Stillness Can Be A Gift

                             "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.

Bent Out of Shape ...

If I'm losing balance in a pose,

I stretch higher and

God reaches down

to steady me. 

It works every time

and not just in yoga.

Terri Guillemets



Kundalini Yoga caught my attention!  My body had been bent out of shape from moving heavy boxes, pushing and pulling furniture, and carrying stress.   I needed some gentle movement for my physical well being and the meditation portion would be a bonus.

Attending class, I was thankful to not be the only 'first timer' to this particular yoga studio.  The teacher was engaging, kind, and observant which resulted in a positive experience.  Kundalini Yoga is focused on breathwork which I found to be easier to do than I initially thought.  The yoga positions were somewhat challenging while knowing they would eventually become more intense as the class progressed.

While backing out of the parking lot, I immediately noticed that I had a wider range of movement in my neck and shoulders.  The short drive home was long enough to realize I was calm and peaceful.  All was right in my world.

I must admit, however, that the experience brought up a longing for my friend Nancy who has been a yoga instructor for over a few decades.  She is also a member of my women's circle, a sister of my heart.  She is one of those teachers who doesn't just sit and direct.  She becomes engaged with each student, observing efforts so that she can offer kind suggestions to which the student happily responds, "Oh, that is so much better!"

Nancy introduced me through yoga to poets such as:  Mary Oliver, David Whyte, and John O'Donohue to name just a few.  Her hypnotic voice beckons you easily into the world of meditation.  Anyone who has experienced Nancy has nothing but praise for her abilities and kindness.  She is encouraging, supportive, and well versed in the world of yoga.

I suggest you visit her wonderful blog: 

http://nanyoga-alongthepath.blogspot.com/  

You'll be glad you did! 
Namaste