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From: Ellen-Marie Silverman
Date: 15 Oct 2005
Time: 20:05:16 -0500
Remote Name: 205.188.116.204
Hello, Janet, Well, I don't think the concerns you have about involving yourself with a practice that is solitary and quiet is so unusual. I know that I had concerns and even apprehensions about getting started, too. Let me ask you a couple of questions to help you hopefully find some answers. First, what is it that you desire? Perhaps, what you are seeking is not to be found from such experience. What they provide is increased awareness, mental clarity, and equanimity that do have widespread application to daily life, but they require appropriate practice to achieve those benefits. And the time table for achieving them can not be predicted. Second, what is it that you are resisting? Some people, and I was one, fear losing control. Without knowledge and experience with what is actually involved, some think such practices may be like hypnosis. But they are not. They are ways to develop a clear and directed awareness of yourself and your environment and a stronger mental focus that helps you be more in control of yourself! Perhaps, your introduction was not truly representative of what would be most helpful. You might want to do more reading to familiarize yourself with the practices that intrigue you and, then if you feel inclined to practice, seek the best instruction you can find. Be kind to yourself, and thank you for your sharing. Ellen-Marie Silverman