Monday Musings 48

मन: प्रसाद: सौम्यत्वं मौनमात्मविनिग्रह: |
भावसंशुद्धिरित्येतत्तपो मानसमुच्यते
– Bhagavad Gita 17.16

‘Cheerful mind’ results in happy living. ‘Graceful mind’ avoids negative emotions. Positive emotions can be developed avoiding negative emotions if the thoughts ‘Me’ and ‘Mine’ can be avoided.

Absence of egotism is an important practice to enhance gracefulness.  Egotism is the conscious awareness of “I,” “me,” and “mine.”  It is also called the aham chetanā (pride arising out of the sense of self).  All mystics emphatically declare that to invite God into our hearts, we must get rid of the pride of the self.

Kabir’s Doha on the importance of getting rid of ego to practice spirituality

jaba maiṅ thā taba hari nathīṅ, ab hari hai, maiṅ nāhī
prem galī ati sankarī, yā meṅ dwe na samāhīṅ   (Saint Kabir)

“When ‘I’ existed, God was not there; now God exists and ‘I’ do not. The path of divine love is very narrow; it cannot accommodate both ‘I’ and God.” 

Next in the line in mindfulness is mownam ie silence. How could silence be called a penance? Is not ‘talking your way’ a great gift and trait for a leader?

Silence here is given as a symbol of multiple things, Listening, Self-introspection, etc.

Silence is a true friend that never betrays   –   Confucius

Learn to get in touch with the silence within yourself, and know that everything in life has purpose. There are no mistakes, no coincidences, all events are blessings given to us to learn from     –    Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

True motivation and great inspiration emanate from a place deep within us. That place is not touched by the noise, and we can only connect with that level of inspiration and creativity if we take time to step back and become an observer of our surroundings and the activity going on in it. There is great power in silence. Explore it.

Silence is not inaction. It gives us an opportunity to reflect and respond effectively. In our ever-busy world of cellphones, social media, and endless chatter, it is critical for our creativity to find an oasis of calm for contemplation and the exploration of ideas. If we don’t allow ourselves space to just be contemplative and make decisions with clarity and consideration, we will just continue the madness of regurgitating the same old stories and ideas. We need room for silent reflection and space for innovation. If we don’t allow ourselves such places of quiet, we won’t allow our muse room to share something new with us.

“Silence is the sleep that nourishes wisdom.” Francis Bacon

In fact, there is a ‘cause and effect’ relationship between silence and ‘gracefulness of mind’. Develop the habit of daily silent introspection and that will eventually help in eliminating all negative emotions and enhance positive emotions. Try it out from today and you will see the results yourself.

#PowerOfSilence

Silence is important for our health and well-being and not just mental health.  

Silence stimulates brain growth. Two hours of solitude and silence every day could potentially rejuvenate your brain. In a 2013 study scientists exposed mice to three types of sound, including baby mouse calls. Scientists found that two hours of silence per day prompted greater healthy brain cell growth in the hippocampus – an area of the brain responsible for memory formation, learning, motivation and regulation of emotional responses.

Silence Improves sleep and fights insomnia. Silence improves memory. Silence relieves stress, Silence improves creativity.

#HowToEnjoySilence

How can you embrace silence in your life? What can you do to find solitude and instil it into your daily practice? Some tips below:

1. Walk in nature
   Take a walk in nature for some peace and solitude. Find a park, a walking trail, or go to the woods or the beach to enjoy some time alone, and take in the beautiful sounds of nature, which can help you relax.

1. Yoga and Meditation
   There is plenty of evidence of the benefits of meditation. Meditation does not have to be complicated. All you need is five to ten minutes to sit in silence and focus on your breath, gently let go of any thoughts from your awareness.

1. Sacred pauses 
   Sacred pauses are mini-meditations you take during the day when you are involved in a goal-oriented task. Take a break from what you are doing and sit comfortably with your eyes closed. Take a few deep breaths and with each breath let go of any thought or worries and let your body relax. You can do this many times a day to give your mind and body a break from noise and stressful thoughts.

1. Stay in bed an extra five minutes in the morning
   Wake up early to enjoy the quiet and solitude before the day begins. Bask in the silence, with no particular thoughts as you awaken slowly to the day. These precious moments can set the mood for the rest of the day and give you the boost you need to carry on with a peaceful vibe.

1. Digital Detox
   Set a day, perhaps on the weekend, to stay away from your digital devices. It is not easy and I am not able to do this honestly.

MONDAY MUSINGS will continue…