Stop The Mind From Running About And Still It – A Story

There is a popular story about how a child, one late afternoon, was running about playing with her shadow and trying hard to catch it. However much she tried, she could not succeed and then began to cry.

A sadhu, noticing her efforts, came forward and asked the child to stop running and look at her shadow. She did so, and now the shadow stood still. He then asked her to touch her head, and the shadow did likewise. ‘There,’ he said, ‘you have now caught your shadow!’

The child became happy and stopped running about, catching the shadow in its different places.

The same principle can be used in trying to understand ourselves, without a shadow of doubt. We must be able to stop the mind from running about and still it. As the mind and the ego are stilled, they cast no shadow; then only are we able to catch the source of light, our consciousness. This is known as going back to he source and attaining knowledge.

Source – Prabuddha Bharata – October 2013 – Page 14

Why We Should Still The Mind And Stop It From Running About?

Cultivating a still mind and calming the constant chatter of our thoughts can have numerous benefits for mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. Here are some reasons why practicing stillness of the mind can be beneficial:

Reduced Stress: When the mind is constantly running, it often dwells on past events or worries about the future, leading to stress and anxiety. By quieting the mind, you can break this cycle and experience a sense of calmness and relaxation.

Improved Concentration: A still mind allows you to focus more effectively on the task at hand without being distracted by intrusive thoughts. This can enhance productivity and performance in various aspects of life, including work, study, and creative endeavors.

Enhanced Clarity and Insight: Quieting the mind can create space for clearer thinking and deeper insight. It allows you to see situations more objectively and make better decisions based on rational judgment rather than emotional reactions.

Better Emotional Regulation: When the mind is calm, you're less likely to be overwhelmed by negative emotions such as anger, fear, or sadness. Instead, you can respond to challenging situations with greater resilience and equanimity.

Improved Relationships: A still mind fosters better communication and empathy in relationships. It allows you to listen more attentively to others, understand their perspectives, and respond thoughtfully rather than reactively.

Enhanced Creativity: Stillness of mind can stimulate creativity by allowing new ideas and insights to emerge spontaneously. When the mind is quiet, it's easier to tap into your intuition and imagination.

Better Physical Health: Chronic stress and anxiety have been linked to various health problems, including cardiovascular disease, digestive disorders, and weakened immune function. By reducing stress through stillness of mind, you can potentially improve your overall health and well-being.

Spiritual Growth: Many spiritual traditions emphasize the importance of quieting the mind as a means of connecting with a deeper sense of self or a higher power. Stillness of mind can facilitate spiritual experiences and personal growth.

Overall, practicing stillness of the mind through techniques such as meditation, mindfulness, or deep breathing can have profound effects on various aspects of your life, promoting greater peace, clarity, and overall happiness.