Question: I’ve been sitting though the bells and not moving. It surprises me because once upon a time I would not have been able to because of the psychological pressure. I think you have spoken of dealing with pain and why it’s there, and don’t know whether you might say anything else.
Linda: About dealing with pain? It would be good if you ask a more specific question about what you’re feeling.
Question: I guess it’s about the psychological pressure. In my life I’ve always avoided pain of any kind, so sitting absolutely still is quite challenging.
Linda: It’s funny though – when you sit really still – when you do become really still, it’s not like it’s rigid and stagnant – it’s very, very energetic. It’s not a fixed state. It actually takes more energy, in a way, but it’s a different form of energy from running around doing things.
Question: You’re suggesting keeping the body still, aren’t you?
Linda: While you’re sitting – yes. You keep the body still and by doing that and sitting through pain and discomfort, whether it’s psychological or it manifests as physical pain, you’re containing more and more energy.
We’ve all been taught to avoid pain. We’ve been taught, “Pain is bad. Do something about it – get rid of it. Pleasure is good – that’s what we’re looking for.” But really most people are using pleasure to avoid pain, so as soon as you feel pain or even a bit of discomfort it’s like, “Oh no, that’s bad. I’ve got to feel pleasure or happy or whatever.”
Question: When I’m sitting still, are you suggesting that the body can be still but there can be movement within that?
Linda: It’s more a vibration. And it can be a very fast, strong vibration. Stillness vibrates very, very quickly, but in a different dimension to thinking and relative time – the momentum of time. So it is like you’re moving into this timeless state that’s so fast that it never stops – it can’t stop.
That’s what eternity is. That’s what immortality is. It’s not the body living forever. It’s this state of timelessness where you realise that time is a figment of your imagination.
As I said, it’s vibrating very, very quickly. And as we’re doing this practice, our consciousness is quickening – trying to keep up with that speed, while we’re sitting still. The pain that you’re feeling is resistance to that speed, to that timeless state. It’s necessary, because it regulates the amount of energy that your body is handling at one time, one moment.
So yes, with the pain, it is gradually increasing your pain threshold. A lot of the pain is psychological, like, “Ah no, I can’t stand any more. I can’t sit for another moment,” and then you keep sitting, and you can. And that makes you stronger.
But everyone wants an easy way out. It’s just how we are, and maybe this practice isn’t for everyone, but if you’re ready for it and you’re willing to do it, I feel it’s the most direct way.
From Kallara 7-Day March, 2017