Stillness Speaks

1. The Now is the essence of life and the gateway to inner peace

The present moment is as it is, always. Can you let it be?

The power of Now. The present moment is the only point of true existence, where life unfolds. Past and future are mental constructs that often distract us from experiencing the richness of Now. By fully engaging with the present, we tap into a deeper dimension of consciousness, free from the burdens of past regrets or future anxieties.

Practical application. To harness the power of Now:

• Focus on your breath or bodily sensations to anchor yourself in the present
• Observe your thoughts without judgment, recognizing them as passing phenomena
• Engage fully in your current activity, whether it's work, conversation, or relaxation
• Practice mindfulness in everyday tasks, such as eating or walking

By cultivating presence, we access a profound sense of aliveness and peace that transcends the fluctuations of external circumstances.

2. Stillness and silence are pathways to self-realization

Stillness is your essential nature. What is stillness? The inner space or awareness in which the words on this page are being perceived and become thoughts.

Uncovering true self. Beneath the constant chatter of the mind lies a vast stillness, our true essence. This stillness is not merely the absence of noise, but a vibrant, alive presence that permeates all of existence. By tapping into this inner quiet, we discover our fundamental nature beyond thoughts and emotions.

Cultivating stillness. Practices to access inner stillness:

• Meditation: Regular practice helps quiet the mind and reveal inner spaciousness
• Mindful pauses: Take brief moments throughout the day to be still and present
• Nature immersion: Spend time in natural settings to attune to the inherent stillness
• Conscious listening: Pay full attention to sounds without mental commentary

As we become more familiar with inner stillness, we naturally align with the deeper currents of life, fostering clarity, creativity, and a profound sense of peace.

3. The ego is the source of human suffering and conflict

The truth is you don't have a life, you are life, the one life, the one conscious that pervades the entire universe and takes temporary form to experience itself as a stone or a blade of grass, as an animal, a person, a star or a galaxy.

Understanding the ego. The ego is our mind-made sense of self, constructed from thoughts, memories, and identifications. While necessary for functioning in the world, over-identification with the ego leads to suffering. The ego thrives on separation, comparison, and conflict, constantly seeking to enhance or protect its illusory self-image.

Transcending ego-identification. Steps to loosen the grip of ego:

• Observe your thoughts and emotions without identifying with them
• Recognize the transient nature of all experiences and forms
• Cultivate awareness of the deeper, unchanging consciousness within
• Practice non-judgment and acceptance of what is

By dis-identifying from the ego, we open ourselves to the vast, interconnected reality of existence, alleviating much of our psychological suffering and interpersonal conflicts.

4. Acceptance and surrender are keys to transcending the ego

Surrender is surrender to this moment, not to a story through which you interpret this moment and then try to resign yourself to it.

The power of acceptance. True acceptance means embracing the present moment fully, without mental resistance. This doesn't imply passivity or resignation, but rather a clear-eyed recognition of what is. Surrender involves relinquishing the ego's need to control or oppose reality, allowing us to align with the flow of life.

Practicing acceptance and surrender:

• Observe your inner resistance to present circumstances
• Acknowledge your feelings without trying to change them
• Let go of mental stories and interpretations about what's happening
• Say "yes" to the present moment, even if it's uncomfortable
• Trust in the inherent intelligence of life

By cultivating acceptance and surrender, we free ourselves from unnecessary suffering and tap into a deeper source of wisdom and peace.

5. Nature serves as a teacher for reconnecting with Being

Watch an animal, a flower, a tree, and see how it rests in Being. It is itself. It has enormous dignity, innocence, and holiness.

Nature's wisdom. The natural world exemplifies a state of presence and wholeness that humans often struggle to attain. By observing and connecting with nature, we can learn to realign with our own essential Being, transcending the limitations of ego-identification.

Learning from nature:

• Spend time in natural settings, observing without mental commentary
• Notice the aliveness and presence in plants, animals, and landscapes
• Feel the interconnectedness of all living things
• Emulate the effortless being-ness of natural phenomena

Through deepening our relationship with nature, we rediscover our own inherent stillness and connection to the whole of existence.

6. Relationships offer opportunities for spiritual growth and presence

True listening is another way of bringing stillness into the relationship. When you truly listen to someone, the dimension of stillness arises and becomes an essential part of the relationship.

Relationships as spiritual practice. Our interactions with others provide fertile ground for spiritual growth and the cultivation of presence. By bringing awareness and acceptance to our relationships, we can transform them from sources of conflict and ego-reinforcement into opportunities for deepening consciousness.

Conscious relating:

• Practice full presence and attention when interacting with others
• Listen deeply without mental preparation or judgment
• Recognize the shared consciousness beneath personal differences
• Use relationship challenges as opportunities for self-reflection and growth
• Cultivate compassion by recognizing others' essential nature beyond their ego

By approaching relationships with presence and awareness, we not only enhance our connections with others but also accelerate our own spiritual evolution.

7. Death is an illusion; life is eternal consciousness

To every accident and disaster there is a potentially redemptive dimension that we are usually unaware of.

Reframing death. Our fear of death stems from identifying with form rather than recognizing our essential nature as formless consciousness. By understanding that consciousness is eternal and that forms are temporary expressions of this consciousness, we can transcend the fear of death and live more fully.

Embracing life's impermanence:

• Contemplate the transient nature of all forms and experiences
• Recognize the unchanging awareness that witnesses all phenomena
• Practice dying to the present moment by fully accepting what is
• View challenging life transitions as opportunities for spiritual awakening
• Approach death and loss with an open, curious mindset

By reframing our understanding of death and embracing life's impermanence, we free ourselves to live more authentically and peacefully, aligned with the eternal dimension of Being.

Last updated: August 8, 2024