When we become still, a great witness within us is awakened and arises.
There are times in my instructions during guided meditations when I say that when you are repeating the mantra, sometimes it feels as though you are hearing the mantra, other times, it may seem as though you are saying the mantra. This is the distinction that comes into play when you notice that you are becoming the silent witness. When we become the witness, we can see, feel, anticipate and alter our way of Being in a way that is not accessible to us when we are simply living our lives on automatic pilot.
When we become the witness to our lives, we can recognize the story we are caught up in and simply observe it, breathing into it, in the quiet space of our heart, not judging ourselves or the people who contributed to our suffering - or even the suffering of the Earth and her creatures.
In Western culture, we crave accolades and success. The emphasis is on individual achievement and because it is, so many of us struggle with the idea that we can be important without being on the top of the hierarchy of power and influence.
Small acts that may go mostly unnoticed can have powerful reverberations.
Small non-actions, moments in which one person simply witnesses what is, remaining still and peaceful, are quite powerful. Making a difference in the world through some extraordinary act isn’t the goal; it is the natural outcome, and it involves more people than just you and me.
Life isn’t a competition focused on victory but on collaborative interaction. When we deepen our meditation practice, we take action and sit quietly, witnessing all that arises in the silence and stillness. We step back and forth, knowing when to give and when to receive.
In our quest to heal ourselves - and the Earth - the most important action for us to take might be simply to quiet our restless minds. In the stillness, we become clear on when to act and when to simply witness what is happening. This isn’t doing nothing because we remain present and deeply restful yet ready to take action when needed and the actions we do take are not based on impulsivity and reaction.
If you are looking to start a meditation practice but aren't sure where to begin, consider joining me for a Beginner's Meditation Class. I would be honored to equip you with some basic skills to get you started on this journey!