“He who attempts to act and do things for others or for the world without deepening his own self-understanding, freedom, integrity and capacity to love, will not have anything to give others.”
Thomas Merton, Contemplation in a World of Action
The other day I held a meditation group at the office. In advance of the group meeting, I planned a simple guided meditation to help those (like myself) who can’t stop the busy mind. I was a bit surprised to find that the majority of people wanted to simply be in silence. No guided imagery. No breathing exercises. No music….silence.
Entering into the silence is likely one of the hardest meditative practices. It conjures up all kinds of thoughts and questions. What will the mind bring up if it is allowed to stop for just a moment? What might I discover by dropping all of my “to-do’s” and thoughts of the busy-ness? Because I was not needed to facilitate the meditation, I was able to join. Did I want to though?
I closed my eyes, relaxed into my chair, took the customary deep breaths and joined the group in silence. I chased my thoughts — what about my latest deadline? Did I follow-up with my new client? Had I called my Dad today? How would I end this session?
As I gave myself permission to simply be in the moment for only 20 minutes, I began to observe my thoughts as a witness — no longer the manufacturer. I deepened into the chair and into me. At some point, it was as if I had melded into the others joining in the silent meditation. It felt so peaceful.
In the void, there is an opportunity to know yourself without the projections, without the labels, without the busy-ness. It opens you to an inner world full of opportunities to explore and invites you to tap into a world of creativity. It’s right there for you.
You have to first though be willing to enter into the silence….
If you are interested in entering into the silence with others, please join us for Mindfulness Mondays, a complimentary meditation on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month. See more by visiting Four Directions Wellness.