I want to share this description by Roberto Assagioli, father of psychosynthesis, of how he was able to still his mind (one of the goals of meditation) while in solitary confinement in 1940. He was arrested by Mussolini's fascist regime for the crime of "praying for peace and inviting others to join him". It came from his book Freedom in Jail, where he explores the use of challenging life events as a chance to grow personally and spiritually.
The Stilling of the Mind
I adopted the method of letting it jump and run, while observing it in a calm, detached way. Better this than forcible suppression.
At first a mild interest, a sense of humour, a smiling observation, coupled with a close firm watchfulness in order not to become involved in the mind’s activity.
At first many failures, but by and by less and less ...
Gradually, the mind got tired, calmed down spontaneously and, like a child or a boy who had had his fill of running and playing, came back subdued and in an attitude as of asking what to do, of waiting for orders.
Then:
Gradually a sense of light, of stability, of permanency as a diamond. Then a sense of power, of calm indomitable power, mastery.
Then, a sense of radiation, effulgence.
From: Freedom in Jail, Roberto Assagioli
