The Stillness Readiness Meditation Protocol

The Stillness Readiness Meditation Protocol

(For entering meditation, not performing it)

Purpose of This Protocol

This practice is not meant to create experiences.
It is meant to prepare the nervous system so silence becomes safe.

Meditation begins only after the body agrees.

STEP 1: Environment & Timing (Non-Negotiable)

• Choose a quiet, dimly lit space

• Best time: early morning or late evening

• No incense, music, mantra, or timer initially

• Sit after digestion has settled (empty or light stomach)

Silence must feel neutral—not dramatic.

STEP 2: Sitting Without Correction

• Sit comfortably (chair or floor)

• Spine naturally upright, not rigid

• Hands resting loosely

• Eyes gently closed

Important rule:
Do not adjust posture again once you sit.

Constant posture correction keeps the nervous system alert.

STEP 3: Tongue Placement (The Gatekeeper Step)

• Let the tongue rest softly on the upper palate

• No pressure, no effort

• Lips gently closed, teeth not clenched

Now pause here for 30–60 seconds.

Observation only:

• Does the tongue want to move?

• Does swallowing urge arise?

If yes → do nothing.
Let the urge pass on its own.

When the tongue rests, the body starts trusting stillness.

STEP 4: Breath Non-Interference Phase

• Do not control breathing

• Do not deepen or slow it

• Do not observe it deliberately

Simply sit.

At first:

• Breath may feel uneven

• Small sighs may come

• Mind may feel restless

This is release, not failure.

STEP 5: The Safety Test (Key Transition Point)

After 2–5 minutes, notice:

• Is exhalation lengthening naturally?

• Are there tiny pauses after exhalation?

• Is there less urgency to inhale?

If breath pauses naturally, even for 1–2 seconds:

• Do not celebrate

• Do not label

• Do not hold it

Let it come and go.

This is the first sign that meditation is approaching.

STEP 6: Natural Kumbhak Recognition

At this stage:

• Pauses appear without fear

• Body feels still but alive

• Thoughts reduce without effort

Do NOT:

• Count seconds

• Try to extend the pause

• Try to repeat it

True Kumbhak is recognized, not produced.

STEP 7: Awareness Without Object

Now gently allow awareness to be:

• Not on breath

• Not on thoughts

• Not on body

Just being present.

If thoughts arise:

• Do not suppress

• Do not follow

• Let them pass like background noise

Meditation is when awareness remains without needing an anchor.

STEP 8: Ending the Session (Very Important)

Do not suddenly move.

Before opening eyes:

• Notice tongue

• Notice breath

• Notice stillness

Then:

• Gently move fingers

• Open eyes slowly

Sit silently for 30 seconds before standing.

Abrupt endings train the nervous system to resist depth next time.

Duration & Frequency

• Start with 10–12 minutes

• Once daily is enough initially

• Increase duration only if stillness appears early

More time without readiness increases restlessness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forcing breath retention

• Searching for silence

• Expecting light, visions, expansion

• Comparing sessions

• Judging progress

Meditation fails when achievement mentality enters.

Signs That Meditation Is Truly Beginning

You are not meditating yet if:

• You feel you are “doing” something

• There is urgency to inhale

• Time feels heavy

Meditation has begun when:

• Time becomes irrelevant

• Tongue feels forgotten

• Breath pauses naturally

• You feel rested without effort

Final Instruction (Most Important)

Do not ask:
“Am I meditating?”

Ask only:
“Is my body at ease with doing nothing?”

If yes—
meditation will take care of itself.