try making space for stillness

Try making space for moments of stillness. We live in a busy, noisy, rather frantic world. And if we are sucked into this non-stop movement, then we will not have time to find our spiritual essence, our buddha nature, the core of who we are.

It's as if this most delicious aspect of our being is rather shy. It's as if it is whispering gently to us. But we can only hear it if we create some moments of silence and stillness. It's in such moments that the deep mystery of life is felt all around and within oneself. This is really the way, the route, to come home to who we really are.

It cannot happen if we are busy twenty-four hours a day: moving, talking, chatting, connecting on social media; never a quiet moment, never a still moment. So we have to make the effort, we have to find time – even if it's just a brief moment here and there throughout the day – time for silence, time for stillness.

And to do this, you might want to find some specific times of day when you will remember: perhaps a few moments when you wake up in the morning; perhaps a few moments before drinking a cup of tea; just a few key points in the day that can act as a reminder. Because otherwise, the danger is we simply forget – forget to make time for moments of stillness.

And when you do remember, all you need to do is sit still and be quiet. Close your eyes. And see if your mind can become empty and silent for a few moments. Perhaps you want to bring your awareness to your breath, or the sensations in your body.

Of course, this is easier if you have a quiet place. But even if you are in the midst of the noisy bustle of city life, still, closing your eyes and bringing your awareness inwards, for a few moments, can be of great benefit.

So try it: try making space for moments of stillness and silence.