We live in an over stimulated world. Consider the sounds around you constantly...traffic, TV, radio, your iPod, airplanes perhaps, birds, a clock ticking, people talking. Face it, it's easy to get used to as well. Many a person just can't stand to be in the presence of silence.  Silence can be scary to some, it means you are alone with yourself.  I am here to tell you that at the end of the day, that's all you have.  Whether you are in a relationship or not it comes down to you and your spirit.  So, you might as well begin getting comfortable with yourself, you have many days ahead.

 

I also understand just how difficult it can be to truly be still and silent.  It became very clear to me at one point through various signs around me and even through various mentors telling me that I needed to learn how to be still and listen.  Oh, how I struggled with this.  I am the queen of being busy. I don't necessarily need to have music or TV on but I keep myself busy and my mind is always busy.  I always have ideas going, lists of to do's playing on the movie screen of my mind, analization of many a thought and situation busies my mind as well.  Can you relate?  Seem impossible to actually quiet your mind and be still.

 

If you are like me you want to know HOW.  How do I do this?  One technique which was like my set of training wheels for meditation was to watch the flame of a candle.  Sit comfortably and silently with a lit candle in front of you.  Watch the flame bounce back and forth. Do not allow yourself to think about anything, only watch the flame.  Start with one or two minutes.  Truly, even that short period of time starts to allow you to turn off the mind chatter. 

 

Next, is to verbally clear the clutter.  Again, sit comfortably, close your eyes, take deep breaths.  Speak to God and ask him to quiet your mind so you can hear from spirit, so you can be connected to that inner-knowing.  Then begin to ask the question(s) you seek.  Spew them all out if you must to clear your head but come back to just one or two at a time which are really pressing you.  Say them silently and slowly a couple times and ask God to allow you to hear from him. Then breathe again and listen.  Repeat the same questions.  This can take some time and you may need to work with the candle exercise a while before you can be comfortable sitting and waiting in this fashion. With patience and silence the answers will come.

I have recently felt very at peace with being still and silent all at the same time. This is a major victory for me and if I can do it, so can you.  I tell you, it's worth the effort to get to this point because this truly is where you can hear from your spirit.  This is where/when you will receive the divine guidance on how to take the next step in your life.  I still have improvements to make but I have been so excited to see the benefit that I look forward to continuing my practice of silence.