Are you in need of a still and rested mind, a mind with clarity, poise and quietude? Well with a change in attitude and some lifestyle changes it is possible to experience stillness of mind, stillness so deep that there is little disturbance and chatter.

To help transform your busy mind into one of silence start by sitting quietly with a straight back and relaxed shoulders and focus on your breathing. Turn your attention away from all-outer activities closing your eyes will help. Internalise your awareness by following the pathway of your breath as it quietly flows into then out of your lungs. The focus on your breath is the secret to creating silence in the mind. You can practice this exercise at any time, anywhere. It could be commuting to and from work, sitting in a restaurant, as a passenger in a car, before an important meeting, at your desk at work or at the breakfast table, all it takes is a few moments.

Now when you next breathe in silently repeat to yourself in a very relaxed manner the words "peace, peace, peace". Pause for a few seconds between each of the words. Allow the relaxing rhythm of the words 'peace' to flow into your being like a soothing wave passing through all regions of your body. Repeat this exercise over and over for a few minutes allowing each breath to bring a fresh wave of 'peace' with its calmness. As you repeat this 'peace' shall become your inner reality and you should notice almost immediately how quieter the mind is becoming. If any distracting thoughts arise pay no attention to them and keep your focus on the repetition of "peace, peace, peace" within the natural rhythm of your breath. This does require concentration, determination and patience.

By repeating the phrase "peace, peace, peace" while following the path of your breath you create a serenity within, a peaceful state that shall gradually quieten the mind. You can continue this exercise as many times as you need during the day. You can also use this same technique but with your eyes open while waiting in a queue at a bus stop, in a checkout queue, while walking in the park, or taking a shower. As you can see it's a technique that can be used anywhere at any time. Simplicity in your life shall also help you to bring silence into your mind. The less you have to think about the quieter the mind shall be!

One of the best times to repeat the phrase is in the morning before you commence the day. Then with the body and the mind feeling peaceful you can go about your daily activities, in a calmer quieter manner. Then to help you have a peaceful and restful sleep repeat the phrase again for five or ten minutes before you go to bed in the evening. You shall sleep better and wake feeling refreshed, alert and with a calm and rested mind.

A natural extension of this practice is to learn the art of meditation. Meditation keeps the busyness of the mind silent allowing the quietude of the spiritual heart to flourish, with its calmness, silence and poise. Then the meditator shall feel deeper silence, peace and joy in the mind.

Sri Chinmoy the meditation teacher says, (1) "During your breathing imagine something very vast, and calm and quiet. When you start concentrating, feel that inside you is a vast ocean and that you have dived deep within. There at the bottom it is all tranquillity, silence and stillness, this is a powerful way to still the mind".

Ref: (1) Sri Chinmoy's book - Meditation

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