There is another benefit to mastering this simple technique: it provides a respite from your thoughts. Sometimes it is helpful to simply sit in silence, disconnect from problems or unnecessary emotions. Inner silence is like a flow of revitalizing energy that helps you to rest, feel new strength within yourself, or gain clarity about your emotions.
Over time, when stopping the internal monologue becomes a familiar practice for you, you can use this technique not only as a starting point for remembering past lives but as a standalone meditation. Twenty minutes without the internal monologue can fill a person with strength and joy – it has been verified repeatedly!
3. Conditions necessary for this practice
Preparation for stopping the inner monologue: necessary conditions
1. Privacy
In order for you to be able to stop the inner «chatterbox», you need privacy, at least for a short time. If there is no such possibility in your house, for example, loud sounds interfere, then you can use meditative music and turn off the «sounds of the world» using headphones. In extreme cases, if you are still being disturbed, for example: the phone rings, your relatives are talking or a noisy animal lives in your house, – you can go for a walk, preferably in a garden or a square and walk there in silence, using the third technique of stopping the inner monologue. In fact, if you firmly and persistently explain to your family that you need half an hour of silence, they will understand you and give you time for your exercises.
2. Twilight
Another optional but desirable condition is the presence of evening light or twilight. In a bright sunny day or under bright artificial light, it can be somewhat more challenging to disconnect from the world around us compared to the twilight, when objects appear blurred in the semi-darkness and our perception of the world naturally shifts, moving away from the familiar picture of reality. Take advantage of these benefits when mastering the techniques of stopping the internal monologue.
4. Three techniques of inner silence
The first technique is the most challenging yet the most effective. Let’s call it «Strong-willed effort». In solitude, find a comfortable position that works best for you. This can be lying on your back or sitting with crossed legs. The posture should be as comfortable as possible so that you can sit for 15-30 minutes without needing to change it. If you are sitting, make sure your back has support and is straight.
