Practical Course. Past Life Recalls - страница 9

1. Privacy

In order for you to be able to stop the inner «chatterbox», you need privacy, at least for a short time. If there is no such possibility in your house, for example, loud sounds interfere, then you can use meditative music and turn off the «sounds of the world» using headphones. In extreme cases, if you are still being disturbed, for example: the phone rings, your relatives are talking or a noisy animal lives in your house, – you can go for a walk, preferably in a garden or a square and walk there in silence, using the third technique of stopping the inner monologue. In fact, if you firmly and persistently explain to your family that you need half an hour of silence, they will understand you and give you time for your exercises.

2. Twilight

Another optional but desirable condition is the presence of evening light or twilight. In a bright sunny day or under bright artificial light, it can be somewhat more challenging to disconnect from the world around us compared to the twilight, when objects appear blurred in the semi-darkness and our perception of the world naturally shifts, moving away from the familiar picture of reality. Take advantage of these benefits when mastering the techniques of stopping the internal monologue.

4. Three techniques of inner silence

The first technique is the most challenging yet the most effective. Let's call it «Strong-willed effort» In solitude, find a comfortable position that works best for you. This can be lying on your back or sitting with crossed legs. The posture should be as comfortable as possible so that you can sit for 15-30 minutes without needing to change it. If you are sitting, make sure your back has support and is straight.

An exercise to stop the inner monologue

Close your eyes and relax your body. If it doesn't work right away, just mentally observe your body, your hands, feet and the sensations in them. Then release all the sensations. Now concentrate on your thoughts and observe them flow (or inner monologue). You need to imagine yourself as if you are splitting into two consciousnesses. One consciousness continues to think and chatter as usual, commenting on everything that is happening. Especially in this moment, for example, such thoughts may come to mind: «I won't be able to sit in this position for long,» «What if the phone rings now, I'll have to answer it,» «What if I can't do it,» «This is a silly idea, it's better to go have dinner…» and so on.