I did get a live broadcast on Spoken Word Saturday. Quotes from Chief Seattle, on of rthe great leaders of America's past. Today for Silent Sunday, we look at the sounds of silence. Not, just a major folk hit of the 60's, but a major theme of meditation and prayer around the globe. "Hello darkness, my old friend". For most people, the distractions of the outer world are hinderances to deep meditation, and deep passionate prayer. Mantra's and music are two of the few outer impressions that can deepen our practices. On today's broadcast, we will start with the customary prologue, discussion of your choice of intention, and a short breathing direction with a mantra.
Some can live in a state of near constant focus and walking meditation, most must create the proper setting to limit our wandering thoughts. I had an Indian master on my radio show on two occasions. He came to America to find support for his work in Calcutta. Water purification equipment, sewing machines, clinic supplies and homeopathic medicines were his purpose of travel. He published a biography of his teacher/master's life story. In it his teacher speaks of his teachings on meditation, taking place in the jungle. Constantly being distracted, bothered by and bitten by insects, he asked his master why he couldn't practice in the temple. He would later discover that his master had been circling his spot with honey to attract the insects. Such is the nature of the more devout student's journey. Between the stoic practices of Socrates and those of the Indian master's is a huge land of many options and choices. Each choice, begins with an intention, and then a first step. Meditation is an innate human skill, that easily develops with practice. It develops best with daily effort. If you miss a day, don't worry, try once more. Soon, it becomes more second nature, and less sticky note reminders. Choose a most appropriate time to send a few minutes or more in breath, meditation and attention to the quiet mind. Remove distractions, light a candle if you choose and consider soft quiet music. Close your eyes, breath in and then listen to the sounds of silence.
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