Updated: 11.23.24
SUBDUING THE CHATTERING MIND
The “chattering-mind” is the internal voice of our ego-personality which habitually inserts itself into our “present moment” consciousness; these constant intrusions make it impossible to be silent and peaceful within. This mind is our conceptualizing mind which expresses its opinion about everything and everyone involved in our life. In a non-stop running commentary, it dictates everything we should be doing, saying, and thinking; and it never stops.
The reason for the persistent presence of the chattering-mind is people identify with their ego-personality and physical body as “who they are” so they assume the chattering-mind is a part of this identity. It never occurs to them that this chattering keeps them distracted and separated from knowing their true Self within; since the chattering “comforts” them when things get too quiet, the chattering continues.
However, when we recognize how important silence is to our spiritual well-being, only then will people make an effort to stop the chattering. They soon discover that in the silence, we are in the presence of the Divine and we are filled with deep peacefulness.
People think of themselves as a body rather than as a soul and spirit in the stillness of God; there is a good reason for this. As a soul living in a nature-body, we are subject to the intrusion of nature’s energies which rush into our involuntary nervous system when we pause between our in-breath and our out-breath.
This nature energy plays along the involuntary nervous system stimulating the senses, creating sensation, and inducing mind-chatter. Using the focused connected-breathing exercise seals the body off from these energetic intrusions and stops the chattering when done correctly.
Try this…follow the breathing cycle for a few minutes. After a few breaths, eliminate the pause so the breathing is connected. In other words, there are no pauses when we let the out-breath seamlessly emerge from the in-breath and the in-breath seamlessly enter the out-breath. Relax the body and make the breathing smooth and easy; this exercise is the first lesson needed in order to begin meditating.
Connected breathing prevents stimulation to the body’s nervous system and senses allowing for improved concentration. After the breathing is relaxed, keep the mind quiet by focusing on a spot between the eye brows; relaxed and focused breathing makes the mind calm. The key to success is learning how to hold your attention steady on a single point or subject.
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One of the spiritual goals of this exercise is referred to as Holy Breath, Holy Spirit. When breathing is relaxed and comfortable and the chattering has been subdued, receive the Holy Spirit into your breath and into your body. Just Be in the presence of the Spirit while breathing and do not let the mind interfere or comment on this divine and serene experience.
When this breathing cycle is natural and automatic, let it continue and gently shift your attention to the heart center in the middle of the chest. When relaxed and still, receive the presence of the Christ Spirit into the Sacred Heart center and just BE in this divine presence.
It is an exhilarating experience to do this breathing process with a group or congregation of people. The instructions above can be copied/pasted and printed on a single page document as a handout. Remember, the Creator breathed life into each of our living souls; in this Holy Breath(ing), we are ALL One in God.
Next: JUST BREATHE
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