“Stillness”
What does it mean?
Is it possible to be still?
Does being still have value to us today?
What is it? Where do we find it? How do we find it?
Throughout the Bible that we love, men and women understood and exemplified stillness, and spiritual knowing. (To be still means a quiet; hush; calm; peace, quietude, serenity, the ability to be receptive.)
What effect did this spiritual demeanor have on their lives? What was the result on their family, their relationships, their purpose, their country? (Or, if they were not quiet of thought, what effect did this have?)
As I write this, late at night a storm blusters outside my window, wind and water mingling, producing noise and a disturbance of unusual force.
My prayer is that right here, right now, where the storm appears to be, right here in my thought is peace. My spiritual sense, quieted and trusting, assures me that all of God’s perfect creation, every detail, is safe, hid with Christ in God. The peace, the stillness I feel brings me a sense of calm and safety. The storm in me is replaced with quiet confidence in divine Mind’s ability to care for Its own. It has become quiet outside. I am grateful.
Did not Jesus still the storm by bringing his disciples into his peace? Can we do this? Absolutely.
How? Refuse to be agitated, blustery, inflamed, or afraid. Refuse to react. Choose peace.
Establish as your thought the very present presence of divine Mind.
Be still and hear . . .
Be still and listen . . .
Be still and see . . .
Be still and understand . . .
Be still and know that you are one with God.
Divine mind is heard most clearly when the humble heart is ready to hear.
Join me in embodying peace, quietude, pure spiritual sense. Get still. Trust. Be deeply consecrated to your work as a Christian Scientist, with all that means to you, for the world. Bring to every circumstance your peace, your spiritual centeredness, your calm trust in the ever-present presence of God, good.
What enabled our Leader to find inspiration for Science And Health in that attic room with only a skylight? What allowed her to hear, to receive and write down the inspired word she was given? How quiet her thought must have been . . . how powerful her prayer.
Do realize, please, that if this stillness/quiet/peaceful prayer is lived and obeyed, it will immediately bring you a clearer spiritual sense; remove confusion; lead your thought to a more focused, dedicated life of prayer and inspiration.
This instruction, obeyed, will transform your view of the world. You will choose quiet prayer instead of fear, criticism, or gossip. You will put “tempting technology” in its proper place, and it will not compel you to it instead of to prayer and inspiration.
Be obedient to your inspiration. Don’t be afraid to “be still and know that I am God.” Don’t be afraid that stillness is not enough. Try it! You will feel much more in charge of your thought, your moments, and your days. Right ideas and opportunities come to those who listen and then wisely respond. Good is always the result of faithful prayer. This is what truly changes the world!
Live your quiet! Live your stillness. And live your inspired peace.
“Be still and know . . . “
. . . the very present presence of infinite, divine Mind. 🌹
Thank you, Pam. This makes me realize that it’s this quiet, receptive thought that really is the starting point, the fertile soil, for our practice. When we quiet “our” thought we are humbled, and humility let’s our hearts be totally open to the Christ idea. I’ve been thinking about how Mrs. Eddy begins the chapter “Christian Science Practice” with the story of the Magdalene and her absolutely pure humility and repentance. I’m going to work on quieting my thought and listening. Thanks again. This was super helpful.
Thank you so much for this post, Pam. What a wonderful reminder of the role we must play in order to experience and express the “Bethlehem” consciousness of stilling thought, staying silent in humility, and welcoming in the Christ light. Really grateful for this post😇❤️
For me this was a continuation of your writing on “Peace.” So so helpful. So, so needed. Each guides my thought and enables me to release tension, unnecessary responsibility and move to be a space where the healing Christ presence can shine through. Thank you so very much dear Pam.
Thank you for including us visitors to your inspiring site for the association of Pam’s pupils. I look forward to looking into it more thoroughly. Loving you all!
Sally Domenighini