Stillness within one’s body and silence within one’s mind are outcomes of a dedicated yoga practice that includes asanas (postures), pratyahara (sensory withdrawal), pranayama (breath regulation), and meditation (absorption). There are many wholesome reasons for choosing such a path. Primarily, stillness and silence are essential for inner peace, creativity, and spiritual connection. Health research directly links these three qualities to overall feelings of satisfaction and well-being.
In addition, realizing stillness and silence cultivates present-moment awareness, self-awareness, and mental clarity. As we reduce the amount of “white noise” in our external and internal experiences, we allow for the deeper listening and self-reflection necessary to understand our true essence. And, knowing who we are purposefully directs us to live in our genius. As we develop the capacity to be true to ourselves, the genius within us naturally emerges as a servant to all.
If the above reasons to nurture and grow inner stillness and silence aren’t enough for you, consider this: your inner wisdom will have the space to foster emotional balance, replacing your ego’s mechanical reactions of fear, self-doubt, judgment, defensiveness, and anger. In the stillness, we can hear our inner voice, and from this place of deep listening, dissolve our negative emotional habits. The deep rest and revitalization that emerge from our spiritual practices not only heal the mind and body from dis-ease but also heighten wisdom. As Ram Dass so eloquently states, “The quieter you become, the more you can hear.”
The great mysteries of life are reflected within the stillness and silence of our being, where everything and nothing reside. When I become still and quietly experience the “nothingness” of the universe, then can I access everything that has passed, is present, and is yet to manifest. It is a near-undescribable, joyful experience available to all who desire. Dive in with your curiosity.
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