 Be still
I think this is the best advice on this...
"Be still and know, that I am God... this messge is straight from the source. It makes sense, and it's simple, at least in theory.
The first part, "be still" is a universal concept of seeking spiritual guidance, and the last thing modern people in western civilization do. Stillness is an action, and a state of mind as well. It is also another word for silence. Eventually you might learn to be still in even busy circumstances. At first though, you need to take stillness as litterally as possible.
I recomend that you spend a couple of hours a day in silence... that is without movies, TV, video games, or other diversions. Get somewhere that you can be alone, or with others who are also seeking the same thing you are just as seriously as you are. If possible go somewhere there is minimal traffic noise... yet either outside, in a church, a sensory deprivation tank... or somewhere you can be at peace... bed works as long as you do not fall asleep the moment you get still.
Now that your physical body is still, try to find inner stillness. Stop arguing with yourself. Shut off inner dialog. Avoid thinking about daily stuff, and instead, think of and softly speak to God, divinity, heaven, holiness... in whatever way you precieve it... then try to drop as many preconceptions as possible. Once you have spoken, then get quiet, and meditate. It also helps to believe that you will get a response. Try not to think, or look at anything, or force any idea or visualization, just sort of float. No preconceptions, no expectations beyond the vague idea that something wonderful will happen.
Listen and observe. It helps if you do not focus on anything either with your eyes, or your mind. Just relax and let your eyes go gently crossed or even closed. If you can't not think, then get a mantra, or concentrate on your own breathing. Go blank, and make yourself open.
It might take a little practice, but the more you do this, the more effectively you will be able to get into that state. Eventually you will learn to envoke this state in any environment but that takes months or even years of practice for most people. In the mean time just develop a routine of frequent stillness whenever you can. Daily is good, but if you can't do it every day, at least do this several times a week.
In this state you should be able to commune with whatever you wish to commune with. Approach this with no preconceptions, just as if you were meeting someone for the first time. Don't jump to conclusions before meeting them. Give it a chance and you will get the most objective results from that. Just be open. Wait... "They that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength." This should be a restful and renewing process. It should help you feel stronger.
Anyway that's my advice.
Kim  | 
06-25-2009, 03:06 AM
