We are a progressive species, a species that adapts effortlessly to change and diversity. This can be both good and bad. While evolution is necessary to achieve higher states of technology and competitive edge, (what we view as power), it is the focused attention on this power that causes us to lose sight of many other evolutionary benefits.
Humans are incredible in that we encompass more than just instinct and intellectual capacity, we encompass a wide range of emotions and feelings as well. Further fascinating is our ability to discern how we feel, differentiating good from bad, what feels right from what feels wrong. We are able to think and choose and express. It is a shame that we have learned over the years through discipline to push these innate abilities into our background.
Parents and educators are relentless in their plights to teach us that it is a “dog eat dog” world out there, “survival of the fittest” is echoed through the classrooms and homes alike. We are bombarded through instruction and imagery; to have the best possible house, car, clothes etc.... We are coached to say to ourselves (until we actually believe it), “I am the best, I am better than you, I deserve this, I deserve that”. As parents we do this out of love, we know it is competitive out there, we guide to help ensure our children succeed. Isn’t that what we all want, for our children to succeed? I guess my apprehension lies within the definition of “success”. But that’s another day, another blog.
Let’s get back to our inner peace, because let’s face it - we all live in this world, and even though it may not function ideally we must deal with it in its’ present state. So how do we do that, how do we handle the stresses and find peace within?
I propose we listen to our inner silence. So what is inner silence and how do we listen to it? Funny question isn’t it? Sounds like an oxy-moron doesn’t it?! How can you listen to something that is not talking? First let’s define the difference between outward silence and inner silence.
Outward silence is the cessation of clatter and noise, where all things are quiet. Inner silence is similar in that your mind is free from clatter and noise, where your thoughts are quieted. So how do we quiet our mind when it is said that the human mind is incapable of not thinking, at least on the subconscious level. We have, on average, 55,ooo thoughts per day, (to which more than 80% are about our own needs, wants, and concerns).
It is my view that quieting the mind does not mean a profound stillness, an empty void without thoughts. It is about discerning the clatter, filtering the noise and quieting the hustle and bustle.
Take a moment to concentrate on your breathing, feel the air come in and out of your lungs. Feel your heart gently pound, listen to the sounds in your ears, the pitches. Let your thoughts come and go freely. Take the time to actually listen and think about what you are thinking. It's really not as complex as it reads. Soon enough these thoughts will fade into the background, you will become in touch with your being. Once you have reached this point, (and it takes but minutes to get to this point), your inner silence will manifest itself through thoughts and ideas. Perhaps this is a perfect time to ask yourself a question now that you have your minds’ focused attention. Normally we get messages as thoughts throughout the day, seemingly random. You’ll be surprised at such a direct route for an answer, being able to discern “on the spot” a direction as well as your next step. How amazing does it sound to be able to get the direction and answers you seek through this simple technique?
Without judgment, allow your silence to manifest the answers without question. Trust that your inner silence is your true nature, your true self, realizing it has always been here.
Download 30 minute guided mediatation:
http://ia600309.us.archive.org/28/items/FollowingTheBreathAndObservingTheBodyMeditation/FollowingTheBreathAndObservingTheBody.mp3
Namaste
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