That still, quiet place in the center of our being is the place I experience with Bennett’s Collected State exercise. He also called this a “non-emanating” state. The work of the exercise is to “let nothing enter, let nothing leave.” He also said it is one of the most difficult of all the exercises.
In a recent discussion about the experience of that still, quiet place, it was noted that to get there one must quiet the body, mind, and feelings. That in itself is no easy feat. There is something different about this exercise because it is not a meditation. The attention is much more active both in the preparation and during the exercise.
However, the moments in that stillness, when reached, are delicious. At least that is how I’ve always found it to be. It makes me want to come back for more. But the wanting can then get in the way.
How do I get out of the way? And what does THAT mean?
Unblocking the Door
I ask a lot of questions because I want to know. But the part of me that habitually asks questions, is not the part of me that truly understands things. “Getting out of the way” is a great example. I began to hear that phrase during my course at Sherborne House. It’s almost like a Japanese koan. How do I get out of my own way? No one could tell me how to do it. But once it happens, one gets a taste of what that means—a visceral understanding.
So, to unblock the door to this still, quiet place, I need to get myself out of the way. In the Collected State exercise, as in others, I work towards that with a good long preparation. I like to spend about ten minutes devoted to relaxation and another ten minutes engaging with sensation. Then I’m in a much more receptive place from which to enter the exercise proper and follow the steps inside.
What is this Place?
The aim of this exercise, from my experience, is to enter that still quiet place. Once there, the work is to stay as long as possible by not allowing thoughts or feelings to pull me out or disturb me from within. Generally, these moments are fleeting and I’m constantly having to follow the path back inside.
But then the question arises, “where is there?” or “what is this place?” Perhaps, for now, simply Being there is enough
Thank you for this, Roberta. I don’t think I’ve ever been able to enter that ‘place’. I haven’t figured out how to’get out of the way’ yet.
Hi Trish,
Thank you for reminding me that “it’s not so easy” as G would say. But that is why it’s all a mystery, yet we continue to make efforts, to work and to wonder.
Thank you for the reminder Roberta. It is a lovely place & practice.. your description reminds me of my relating a Present Moment experience when coming to & Seeing a hedge, Mr Bennett asked me how long it has lasted & I shamefacedly admitted less than a minute.. he responded that a Present Moment of a minute in Eternity, is far longer that all the minutes in time…
How wonderful to have THAT moment with Mr. B!