THE QUIET MIND.

A quiet and calm mind  ...it's the dream of every meditator!

This week a client said how when he tries to meditate his mind just will not settle!

Many clients and students have mentioned this phenomena.

I have found this description of the 9 levels of mental stability to be very helpful.

I find it encouraging and comforting on this journey into the inner realms through the act of meditation!

Nine levels of Mental Stability *
1	Settling	The initial wish to focus the mind and desist from distraction.
2	Continuous settling	Sustaining focus and continuing to guard the mind against distraction.
3	Resettling	Here it is easier to focus and recognise distraction.
4	Complete Settling	Continuously returning to the object of focus.
5	Taming	Mastering concentration and experiencing the benefits of a trained mind
6	Pacifying	Clear recognition to the hindrances to meditation.
7	Completely Pacifying	Elimination of the defects of meditation
8	One Pointed	The ability to sustain tranquil focus without distraction.
9	Equipoise	Spontaneous and effortless resting of the mind.

*This summary is from the Shamatha Meditation tradition – this is the Buddhist practice of calming the mind. This is done by practicing single-pointed meditation most commonly through the mindfulness of breathing. Shamatha is common to all Buddhist traditions.

 Like all things there is movement in this chart which reminds me to be accepting, hopeful and persistent in my practice. 

Meditation takes practice and you are welcome to join in our 

Monday Meditation evenings - open to all read more