested • Interview scheduling system operational
• Privacy protocols finalized and implemented • Community recruitment initiated across multiple channels

Recruitment Highlights

• Featured in community newsletters with positive response • Shared via social media platforms • Educational institution partnerships established • Cultural organization collaborations initiated • Word-of-mouth referrals beginning

Upcoming Goals

August 2025 Targets

• Complete first 5 interviews across diverse demographics • Reach 75 survey responses • Expand recruitment to additional communities • Begin preliminary theme identification from early interviews

September 2025 Targets

• Achieve target of 10 total interviews • Reach 150+ survey responses • Complete data collection phase • Begin systematic analysis of all collected data

Study Timeline

Early Insights (Confidentiality Protected)

Note: All insights respect participant confidentiality and share only general themes.

What We're Learning So Far

Cultural Diversity in Stillness: Early conversations suggest fascinating variation in how different cultural backgrounds influence understanding of quiet, contemplation, and reflection, including: • Traditional practices involving silence or contemplation • Family attitudes toward "doing nothing" vs. constant activity • Religious, spiritual, or secular approaches to quiet time • Generational differences in cultural practice preservation

Technology's Complex Role: The relationship between digital technology and stillness appears more nuanced than simple "technology disrupts quiet," with participants describing: • Intentional technology use to create quiet spaces (meditation apps, nature sounds) • Digital boundaries that protect contemplative time • Generational differences in technology relationship and quiet time • Creative solutions for finding stillness in digital environments

How to Stay Updated

Get involved: • Take the survey to contribute your perspective • Schedule an interview to share your story • Follow this page for regular progress updates

Questions about the research? Visit our Contact page to get in touch.

• Creative adaptations to find stillness within digital environments

Personal Definitions of Stillness

One of the most interesting findings is how differently people define "stillness" itself:

• Some focus on physical stillness and meditation-like practices
• Others emphasize mental quiet and reflection
• Many describe active forms of contemplation (walking, crafting, music)
• Cultural variations in what activities "count" as contemplative

Methodological Insights

Participant Engagement

The research process itself is generating valuable insights:

• Interview participants often express appreciation for the opportunity to reflect on their relationship with stillness
• Survey respondents are using optional text boxes to share personal stories beyond the quantitative questions
• Diverse recruitment strategies are successfully reaching participants across different communities
• Virtual interview format is working well for participants across time zones

Cultural Responsiveness

Our commitment to culturally responsive research is being tested and refined:

• Interview questions are being adapted based on participant cultural backgrounds
• Respectful inquiry about religious/spiritual practices requires careful navigation
• Language choices are being adjusted to be more inclusive and accessible
• Participant feedback is helping improve the research process for future interviews

Community Engagement

Recruitment Partnerships

We're grateful for support from community organizations helping spread word about the research:

• [Local cultural centers] sharing with diverse community members
• [Educational institutions] connecting us with student perspectives
• [Religious/spiritual organizations] offering opportunities to share about the research
• [Mental health organizations] recognizing relevance to wellness discussions

Academic Connections

The research is gaining attention in academic circles:

• Mentorship from [academic institution] faculty
• Potential presentation opportunities at student research conferences
• Connection with researchers working on related topics
• Integration with college preparation and academic portfolio development

Looking Ahead

Analysis Phase Preparation

As we approach the analysis phase, we're preparing:

• Professional transcription services for interview confidentiality
• Qualitative analysis software for systematic theme development
• Statistical analysis tools for survey data interpretation
• Member checking processes for participant feedback on findings

Results Sharing Plans

We're committed to sharing research findings with:

• Participants: Summary of insights accessible to all contributors
• Academic community: Presentation at student research conferences
• Broader community: Public findings summary highlighting practical implications
• Policy discussions: Potential contributions to conversations about digital wellness and mental health

How to Stay Updated

For Current Participants

• Monthly email updates for interview participants (optional)
• Website updates with general progress information
• Final findings summary shared with all interested participants

For Interested Community Members

• Website blog posts with research progress (respecting participant confidentiality)
• Social media updates about milestones and recruitment
• Community presentation opportunities as research develops

Academic and Professional Audiences

• Research conference presentations and academic writing
• Collaboration with faculty and graduate student researchers
• Potential publication in undergraduate research journals

Get Involved

Still Accepting Participants

We're continuing to recruit diverse participants for both survey and interview participation. Your perspective on stillness, regardless of your relationship with quiet practices, contributes valuable insights to this research.

Take the 4-6 Minute Survey | Schedule a 15-Minute Interview

Questions About the Research?

Contact the researcher: rushil.mahadevu@gmail.com

Thank you to all participants who have contributed to this research. Your willingness to share your experiences and perspectives is making this study possible and meaningful.