Stillness

When was the last time you took a moment to be still? Not sleep, and not vegging in front of the tv - which has its merits from time to time, but intentional stillness that is both physical and mental, even spiritual.

 If you're anything like me, it doesn't happen very often. This morning we began a study of stillness and what inhibits us from achieving it: our responsibilities, our relationships, pressure to achieve, to be movers and shakers.

 We looked at the verse Psalm 46:10 that says, "Be still and know that I am God."  There is a connection between stillness and connecting with the divine.

One of the books on my nightstand is 365 Tao Daily Meditations by Deng Ming-Dao.  This meditation on stillness reads

Wind stirs the bamboo,
But once the wind passes,
The bamboo is silent.
Geese land on the chill pond,
But once the geese fly away,
There are no reflections.
In the same way,
Once the red dust passes,
The mind is still.


Is your mind full of red dust? What will it take for the red dust to settle?

Although many people are initially drawn to yoga for the fitness benefits, one of the primary goals of yoga is to still the mind.  In this stillness, a yogi can connect to that kingdom that is both within us and everywhere.

Next week, Linda is going to lead the class in a retreat into this stillness and silence, creating an opportunity for you to let your red dust pass from your mind.  Like yoga, we will practice.  We invite you to come join us as we still our bodies, our hearts, and that pesky red dust in our minds.