A still mind and its benefits

Mindfulness, calmness, and clarity with a still mind

What is a still mind? For some, it signifies a state where the mind is calm, clear, and well-organized. To achieve this state, there is a specific technique that I frequently practice and share with my students. This technique focuses on calm breathing, understanding the mind's mechanisms, and the initial act of letting go. Once these steps are embraced, one can engage in reflection, logical reasoning, deduction, concentration, and even speculation to unclutter the mind. With consistent practice, mental clarity emerges, and a sense of peace reveals the profound power of stillness.

For mindfulness practitioners, whether sectarian or non-sectarian, a still mind is characterized by freedom from the incessant stream of thoughts, emotions, and attachments. It is a calm and clear mind that fully embraces living in the present moment. Achieving such a state of stillness requires daily deep meditation practices, ethical conduct, and wisdom. Through practice, patience, and perseverance, clarity may frequently arise, and in some cases, even be summoned at will by highly experienced practitioners.

For dedicated sectarian meditators, particularly Buddhist Masters, a still mind holds a deeper, more significant meaning. It is a mind that is pure, unbounded by notions of time and space, free from suffering and liberated from the cycle of rebirth. This state of mind is enlightened and exists for the benefit of all beings.

The benefits of a still mind are manifold, including seeing the truth, reducing stress, improving sleep, and gaining the ability to focus at will. Often, individuals experience heightened compassion and love as well. By attentively halting the wild ride of endless thoughts, we can prevent and even resolve many life problems and issues. With a still mind, we can pause, perceive the truth, think clearly, release unhealthy thoughts and emotions, and visualize the right course of action. Reacting unconsciously (with a wild mind) often leads to more pain than necessary for ourselves and others. Thus, the benefits of a still mind are numerous and far-reaching.

Categories: : Coaching Tips, Wellness