Teacher: Teacher Ophelius

Dear One, the question has been asked about the purpose and importance of “Stillness” meditation and how it differs from the practice of “mindfulness”—a popular method used by many in western culture to focus the mind on present awareness. There are many forms of meditation used by men and women around the world and each produces varying benefits depending on the intention used when participating in the practice. The one unifying benefit is that meditation brings the mind into a state of “true consciousness,” meaning: It has a grounding effect to release the mind from material concerns, emotional distresses, and the circumstances of time related activities, bringing awareness to the present moment—to experience a state of simply “being.” Stillness however, has an intention and goes beyond this static state of present moment awareness and brings consciousness into a more unified state with the Indwelling Spirit of the Creator.

An atheist can benefit from mindfulness meditation as can any other person having the intention that there are therapeutic benefits to be had from the practice—there is no faith or religious beliefs necessary to bring consciousness into a more pure state. Once in this place of present centered awareness, consciousness itself first begins to connect to the conscious state of its most intimate companion—the body, which has its own consciousness—every cell, every tissue, every organ. The body “broadcasts” its needs to your consciousness continually. However, because of mind chatter, clutter, material and emotional distresses and distractions, the internal “voice” is vanquished and the mind pays no attention until the body “screams” using pain to get your immediate attention.

It is a known fact that persons who practice any form of meditation or mindfulness will begin to pursue a healthier lifestyle because they unknowingly are “hearing” the voice of their body’s consciousness and shall begin doing those things that bring vitality to the total system—mind, body, and spirit. Whether or not they acknowledge the “spirit” as a part of their total system does not prevent them from the benefits of communicating with their Indwelling God Fragment at some level. Intention, dear one, is the key to opening up a channel with the spirit part of your system.

Stillness meditation has an intention and recognition of the “primary relationship”—the parent/child relationship between you and the Universal Father. When you enter into stillness, you open your mind and remove all barriers, conditions, and concerns, and extend your faith as the hand that reaches up to God while you wait in silence for the “handshake” of God reaching down to you. In this period of “waiting” in silence, many insights and discoveries may be experienced as your thoughts thin and your mind becomes quiet. Eventually, and with enough practice and perseverance, your mind shall come into a place of pure consciousness like a placid lake—there is a state of unity—a handshake with God. Many who reach this place are actually startled by it and immediately break away from it as it is something that has never before been experienced. Once this moment of pure consciousness has been attained, the meditator shall be encouraged to try again and again, each time extending the period of unity. This place of pure consciousness is beyond all words and understanding, yet to experience it, brings healing on many levels and builds faith in the assurance of eternal life as a child of God.

Peace to you,

The Circle of Seven