AAO: Arrive at Origin Workshop

Day 5: Emotional Cleansing
Message by Dr. Alka Chopra Madan

On Day 5 of the AAO workshop, many participants experience an emotional release, often marked by the feeling of “nothingness.” This might seem strange at first, but it is actually a powerful sign that you’ve stopped defining your state of mind in terms of emotions. We are so accustomed to always feeling something—good, bad, positive, or negative—that we often express these emotions to others. We say things like, “I feel good,” or “I feel miserable,” as though emotions are something we must constantly experience.

However, the practice of observing silence helps us realize that we don’t always need to feel anything. Feeling “nothing” during this practice is a form of emotional release. It signifies a state of being where we are not compelled to define ourselves by our emotions.

I’d like to share two personal experiences from my own journey with silence. When I was 19, I began seeking the meaning of existence. This quest led me to explore many spiritual practices, including observing silence. At first, I was instructed by my mentor to practice silence for six months, sitting quietly every day at 3 PM for about two hours. Initially, I dreaded these sessions and would pray that they would be canceled so I wouldn’t have to sit in silence for such long periods.

Little did I know, this practice would have a profound impact on my life. One day, a friend remarked that I seemed to have stopped getting angry. That comment made me reflect deeply on how much my behavior had changed. The practice of silence allowed me to become more mindful and spontaneous, and I started experiencing more appropriate emotions in different situations. More importantly, I realized that there was no need to feel emotions all the time.

In today’s world, we often believe we must be happy, cheerful, or positive all the time. But I believe it’s perfectly natural to experience “nothingness.” I don’t mean that we should strive for emptiness in a negative sense, but rather, we should aim to cultivate a state where we are not constantly chasing emotions. This sense of nothingness should not only be experienced during the session but should ideally extend throughout our entire day.

The real challenge is integrating this state of “nothingness” into our daily lives. The true test of success in this practice is our ability to maintain this state of calm and emotional neutrality in our everyday interactions. When you can achieve this, you will notice that your environment will also become more peaceful. As you change, your surroundings change too, and you begin to influence those around you in a calm, effortless way.

This practice is an ongoing process. It’s a continual drill to help you remain in a state of “nothingness” even outside the sessions. Once you have experienced silence, you have already reached a significant level of awareness. You don’t need to start over if you take a break from this practice. You carry with you the insights and benefits gained from observing silence, and you can continue to build upon them in your daily life.

Experiences of the Participants
On Day 5, participants reported feeling the impact of silence both during the session and throughout the day. Many noted a sense of “nothingness”—a state where they were not thinking or feeling anything. This was a significant experience, as it reflected emotional cleansing and release.

• The distractions of daily life seemed to fade, making it easier to focus and maintain peace.
• Participants expressed a deep need for a break from the routine, and many felt that mindfulness increased as a result of observing silence.
• Stress and daily pressures became more manageable, as sitting in silence helped participants process overwhelming thoughts without effort.
• People also observed a reduction in mistakes, as the practice helped them become more mindful and aware.

Note
At first, not experiencing emotions can feel unnatural, as it may make you feel different from others. But, in reality, this state is the most natural one.

The sense of stillness and detachment you experience from observing silence is so profound that it can even diminish your emotional reaction to substances like alcohol. Over time, you will notice that even after consuming alcohol, you might feel unaffected. This shift is gradual but irreversible, and it is a testament to the power of silence in calming the mind.

You may start to wonder how practicing silence regularly will affect you in the long term. As you continue, you’ll see the positive changes not only in yourself but also in how others perceive you. People around you may begin to notice and appreciate the positive shifts in your behavior and your life.

Conclusion
The goal of this practice is to integrate the experience of “nothingness” into your everyday routine. The more you do this, the easier it will become to stay calm, composed, and unaffected by the ups and downs of life. You may find that you become more present, mindful, and peaceful and that this peace spreads to those around you.

Remember, the effects of observing silence are lasting. You don’t have to start over each time you take a break from it. The awareness you gain will stay with you, transforming your life step by step.

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