October 9: Day 101

STONE TWO CONTINUED: Open: I partake of spiritual wisdom and knowledge from a variety of sources and open myself to different insights.
 
Instruction: Learn in silence.

Sometimes it helps to silence the mind and hold our words. Study doesn’t have to be verbal. Of course, we can and we do learn from teachers who tell us things they know and think we should know, but this isn’t the only way to learn, and perhaps isn’t even the best way to learn. Many teachers pass on knowledge without processing it for themselves. What was taught to them they repeat to others without questioning the validity of the concepts. In silence, we examine ideas and instruction to determine if it makes sense to our head and our heart. In silence we learn to let go of judgment, but we rely heavily on discernment. Good and bad are often not as important as needed or unneeded. It might be true, but is it true in all instances, in all areas, and is it true for our lives personally? Something might be a law, but there are many laws, and not all laws are good laws. Some laws tried to banish the spiritual practice of a religion that was different from theirs.

Although our voices are still, it doesn’t mean that our minds are closed. On the contrary, the silent mind is more capable of being an open mind, a mind that examines, and a mind that seeks truth, peace, love, and togetherness. A silent mind can have a wonderful impact on the world around it. A silent mind also doesn’t always remain silent. When it is time to speak, the voice will return, and it will have something positive, loving, and caring to share. It will be wise, because it has considered possibilities, probabilities, and has searched for solutions that are not restricted by narrow-minded or closed-minded thinking. Insights come as we partake of wisdom from a variety of sources and consider the needs of all — and not just a select few.

It seems as if some people never have a silent thought. Whatever they think, they say. All of us benefit from times of silence and solitude. If you’ve never tried meditating, why not take a few minutes today to sit in silence and let your thoughts lead you where you need to go?