A Letter from Neelam, September 2007

Evening is a naturally quiet time, a time where silence is easily available. We just need to pay attention. I used to think that dusk was the quiet time, but now that I am spending more time in nature, I know otherwise. Dusk is a very busy time, where every creature is moving quickly to complete whatever needs to be done before dark. But when darkness sets in, silence is almost palpable. And it is such a powerful inquiry to just rest in Silence.

You may be asking yourself, "How to keep Quiet?". The natural state is always present, we just don't always pay attention. And often, as we attempt to do so, we don't seem to be able to "find" it. What we find instead are thoughts, feelings, emotions, sensations - in other words "gross" experiences that cover up the subtle, natural state.

I encourage you to take some time this evening away from the usual distractions in your life, away from people, television, reading and so on. And if at all possible, go outside and sit anywhere where nature is more available.

Okay, that may be more difficult in New York or in any other big city, but remember it could be a bench under a tree or as little as an open window through which you can see the sky and maybe the stars.

Tune into your body as it begins to take in and align itself with the natural expansion and openness of nature. Now notice what else is present and gently allow it to be here as well. Don't judge, criticize or want your experience to be different in any way. Don't let yourself be distracted by a sense of responsibility to do, move or take care of anything. Allow yourself to just be, in the natural silence of everything as is.

I am enjoying my recovery time. That does not mean that I don't wish sometimes for it to be more quick, or for my body to be more able to function as it used to. And yes, I am soaking in the stillness of my environment and in the steady progress of this amazing body/mind marvel in its continuing movement towards health. And my health is getting better. The sensitivity to the electro-magnetic field is still very strong hence no air travel and not much Satsang in person as yet.

We are developing programs that support my recovery and allow us to stay in touch and keep working together. Most of these programs involve conference calls and if you have not tried that yet I invite you to experiment with it. Many people have had a wonderful experience doing that. And anybody, who is new to my work, can begin by participating in it as well.

Silence is a powerful inquiry. It is what we truly want and these moments of resting are deeply nourishing and sustain your insight into how things really are.

Enjoy your silent evening experience. I hope it will become a daily ritual that connects us with the preciousness of Life, away from the distractions of the world.

Love,
Neelam