Stillness Is Highly Underrated

For the ego stillness is threatening, it frightens the mind because to turn off the distraction means we actually have to sit with ourselves – our true selves, which is stillness itself, and that’s not very inviting for the mind especially if that is who we think we are. 

From the space of stillness all life springs, all creativity, insights, wisdom, and activity comes from the quiet place within where everything is allowed to be and are not held on to.

It’s not something we create.

Stillness already is, so to hear someone say “I have to create some time to stillness” makes no sense to me, to crave stillness and believing that you actually have to create time for it is only the mind talking itself out of not being still for even one small speck in time, and therefor it creates excuses and distractions. 

It’s like thinking it’s a luxury that you have to plan into your schedule, but we always take time to what we value the most, just look at what you do, that reveals what you truly value.

It’s not what we say we value, but what we actually do and how we spend our time that reveals where our actions and behaviors come from.

The ego has lots of excuses to not sit still for even 5 minutes:

  • Five minutes is not enough, there’s no use in only sitting for a few minutes in stillness, what good would that do. It’s a waste of time.
  • I don’t have time to be still, or meditate. I have so much to do; have to solve this problem first, I have to figure this thing out first, then I can relax.
  • Tonight I’ll relax with a glass of wine and my favorite TV show, that’s how I unwind.
  • I can call my best friend and dump all my stuff on her – that makes me relieved from whatever goes on in my frantic mind, that makes me relaxed.
  • I don’t like being still, .. hmm, I’m hungry, I’ll eat something first.
  • I need to have something to soothe (entertain) me (my mind) while I sit here, I’ll put on some new age music.
  • It’s not productive to just sit (I’m bored), I have to DO something.

When you first start to meditate or sit in silence, simply being with yourself (that’s all it is basically, it’s not complicated), you’ll notice thoughts coming and going, memories coming up, thoughts about something you need to do later on and you oftentime begin to sense some uncomfortable sensations where the body wants to move and so on, just let those things happen. (Observe what’s happening, don’t resist or judge).

This happens because the mind is conditioned to focus on objects, so it tries to be aware of and control even the stillness, but obviously it can’t so it can get a bit frantic in the beginning.

The mind has not learned how to not do something, it’s trained to get going right away when we wake up in the morning and for most people it’s conditioned to go, go, go! all day long, so give it some slack.

That is also why it starts to go back in memory because when there’s nothing to hold on to in this moment (of stillness) it tries to go to the past to have something to hold on to (and to have something to interpret because it can’t interpret or understand stillness), so it’s totally normal in the beginning.

It’s important to know that this is to be expected and don’t think that it’s going to be like that all the time (this is one of the minds most used excuse by the way; “it’s too difficult, I just can’t relax my mind, it’s impossible”) because eventually the mind will let go into the stillness, not by force and not by any effort, but by letting go of all effort.

Whatever issues you think there are to be ‘worked out’ in your life, whatever solutions you want to have, whatever problems that needs to be solved or questions to be answered, they will not come from the mind, but from the stillness within.

All solutions and answers come from stillness itself, not from the active, frantic mind.

It is from there all productivity and activity comes from that is actually constructive and helpful.

The mind may solve a problem (temporarily), but it always produces a new problem or issue to be resolved to replace the previous one, it’s what minds are programmed to do.

It’s nothing wrong, it’s just when we believe our minds to hold some kind of truth that it will drag us through life like a dog on a leash, from one issue to another, always frantically doing something and never taking time to just sit and actually feel life all around us, to smell the roses so to speak. (It thinks that’s something we can allow ourselves to do on holidays or weekends only).

The relaxations and peace we crave in life comes from being able to sit still and not hide from ourselves, which is the stillness itself. We are that.

That’s why it can’t be created or manufactured. It already is, it’s here for us to lean into and let ourselves be swallowed up by it.

Nothing actually needs to happen or change in order for us to be at peace, all that is needed is for us to allow it to be present in our awareness and being and to not push it to the background of life where we just pay attention to it now and then when it’s convenient for the mind.

Stillness is harmonising, it releases us from attachments, it opens up the inner eye vision and get us unhooked from the narrowness of the egoic mind that is mostly focused on figuring things out and solving problems.

Most people either don’t appreciate or truly don’t understand the value in having a mind that is still and open and thus receptive.

To even let go of the effort to be still (remember, the mind will want to control even the stillness in the beginning) and to simply be, and become aware of the mind and how it wants to manipulate and “become still” is a huge revelation in itself.

We don’t “become still”, we simply are stillness itself. Feel the difference?

There’s a relief in that difference.

One tries to either control and ‘be’ stillness, the other lets stillness be and doesn’t suppress anything that may come up, all is allowed and only seen from a witness point of view, as an observer of what’s going on.

When this happens, that’s when stillness is revealed to be our true natural state and not simply a state of mind that we visit now and then when we crave peace and quiet.

It’s then revealed that this is who we are.

And that’s why stillness is frightening, that’s why it’s avoided and resisted by the ego.

That’s why it’s underrated and not appreciated enough – because most still value the minds opinions and guidance more.  

In reality, there’s only one consciousness (which is Truth/God), and (billions) of different states of mind (programs/conditioning), and the unity all humans essentially crave can only come from not having the mind as our boss anymore, but that we instead turn our attention to the stillness within where all Life springs from.

That’s what unity with the One is. 

TheTimeIsNow

Peace is already present – the time to dwell and move

from stillness is always in the present moment

Here’s a few other articles you might like:

It’s so important to value the present moment and show up for life – right now!

Where to begin you ask, when the fast paced life has taken over and I have lost touch with myself?

This article may inspire you to live in the moment: Stop and smell the roses

When we become aware of how the mind operates, we come to realize that it’s in the knowing of the false that we come to see the Truth.

And that’s where all our suffering comes from essentially, from the unwillingness to look silently without the need to analyze or figure anything out.

To not go to our minds for so called solutions because the problems we think we have are also created in the mind, by the mind!

It will always keep itself busy, always keep itself occupied so it can keep its importance alive, while in reality there’s nothing new, nothing of real value, to be found in the mind: The Mind Always Demands To Be Preoccupied

There are many ways the mind tries to distract you when you sit down to meditate and one of the most common phenomenons that happen usually in the beginning when someone is just starting out with meditation is the sudden urge to sleep.

There you are, making yourself comfortable where you sit and you close your eyes, … and then suddenly you start to feel very, very sleepy, and you just want to lie down to sleep right where you are. It’s sooo inviting and you just want to give into it because it feels so relaxing and wonderful. 

This kind of sleep is a false sleep, and it’s not the same as “meditating” but the mind will convince you that it’s just the same.. It’s very clever: The Sudden Urge To Sleep When Meditating

What to do to about any kind of dullness and stuckness in life where one of the ways to hinder our own spiritual development is to let ourselves be fooled into believing the minds idea of recreation and relaxation: 7 Ways Of How We Dull Ourselves Down Spiritually And What To Do About It

 

I had a complete turnaround to my situation

I had a complete turnaround to my situation so many thanks for helping me transform something I had lost hope about. It’s a miracle and the outcome could not have turned out better! If you want to see a real shift not just psychological but spiritual shift, then Maria is the lady to see. I am so glad I found you!

– Sophie P

Completely transformed my understanding

Maria guided me to realize that relying solely on my mind (like LOA teaches) wouldn’t lead to the changes I wanted. A profound shift took place within me which completely transformed my understanding and my perspective on life. I am eternally grateful to Maria. 

— Carrie, USA

I’ve never had a conversation like that before

I just wanted to say thank you so much again for our session yesterday, I’ve never had a conversation like that before and it was truly amazing. I could feel weight lifted as we were talking and for the first time my mind did not try to make sense of things, it was all truly felt in the heart space.

Val, Melbourne, Australia

Serendipity led me to Maria

Serendipity led me to a life-changing session with Maria. The insights about life and myself that I gained during our session were incredibly liberating and empowering. Her clear and practical guidance helped me create a life that is in alignment with me and what I want. Working with Maria truly felt like divine intervention in my life!

— P.T, New York, USA

The whole session felt as if it was operating on another level

If you can trust one thing in your life right now, trust Maria. You can trust her with your heart and soul. It’s hard to explain, the whole session felt as if it was operating on another level. I’ve never had that kind of experience before. It just felt so much bigger than I anticipated. I can tell you with absolute honesty and conviction that having a session with Maria is life-changing!

– Lisa, USA

It was more than I could ever hoped for or expected

I feel like a huge weight have been lifted and I have so much more perspective on what I have been struggling with! 

Miriam, Espoo, Finland

More transformational than any other thing that I’ve tried

I highly recommend Maria! I don’t even recognize the person who started working with her a few months ago. Maria clearly sees what is blocking, stopping or limiting you. Working with her has been more transformational than any other thing that I’ve tried. Thank you Maria!

Britt, Marbella, Spain

Maria is leading people to a new way of being

Maria is changing the world by her presence. She’s leading people to a new way of being. She’s able to see where you are at in your journey and can show you the way forward. I feel so incredibly grateful that she has been a companion during this time of change. If you feel drawn to connect with Maria I encourage you to move forward with confidence.

– Carolyn W. Asheville, NC, USA

Maria is able to see the blocks that are holding you back

It’s been a month and I’m literally THRIVING! Forever grateful to you, Maria, I don’t even have words to explain how much your guidance and work has impacted and changed my life.

— Kim

My life has changed dramatically

Maria’s teachings and my session with her has transformed my life and allowed me to live in a state of flow and beautiful synchronicity. Maria, your impact on me is immeasurable, and I will forever be grateful.

— Maya

Could not more highly recommend

Maria is the real deal. You will sense it the moment you lay eyes on her. She offered much, much more than I’ve derived from other teachers; highly specific and personal recommendations. It is as though I got a crash graduate course from spirit. Could not more highly recommend!

Catherine Rondeau, Westport, Connecticut, USA

My self-awareness has soared!

Thanks to your guidance, my self-awareness has soared, allowing me to understand how my state influences the world around me. I am immensely grateful for the positive impact you’ve had on my journey.

— Al, Cincinnati, USA

This journey with you has been amazing

Words cannot fully express the profound impact of my session with you – it has been nothing short of magical. You helped me remove the blockages that held me back, helped me recognize my true worth, and providing so much insight that has been truly life-changing!

— Sarah K.

Can’t recommend her enough!

Working with Maria was one of the best investments I ever made in myself. I’ve seen immediate shifts in my energy as well as learned to work with my own energy and mind. It has been one of the single most transformational experiences of my life. Can’t recommend her enough!

– Chris, USA

You are truly a gift to us all!

I can’t even begin to express how much I have gained internally after my session with you. You have been an instrument of peace in my life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

– Owen, USA

The feeling of peace and freedom is priceless

This feeling of peace and freedom is priceless. Maria is beyond amazing. Had I not experienced it myself, I would probably not believe it. I recommend anyone who is trying hard to be truly free and really start walking down the path of self fulfillment and happiness to book a session with her.

I have never felt more aligned to my true self

Maria’s awareness of energies and the conditions of the mind are truly impressive. She knows exactly what’s going on. She is so attuned to other peoples’ energy that she just knows where you’re at. After working with her I have never felt more alive and aligned to my true self.

Andrew B, San Diego, CA, USA

Now I know what is creating my reality

I’m overflowing with gratitude and joy! Life has changed dramatically for me after our time together. I have truly realized on a fundamental level what is creating my reality and it has given me confidence for the first time in my life to finally be ME, I feel liberated to be my authentic self!

— J. Carlson

Beyond grateful for the transformational journey we shared

Maria, I am beyond grateful for the transformational journey we shared. it was nothing less than a miracle that has allowed me come into who I really am. I wake up every morning with a big smile on my face, feeling immense gratitude for just being alive, I can’t explain it, I´m just enjoying this fully. Your guidance has so profoundly changed my life, and I cannot thank you enough.

— R. Los Angeles, USA

You have really made a difference in how my mind works

I don’t know if I make sense, but all I can say is that I feel blissful. And I can’t thank you enough for that. I don’t know exactly how you managed this, but you have really made a difference in how my mind works.

– Silvia, Marbella, Spain

I have clicked into place with myself

Your guidance empowered me to show up more confidently in the world, it unlocked something within me that had kept me stuck. Now I know what I’m meant to do, and it has been life-changing and I feel I have finally clicked into place with myself. Thank you!!

 I am so glad that I reached out to you

Maria, you are truly godsend. I cannot describe how happy I am. I have no idea what you did and how you did, but I am truly grateful to you. My words in this email cannot thank you enough. Today is the first day that I woke up feeling as if I am ready to take on the world. I am so glad that I reached out to you. I am truly grateful to you. I will definitely recommend you to my friends and family!

J, USA

Connecting with you is magical

Maria THANK YOU. Sometimes just by connecting with you even briefly gives me instant clarity, it’s really magical, thank you so much. I trust your guidance so much, I’m just so grateful!

— Val S.

Something happened within me that I cannot explain

After our session, something happened within me that I cannot explain nor would it even make sense to anyone. There was a part of me that felt my being been taken over by a real peacefulness that I’ve never encountered before. Sounds odd but it’s the truth.

– A.

My life has radically changed

I finally know my worth. I feel so different now, I feel lighter, happier and more self confident. I treasure the time I spend talking with Maria and look forward to my sessions with her. There has been big changes in my life, synchronicities showing up like magic and I’m constantly blown away at the business and opportunities that I’m attracting. My life has radically changed for the better after I met Maria.

— Robin, New York, USA

Her unique ability to read your state helped me to breakthrough

I’ve had HUGE shifts in my beliefs. Her undivided attention, presence and unique ability to read your state helped me to breakthrough and release old patterns and replace them with new self-empowering practices that have truly shifted my life. I would highly recommend Maria to anyone. I am forever changed and forever grateful!

Joanna, USA

Definitely worth the investment

Maria showed me how magic can be created by my own Being. It was definitely worth the investment in myself. I’m extremely grateful for my time with her.

- Anna

*The Sessions page was updated on September 24.

Comments

  1. Pingback: There Is No Other Way Than Giving Yourself Over To Stillness (Spiritual Awakening Process) · Maria Erving

  2. Pingback: The Transformative Power of Prayer · Maria Erving :: Maria Erving

Add A Comment