WHERE TO FIND SILENCE

Now that I’ve told you what practicing silence can do for you, it’s time to get down to the specifics of how you can reach this state.

Find a place and a time that suits you.

Find a comfortable place to take your silent time. You might create a special place in your home devoted to this activity. It could be a chair or a place where you are comfortable on the floor. You might want to sit on a pillow. Make sure you are comfortable, because it will interfere with your ability to focus if you are not. I encourage you though, to NOT lie down.

Okay, I know, I am already hearing you ask me, ‘If I am going to meditate first thing in the morning or last thing at night, why not do it lying down? You’re already in bed, right?

The reason is that you are too likely to fall asleep and the brain activity of sleep is different to practicing silence.

You need to be conscious, yet in a suspended state of higher awareness. Lying down won’t do. Neither will browsing through a magazine, checking facebook, scrolling through your SMS’s or relaxing with a book or newspaper. Silence means still and without any distractions.

My husband and I have now implemented no technology times into our daily lives to allow this to occur, and also to allow us to be more present with one another. I suggest you do too!

GET OFF YOUR BUTT AND MOVE

If sitting still will never be your thing, then give walking a go as your silent activity. Get off your butt and take a brisk walk outside. It may be even more effective to pace a small area where you can pay close attention to what your body is doing. As you would if you were practicing tai chi, which is a discipline of motion, notice your weight and how it moves. Notice how you plant your feet and how your muscles move. Stay focused on the movement of your body as a way to remove the chatter from your mind.

I have found yoga to be the most wonderful practice for me in this regard, followed closely by swimming.

GO OUTSIDE AND CONNECT WITH NATURE

I draw so much power and energy from nature. If you ever feel stifled from spending too much time indoors, find a spot outside where you can sit in peace and listen to nature humming all around you to feel more grounded. Even within the sounds of nature you will hear silence.

CANDLES AND INCENSE/OILS

Lighting candles and incense often sets the appropriate mood for silence and intimacy. When you observe the flame, you will notice the focus it brings to your mind. Imagine the radiance of the candlelight reflecting the same radiance you have inside. At times, when I do this I visualise and feel myself becoming the light.

Internal radiance is the result of a successful session of silence.

This is exactly why I created the luscious and luxurious range of LYBL candles, for people to enjoy in this way. You simply must check out our signature fragrance – Coconut Lime!

Lighting incense for me is a symbol and way of recognising silence in my own mind, allowing my thoughts to drift off with the fragrant smoke that it produces. Fragrant blend? Nag Champra of course.

BREATHE… REMEMBER TO BREATHE

You may choose to focus on your breathing as a way to the silence. Follow your breath as it fills your lungs and as it is released through your nose or mouth. Observe it until your time is up or you have forgotten to do so because you are in a Zen-like state. Take ten deep breaths to start this working for you. Inhale slowly, and exhale even more slowly. Silently count to four as you inhale, and eight as you exhale. Increase the number, as you get better at it. Even if all you do is take these ten breaths before starting and ending your day, it will make a difference in your life.

I have adopted many yogic breathing techniques into my life, that when used allow me to feel more balanced, more centred, more grounded.

FEEL YOUR WAY

Stroking your cat or dog, feeling a beautiful fabric that’s soft and inviting such as a beautiful plush blanket, the smoothness of silk under your fingers, a smooth stone that has been washed up on the beach or the sun’s rays as they absorb into you. Whatever your item of choice, feeling your way to silence is an ultimate form of focus. Use this technique and sense of touch as a way to relax, let go and stay in silence.

Download the action item and watch the accompanying videos via the next two lessons to learn some things to assist you to make the sometimes challenging transition from your busy world to your silent world.

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