“… Stillness is the sole requisite for the realisation of the Self as God …” ~ Ramana Maharshi
Indeed, Ramana Maharshi was the greatest proponent of stillness … or silence (‘course he was in silence for 11+ years! … which resulted in such an amazing and abiding gift to the world that continues to guide the self-realization journey for countless) … he was known to frequently invoke the Bible “Be Still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) …
As we all navigate the coronavirus crisis, being still is a natural invitation … Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (founder of The Art of Living, a humanitarian, spiritual leader, and an ambassador of peace and human values) says “… Take the imposed social distancing or self-quarantine as an opportunity to slow down and go inward …” and “… Social distancing is not a punishment. Silence and solitude are a potent means for personal growth and self-renewal …”
Seemingly, the coronavirus is asking the same of us: “… we are asking you: to stop, to be still, to listen …” in this powerful, and highly recommended, 5m22s video from Sustainable Human (see more information, including website, below) … that is most timely and delivers a message, a reminder to humanity, that needs to be shared far and wide … hence is the focus of today’s post …
The coronavirus, in the form of this video, is also asking us “… to move beyond your individual concerns and consider the concerns of all …”
In that spirit of “considering the concerns of all” … we want to continue honoring and highlighting the “heroes” that are ensuring our health and safety in the midst of the pandemic: Go Fund Me has organized various campaigns targeted towards the COVID-19 relief efforts. All of these campaigns are worthy of our attention … but for now we want to highlight TWO critical ones that we are supporting personally and also as Stillness Speaks (through donations):
We are all facing financial challenges but IF your situation allows you to donate and help then …
… please visit Frontline Responders Fund’s Go Fund Me page … and help deliver crucial supplies to these frontline responders …
… and/or visit America’s Food Fund Go Fund Me page and help feed the neighbors in need.
And, we again, express our deepest gratitude to a) the COVID-19 Frontline Responders (all the healthcare professionals – doctors, nurses, hospital/medical-services staff – firefighters, law enforcement, volunteers, and any/all the people involved in keeping the “system-at-large” functioning for ALL of us) … and b) Go Fund Me for organizing America’s Food Fund to feed the needy.
THANK YOU – our lives would not be possible without your dedication.
Above Video (WHAT WE MIGHT LEARN FROM COVID-19) is from Sustainable Human, a noteworthy and exceptional non-profit organization that is “creating stories that evolve human consciousness” … with a mission that hopes to make our {human} society “… capable of living in harmony with each other and the biosphere.” They are creating most insightful and solution oriented, uplifting and thought-provoking stories through videos. We highly recommend their work.
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May this video be instrumental in bringing the necessary pause in your life leading to a more fulfilling life … and …
May you bring more consideration towards the concerns of all … and …
May you remain safe and healthy as you navigate these troubling times.
Opening quote including the Bible reference is from Talk 338 (page 47): excerpted from TALKS WITH SRI RAMANA MAHARSHI THREE VOLUMES IN ONE Extract Version published by V. S. RAMANAN PRESIDENT, BOARD OF TRUSTEES SRI RAMANASRAMAM TIRUVANNAMALAI.
Sri Sri Ravi’s quotes from: COVID-19: We Can Beat It. His teacher page is coming in the future.
All Sustainable Human related text: excerpted from their website.
Images: (edited and logo added): Featured and 1) Sunrise at Broadhaven Bay beach by veneratio. Purchased from depositphotos, for use only on our website/social channels (this image is not permitted to be shared separate from this post).
