Chapter IV
Knowing Progresses With Stillness
The Power Of Stillness
Every moment, we are experiencing ourselves, thus there is no moment that passes by when we are not developing Self-Knowing in one level or another.
However, it is only within the moments of Stillness—when the mind is uncluttered and free of thoughts—that the Self-Knowing can deepen.
Without stillness, one can become stuck in their reactions and wandering thoughts and only know more about themselves at the level of the Personality but never much beyond.
For instance, if every thought were a piece of scattered leaf, the more thoughts one generates, the deeper The Self will be hidden from view. It is only when our mind is Stilled and released from the chaos of thoughts that one can begin the process of unveiling and exploring The Deeper Self within.
That is the power of Stillness; through it, one can see beyond the leaves, to the branches, to the trunk, to the roots, to eventually arrive at the seed from which all arose—and meet The Person behind the Personality—The Creator!
Observation from Stillness
The Knowing of "Who am I?" is developed through the state of observing oneself rather than thinking for the answers.
Although the state of observation can sound simple to achieve, it is extremely challenging, for the mind that likes to think all the time will most likely cry at the idea of doing completely nothing!
These days, to "simply observe" is a state rarely achieved by all because "thinking" has become the way of life: working to earn money, dwelling on thoughts about what we want and on things we don't want—and the list goes on and on.
When was the last time you did absolutely nothing but simply observed the Present Moment as it is?
Thus, the idea of simply using the mind to observe rather than think can be easily misinterpreted. To know what the state of observation really is, one can only learn from experience. And that is through practising and developing Stillness.
When one is Still, one will know what Unstillness is.
Practices that promote Stillness
There are many things ways one can do to develop Stillness.
Activities that promote Stillness can be simple tasks such as the following: gardening, learning to take breaks throughout the day, taking a long stroll, exercising, cleaning the house, and so forth.
Any activities that can put the thinking mind aside whilst engaging our focus and attention can be helpful. Physical activities such as exercise that doesn't require much mental work can also be very "Grounding".
However, the practice of Meditation is the only way to truly deepen the state of Stillness as it's only when one closes their eyes and seals off the outer senses that can open the mind up to opportunities of higher Stillness and Awareness.
And later, you can visit the Course page to learn how to meditate!
Apart from meditation, Ashtanga Yoga is another powerful practice to develop Inner Stillness!
Realize the power of Stillness!
With Stillness comes Self-Knowing. With greater Self-Knowing, one will come to discover the Seed Cause of their Sufferings.
Chapter V. Knowing The Sufferings