"Seek out a tree and let it teach you stillness."
Eckhart Tolle
(Findhorn Retreat: Stillness Amidst The World)
The art of being still accompanies practices like yoga, meditation, contemplation and simple observation. The greatest skill is learning to quiet the mind. Mind chatter, frequently referred to as monkey chatter, can and will distort most efforts of mind solitude. Sometimes it is more difficult to quiet the mind in seclusion than simply 'zoning' out in the midst of life.
There is a technique which assists being still in the moment with another person. Clear the mind of thoughts, and listen to what the other person is saying. It helps to imagine their words filling a blank space above the head like one sees in cartoons. Let the white cloud fill up with the person's words. Look at them just as they are, without bringing personal reaction to mind. By keeping our personal beliefs or reactions to our self and opening our mind in solitude to receive the words of another, can really be challenging and insightful.
This particular practice brings a better understanding of others. When we are totally still, we are more objective with the words of another. It is easier to understand a different perspective without agreeing or disagreeing. We are simply still in the moment, allowing the other person to be heard without interruption or interpretation. Our emotions do not become conflicted or enmeshed and the opportunity for growth is fertile.
Some times our feedback is unnecessary. A person may be seeking the opportunity to creatively express themselves without fear of judgment or challenge. If we encourage them to continue speaking without our own personal comments, the experience can be liberating. Again, we can agree to disagree, but it is not even necessary to express that option. Just be still and this will be a gift ... to be a quiet witness in the space of another.
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