Stillness is at the heart of meditation. Whether we realise it or not, stillness really does inform every aspect of our experience of life. But which stillness is it of which we speak? The stillness of the Active Mind, or the stillness of the Still Mind? And how do these two differ, and how do they affect our lives?
So in this, the final instalment in the current series of 8 posts examining how to apply the key elements of the Mindfulness-Based Stillness Meditation (MBSM) technique, and how we know when we are doing them “right”, stillness is the 5th of the 5 stages and it takes us into the very essence of meditation, but first
When the mind is resting naturally
And at ease in its own unaltered state,
That is referred to as the ‘stillness’ of meditation.
If a thought rises out of this state of stillness,
That is called ‘movement’.
And that which knows when mind is in a state of stillness
And recognizes any movement is your ‘awareness’, or rigpa.
Dudjom Rinpoche
In Mindfulness-Based Stillness Meditation (MBSM), we use 5 steps to help us move from a busy, distracted mind into the deep stillness of meditation. We start with Preparation. This creates the circumstances that allow us let go, to settle and to move into Relaxation. As we relax more deeply, our Mindfulness naturally develops – we can concentrate more readily, and we learn to do so free of judgement and commentary.
As our Mindfulness becomes more focused, we become less distracted, and our Awareness blossoms. We notice things more clearly. We notice if we are off track, and we develop a deeper understanding; we become more aware. As we do become more aware, we notice the Stillness.
At first it is in the gaps between our thoughts. This is the Stillness of the Active Mind. This comes with a feeling of deep, natural peace. It is like we let go... We let go of tension. We let go of excessive thinking. We let go of unhealthy concerns and emotions.
In our meditation, as we rest in this natural inner stillness, as we let go and regain our balance; our hormones and physiology return to their natural, balanced levels.
Health ensues.
Healing ensues.
Vitality ensues.
We are at our best for whatever it is we need to do; or whatever we chose to do...
But then, if we continue on past the thoughts and emotions that constitute the Active Mind, we enter into that even deeper stillness, the stillness of the Still Mind. As Dudjom Rinpoche put it so eloquently above, when “the mind is resting naturally and at ease in its own unaltered state, that is referred to as the ‘stillness’ of meditation”. The mind is now alert, clear, present, spacious. It is free from distraction, free from attachment and aversion, full of creative potential.
With this clarity comes a profound knowing; a direct perception of who we really are, what constitutes our innermost being, what is the true nature of things. The truth is revealed to us through direct experience.
So how to experience all this? We speak of two approaches to meditation. The Direct Approach, and the Gradual Approach. Maybe we will speak more of the Direct Approach another time... The Gradual Approach is where we use a method; and there are many.
Over the years, what I have found most helpful, both through formal study, through feedback from many, and through my own experience with meditation; all this is essentialised into the 5 steps of MBSM. And hence this series of blogs, and my books like Blue Sky Mind.
What we can say about stillness is it is all about developing the view; where the view is our way of understanding our life, the world around us, and our place within it. What gives us meaning and purpose; that is all to do with our view.
So if our view is rooted in our Active Mind, it will be coloured by all our thoughts and emotions – a mixed bag.
Whereas, if our view is rooted in the Still Mind, it will be beyond the vagaries of those thoughts and emotions; and it will be predominated by pure awareness, unconditional love, an all-pervasive compassion, and profound wisdom.
So while people do meditate for many valid reasons to do with the Active Mind and day-to-day life, this is more on offer. The reason many persevere and meditate on... and on... and on... is to experience the truth of who we really are, and to do all we can to live in accord with that truth.
May you find the meaning and the joy in your meditation that enables you to continue on into the heart and the truth of this direct experience...
COMING EVENTS
You can register for any of the residential programs through our website
OUR NEXT MEDITATION RETREAT
DEEP NATURAL PEACE Long weekend mini retreat 14 - 16 November 2025
Towards the end of the year, an ideal opportunity for some time out, some gentle introspection and reflection, letting go of the busyness and finishing the year on a meditative high.
With Ruth and Ian Gawler
For your part? Simply make the time and come along…Relax. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Yarra Valley with its big trees, fresh air, beautiful grounds, the Little Yarra River, and sublime meditation sanctuary.
You can simply let go, and let be…
TIMES: Friday 14th November starting at 11am to 3.30pm Sunday 16th November 2025
VENUE: The Yarra Valley Living Centre, 55 Rayner Crt, Yarra Junction, Victoria, Australia
DETAILS and BOOKINGS: Visit our website: Click Here
You can register for any of the residential programs through our website
Meditation Teacher Training – Module 3: Imagery
11am Saturday 1st to 3.30pm Wednesday 5th November, 2025 (inc Melbourne Cup holiday on the 4th for Victorians)
So many people in so many domains recommend the benefits of guided imagery. This training will position you to be able to offer your community something of great value – a reliable way to help your participants to better understand how their thinking minds and emotions work, and how they can mange them so much better – for their own good and the good of others. This training is also manual based and will enable you to deliver a much-needed program.
Of great personal value, this training is suitable for those new to teaching meditation, and for those wanting to go further. Highly experiential, it will provide a review of the first module that will have given more attention to the basics of how to develop, manage and deliver a meditation program or course. Here we will give some attention to theory, research, delivery, session structures, promotion, finances, the special challenges of online courses, but the emphasis will be on experiencing the key practices of imagery, and working on how to best present a course focusing upon guided imagery.
As a feature, ongoing mentorship and peer support is available through a specific group led by Ian, Ruth and Melissa for people who have completed one or more of our trainings.
Additional information is available via this link
How to apply for THIS Meditation Teacher Training:
1. The first step is to visit our website, download the Meditation Teacher Training application form and return it to our Retreat Manager, Mel Crow.
2. Mel will then arrange a short phone conversation to clarify what the training offerS, discuss your needs, answer any questions and ensure the program is suitable for you.
3. Once accepted for the training, you pay a deposit or full fee to reserve your place.
4. Full payment is due 3 weeks prior to the commencement of your training.
You can register for any of the residential programs through our website
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