The majority of our social interactions today have a tendency to lead to various forms of misunderstanding and confusion. Each interaction is full of individual agendas, formulated mostly from past negative experiences that frequently come to the surface as we engage with others. The result is often misalignment and disharmony. We are aware on some level that this happens, and therefore we have an attitude full of suspicion and by anticipating deception, we move into a state of ‘readiness’ as if primed for battle, fearing the worst.
The other person immediately, subliminally, picks up on this and therefore, also readies themselves for a confrontation on some level or another. So, we reach an impasse. This can be on the individual relationship level or at the highest levels of engagement. We either back off, unwilling to engage, or we argue, blame, and undermine.
However, spirituality offers us another avenue – another way to avoid and resolve this traditional form of engagement. The driving force in all our troublesome connections has been thought, the way we think. Thinking in the wrong way, perceiving the actions and words of others through the veil of our own previous hurts, leads to uncontrolled emotions. What if there was a way to disarm thought? Actions and words spring from thoughts – so if we can disarm thought, then no actions can occur, no words can be spoken.
By stepping into silence, the mind can easily let go of its thoughts, and becomes still, and then it can rationally and unemotionally assess what needs to be said and done. The old rampaging, critical, and destructive mind starts to slow and eventually becomes still. In reaching this state of tranquillity and clarity, the silent mind, not clouded by influences of its old nature and other superficial effects, now has the ability to see and understand with much greater insight.
In this state of inner peace, the mind becomes an astute observer, finely tuned to the pulse of the moment, able to proceed and pronounce with appropriate and effective tools of language and strategy. There is yet another effect of staying in this arena of silence. The mind centred in spiritual awareness automatically releases a powerful energy, in the form of vibrations, which immediately influences and reassures others of our sincerity and good intentions.
The spiritual mind, free from the clutter of unnecessary thought, then naturally creates an environment and atmosphere for meaningful and constructive dialogue, where all good things are possible.
Jim Ryan has a background in education. He is an author and a Brahma Kumaris Rajyoga teacher, based at the Global Retreat Centre, Oxford, UK.