SPIRITUALITY THROUGH SECULAR MEDITATION
In a chaotic world, a simple hymn can remind of the profound beauty in stillness and silence. “Find a Stillness,” with lyrics by Carl Seaburg set to a Transylvanian folk tune, is one such piece. This hymn evokes a deep sense of introspection and serenity with its haunting melody in a minor key. For many, including its admirers, it is a powerful invitation to connect with the spiritual essence of life.
Seaburg’s lyrics are a prescription for prayer and meditation: “Find it, hold it, and let it do its work in us.” These words are an invitation to enter a state of reflection and peace. The hymn’s three-part structure—find, hold, let—guides the listener through a transformative journey. Its evocative imagery, coupled with the rise and fall of its tune, strikes a balance between the meditative and the transcendent. For those who cherish it, this hymn isn’t just a song but a path to inner harmony.
FISU: Spiritual Progress Beyond Denomination
This hymn encapsulates the FISU’s – Foundation for International Spiritual Unfoldment spirituality approach, distinguishing it from traditional religious congregations. FISU is a non-denominational organization that embraces all religions in a secular way, welcoming diverse spiritual journeys without dogma or creed.
Unlike many places of worship, which often focus on communal worship as an end in itself, FISU prioritizes the spiritual unfoldment of its members. While fostering a strong sense of community is vital to its ethos, FISU’s emphasis lies in the personal and direct progress of each individual’s spiritual journey. Meditation, prayer, and introspection become tools for transformation, a notion beautifully echoed in the lines of Seaburg’s hymn: “In the spirit, by the spirit, with the spirit giving power, I will find true harmony.”
Meditative Practice
For those within FISU, “Find a Stillness” serves not only as a musical experience but also as a meditative practice. The hymn’s melody invites transposition, accommodating different vocal ranges and enhancing accessibility. Its minor key and phrasing inspire a contemplative mood, while its structure supports a profound alignment with spiritual principles.
This connection between music and meditation reflects FISU’s philosophy. Meditation and hymns like “Find a Stillness” encourage individuals to cultivate inner peace and spiritual growth. They serve as a bridge between moments of solitude and the collective strength of a community that supports and inspires progress.
Building Spiritual Foundations in a Secular World
As the hymn suggests, seeking, holding, and letting go is a universal path to harmony—a value at the core of FISU’s teachings. By embracing all religious and spiritual traditions while maintaining a secular foundation, FISU provides a sanctuary for those seeking something more profound. Its approach underscores that spiritual growth is not confined to the walls of a church or the rituals of a religion but is an evolving journey nurtured by meditation, reflection, and community.
In celebrating hymns like “Find a Stillness,” FISU exemplifies how music and meditation can converge to create an enriching spiritual practice. It’s a reminder that amidst the clamor of daily life, the search for stillness and harmony remains a timeless pursuit.
FIND A STILLNESS – Carl Seaburg
Find a stillness, hold a stillness, let the stillness carry me.
Find the silence, hold the silence, let the silence carry me.
In the spirit, by the spirit, with the spirit giving power,
I will find true harmony.
Seek the essence, hold the essence, let the essence carry me.
Let me flower, help me flower, watch me flower, carry me.
In the spirit, by the spirit, with the spirit giving power,
I will find true harmony.
