The rest at the subtle level appears between the end of fulfillment of one desire and initiation of the next desire. This is the state of non-desire which provides rest of the subtle world. (H.H.)
How to achieve moments of rest at the subtle level during a busy day? A practical suggestion - make a list of the activities needing to be done. That gives an opportunity for the mind not to fuss and for gaps of stillness to be realised.
Another question: ‘Does stillness come in during meditation even though one is repeating the mantra?’ Some of us felt that it is actually easier in meditation rather than outside it. (*Good Company I, pages 51-55 refers to stillness in meditation)
Someone gave an example of reaching that quality of stillness when listening to certain music.
We talked of the benefits of undertaking physical activity to reach a still point. One member reminded us of the ‘moving meditation’ of the Turnings, while another gave an example of how engagement in tapestry work, with its repetitive, rhythmic movement of the hands, can bring about mental stillness. Someone who leads others on regular country walks explained how often, when entering woodland, some people will feel moved to mention how silent it is. Yet the woods, she says, are never silent – what those people are experiencing is the stillness within themselves.
Much interest was shown in Iain McGilchrist’s new research into the two hemispheres of the brain, particularly in regard to perception and to left hemisphere dominance in our society.
In regard to practising detachment, and a question raised earlier in the evening about how to let go, it was recommended that we enjoy the stillness – that we love it – that we want more – and then it becomes easier to let go. It’s where you place your attention, someone added. This prompted a further question: ‘How do I develop attention?’ The suggestion of process was referred to again. Start with self-observation . . . just watch. Don’t try to attend. This could go over weeks and months . . . then you can work on attention . . . and then comes stillness.