Stillness of the mind
8 July 2018

Panic seized her again at the thought of all she had to do. It seemed like a list of insurmountable tasks and she was wondering which to start with. She felt discouraged at the thought that not only she would have to find a way to accomplish all those tasks but she would also have to pay for the persons rendering the various services she needed for the accomplishment of some of the tasks. It would cost a lot of money ; money that she was not earning for now. She felt like crying but the tears did not come. Instead she felt a wave of weariness overcome her. Fortunately or unfortunately the weariness did not last and panic struck again.
She became restless and started biting her nails. She checked herself immediately as she did not want to end up like some people did with very small chewed-up nails, a testimonial of their anxiety. The thoughts raced through her head again and she felt desperate. She cried out to her guardian angels for help but was met with only silence. A silence that seemed deafening in comparison to her cries. She wondered how things had come to this point. There had to be an explanation for all that was happening. Things never happened without a reason and she was sure that there must be some reason for this chain of events.
Despite her reasoning she was starting to get desperate again and hated the feeling of helplessness that accompanied the flurry of her thoughts. She had not been able to meditate that morning as her mind had been too busy and pervading, not allowing her to focus on the meditation. She wondered if the lack of meditation was not worsening things. When she meditated things always seemed to be alight with fresh perspectives but today all her thoughts seemed to be cloaked with a dull tone of grey.
She suddenly realised that she was getting trapped by the age-old trap of fear. She was allowing herself to be sucked into the destructive energy of fear instead of maintaining herself within the powerful energy of love. She realised that it was her own mind that was allowing this, focusing on all the negative outcomes instead of focusing on the positive ones. Her mind kept trying to convince her that the positive outcomes were few while the negative outcomes were many and more likely.
She slowly tried to silence her mind that kept chattering away its thoughts into her head, attempting to make her feel submerged by helplessness again. She focused on her breathing and willed the thoughts away. She would deal with each task as and when it came up in the best way possible. Slowly she could feel the thoughts ebbing away as her mind gave in to the rhythm of her breathing. In a few minutes she was thoughtless and started focusing on the middle of her crown chakra.
She could feel the silence growing within but it was a pleasant silence now. She breathed in and out very calmly. Slowly but surely she could feel herself being filled with a sense of peace and joy. Her mind was silent and she could see a light growing at the tip of her crown chakra where her intent was focused. She played with the light, watching it grow until it filled all her head and then imagined it travelling downwards towards her toes before going up again and filling her whole body. She was light, she was peace, she was acceptance. She was pure thoughtlessness and silence. It had all begun with the stillness of the mind.
Stillness of the mind – Abel Korzeniowski
I wish that I could meditate or concentrate but I’m way too hyper. I even worry in my sleep. Anxiety follows me constantly
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Sorry to hear that. The key resides in slowly emptying your mind from thoughts. Music can help do that
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Great idea. I’m just one of those people without an off switch. If I was a kid doctors would probably say that I have ADD or ADHD.
As a child my parents gave me plenty of creative activities plus lots of arts and crafts.
No laplaptops, cell phones or tablets nor computers back in the 1960s and 1970s. I read lots of books during my childhood. My Dad took me to various places of interests in New York city.
The only thing that slows me down somewhat is aging.
Even when I was going to Buddhist temple for meditation I was easily distracted. However I will return to church and Buddhism on a regular basis after I retire next month in August.
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Thank goodness for your parents’ wisdom and guidance. I have a son who is hyperactive but it has slowed down over the years. I wish you a lot of peace
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Thanks. Next month in August 16th I will retire then my life will greatly improve.
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I wish that to happen for you.
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Thanks. 14 days until retirement. In the meantime to relieve stress I continue to paint. Helps me focus.
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Having an overactive mind means that I get lots done because of insomnia.
Most of my paintings and writing is done at night or before dawn.
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It is true that creativity is enhanced and also the less you sleep the more your creative juices flow although one has to be careful not to go into bouts of insomnia as that can become unhealthy
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True. I’ve had insomnia for years.
After a while one gets used to it.
Perhaps when I retire next month in August 16th I will sleep better.
In the meantime I use my insomnia to my advantage.
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When you can’t fight something, it is better to try to use it to your advantage
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Acceptance is a battle half won in a stressful situation!
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Very true Malkie, thanks 🙏
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A nice reminder to stop and rescue ourselves in those stressful times instead of floundering in the turmoil of our minds. I enjoyed the music. I like to listen to soothing instrumentals or chorus when preparing for work in the morning. It really sets a good mood to start the day.
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I am glad both music and writing appealed to you. You are right, music is good food for the soul 🎶
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A good advocacy for meditation
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Thank you Derrick 🙂 Meditation is an art of living
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