Upon returning from India two Aprils ago, from a spiritual sojourn at one of the purest pilgrimage spots ever, I welcome you into the thoughts of this pilgrim…
Each time I am drawn back to my dearest spiritual home up on Mt. Abu, I’ve been taken deeper into the art of stillness and silence…for there is great satisfaction for the soul to focus upon itself and to know the peace and true rest that can only be found within. And yet, the soul finds itself in a world of constant movement and sound, and the ego and personality take so much satisfaction from action, even actions that often spring from a place of compulsion! WHAT TO DO…HOW TO NOT DO AND JUST BE!!!
In a piece called The Art of Stillness by Pico Iyer, he points out that:“In an age of speed, nothing could be more invigorating than going slow. In an age of distraction, nothing could feel more luxurious than paying attention. And in an age of constant movement, nothing is more urgent than sitting still.”
In these days of world pandemic and obligatory ‘sheltering in place’-perhaps the silver lining in this enormous cloud of Covid-19 which has changed the face of our earth, is that many of us are finding that being “locked down” has given them a sense of time and spaciousness which little else could. Many are making use of this time very profitable on behalf of caring for the soul. When so much in the outer world has been brought to a sudden halt, what remains, that no one and nothing can take away is the domain of our inner world. It is in the quiet hours that have been returned, that one can find a sense of renewal and reprieve from the escalating calamity that has spread its tentacles into every strata of society, every continent on our planet, and invaded the very fiber of our psyches.
Now more than ever, we need a method of defense from the human thought generated sense of panic and anxiety which tends to feed unwellness rather than keep it a proper distance. Now more than ever, The Art of Stillness becomes an antidote to fear, and to the invisible infection of panic gone viral.
Now more than ever, it is time to bring in “stillness” as a necessary art form into which you may retreat from these infectious airways of mass uncertainty. Every Thursday, for the past 12 months a small group of us have met on my lanai to focus our attention inwards, to discover how to rise above the flux of the body and the turbulence in the mind. We have been learning about inner joy and contentment and self-respect which can be found in the stillness.
As a great writer and yogi once said:
“The main state of mind now in the world is the wandering state of mind. Thoughts go in many directions and consciousness is fragmented. Stillness is a settled state of mind. Stillness results in concentration which creates the experience of BLISS. Only when still, can we experience the subtle inner state of bliss.”
And in Master Eckhart’s words (1260-1327): “Nothing in all creation is so like God as stillness.”And from: the Upanishads (c.1000 BC):“Away from the chatter of the senses, from the restless wanderings of the mind, there is a quiet pool of stillness. the wise call this the highest state of being.”
In the past 12 months, we have all become wiser, quieter, and happier. Now more than ever, it is time to share our practice of slowing down thoughts to experience more stillness with others. As the facilitator, I will guide you through various exercises, methods, readings, and share videos that will take you deeper into silence and peace.
Presently, our sessions happen on a free conference call every Thursday from 4p.m. to 6p.m.
If this intrigues you, inspires you, or speaks to you in anyway, please don’t hesitate to call me and sign up. 808-639-9436. As a group, so much more can be accomplished than if one were to try this alone. Yet this will prepare you for the deep satisfaction of being able to enter the stillness and the silence on your own, whenever you choose to.
STILLNESS REQUIRES COURAGE… Come fill your cup with both stillness and courage.
Om Shanti,
Shivalaya
Please call me @ 808-639-9436 to register for this course.
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