This is a good time of year to slow down and let the mind go inward. There is a balance needed between activity and stillness. The seasons give hints about how to find that balance in both mind and body. The current season in the northern hemisphere has more dark hours to each day, a natural suggestion to start changing a few habits, get more rest, and perhaps foster a deeper connection with your essence, whatever that means to you. It’s a favorable time for stilling the mind.
When I think of stilling the mind, the first thing that comes to mind is relaxation. Relaxation is one of the first things that is needed to still the mind; it guides me toward slowing down. Then there’s breath. Breath has a steadying effect that can hold both mind and body. As I relax, the breath becomes steady.
Of course, sometimes my mind does not want to cooperate! In my experience, I have learned that if I focus on what my mind doesn’t want to do, that is, being quiet, a struggle happens and I end up fighting the thoughts. I’ve never found fighting to work. Instead of struggling to still my mind I can practice, and practice expands my awareness of what it takes to enter a quiet, reflective place.
What has helped me to shift from struggle to cooperation is realizing I need to train my mind to slow down and relax. Along with the training I became aware that I needed to clarify my motivation, why do I want to still my mind? If the mind starts acting out and says “I don’t want to,” I gently bring it back to my purpose, my enthusiasm.
Try this for yourself right now: Sitting comfortably, tell your body to relax. Take one or two deep breaths and then allow your breathing to be natural and easy. Bring forward your heartfelt feelings that can come from clarifying what is most important to you. Let those feelings take you into a quiet place, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Keep going. Let both body and mind move closer to that still place within.