It’s so easy to busy our minds to the point that we hardly notice that there is a still and quiet background to our existence. I was up at 5 am this morning, which is my favourite time of day. On my way back into the living room with my coffee in hand I noticed the little bundle of books, journal and pencils in my hand and the thought came so clearly, “why not just listen this morning?”.
Listening can be judged by the mind as boring and uninteresting. There isn’t a lot going on at 5 am except the occasional sound of a car going by. But then the birds began to sing. There is nothing sweeter than the sound of birds singing in the morning as the first light appears. They sing to us even though we do nothing to deserve it or make it happen. Every chirp is an unearned and precious gift appearing out of stillness.
I notice that the sound of traffic is another gift appearing in stillness. My listening deepens. I notice that everything is appearing in this still open space of awareness. I look around the room and take in the colours and shapes so beautifully displayed in stillness. There is nothing in the room or outside the room that is judging me; demanding my attention or asking me for anything other than to be here and receive.
Be here and receive.
As I open myself to the stillness the words, be here and receive, begins to permeate my cells. There is resistance in my body to this invitation and I simply notice. Resistance is a testament to how much control I’ve tried to assert in my life. I feel compassion arising and notice that even the resistance is arising in Stillness. Compassion is such a beautiful gift. And again I did nothing to earn or deserve it. It simply appeared in response to the resistance. I take my time with this as stillness and compassion wash over and through me. I’m so grateful for this gift of receptivity.
Being present will allow you to rest in the stillness that is here and available to you in every moment. It is calling to you. It’s time to let go of control. Simply be here and receive. Wait for what’s next. Let it emerge on it’s own.
“This silence, this moment, every moment, if it’s genuinely inside you, brings what you need. There’s nothing to believe. Only when I stopped believing in myself did I come into this beauty. Sit quietly, and listen for a voice that will say, ‘Be more silent.’ Die and be quiet. Quietness is the surest sign that you’ve died. Your old life was a frantic running from silence. Move outside the tangle of fear thinking. Live in Silence.” ~ Rumi
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