"HOW DO YOU MEDITATE"?
While talking with a co-worker today on how excited I am about this new section to the SAGAPS site, and some of the myriad of topics I want to explore with others, she asked, "how do you meditate?". As you can imagine there is no one answer! I could only touch briefly on several ways I know to meditate from my limited knowledge and experience. I have benefited from several styles of meditation over the years. Yoga is one I have practiced and is commonly heard of. There are many books for beginners. You can usually find a Yoga class at any health club or community center. We even have a weekly Yoga group available at my work place. Using sound (soft music, trickling water), aroma therapy, staring into a candle flame, and my favorite "sleep", which is even considered a sustained form of mediation, can all be ways to reach that desired state of consciousness. As I have said before "it is your journey". You can experiment with many form of meditation and find which one you are more comfortable with.
Meditation is a mental discipline by which one attempts to get beyond the reflexive, "thinking" mind into a deeper state of relaxation or awareness. Meditation often involves turning attention to a single point of reference. It is recognized as a component of many religions, and has been practiced since antiquity. It is also practiced outside religious traditions. Different meditative disciplines encompass a wide range of spiritual and/or psychophysical practices which may emphasize different goals-from achievement of a higher state of consciousness, to greater focus, creativity or self-awareness, or simply a more relaxed and peaceful frame of mind.
The word meditationoriginally comes from the Indo-European root med-, meaning "to measure." From the root med- are also derived the English words mete, medicine, modest, and moderate. It entered English as meditation through the Latin meditatio, which originally indicated every type of physical or intellectual exercise, then later evolved into the more specific meaning "contemplation." Eastern meditation techniques have been adapted and increasingly practiced in western-culture.
Evidence of the origins of meditation extends back to a time before recorded history. Archaeologists tell us the practice may have existed among the first Indian civilizations. Indian scriptures dating back 2500-3000 years describe meditation techniques. From its ancient beginnings and over thousands of years, meditation has developed into a structured practice used today by millions of people worldwide of differing nationalities and religious beliefs.
If you have never meditated before, you may believe that it is a pleasant way of escaping from the world and its problems. Although it does lead to inner stillness, calm, or finding the silent place within, meditation is certainly not just about melting into bliss. Rather, meditation can be a powerful tool to help you focus clearly on your physical well being. Just as important, it also puts you directly in touch with universal energy "prana" - the life force that runs through all things. It is exactly what is needed to reach a level of consciousness for those seeking to sharpen there intuitive side. Meditation can improve your life in many ways; meditation sharpens and focuses your mental activity and keeps you alert at work, and at home, and in your relationships. It also enhances creativity and self-knowledge.
So with that being said, hear are some simple guidelines to meditation to help you get started which I learned from my favorite book: DISCOVERING YOUR PSYCHIC POTENTIAL, by Julie Soskinto.
1. Find a quite, clean, airy, comfortable place where you will be undisturbed to meditate.
2. Take a bath or shower, at least wash your hands, and wear clean loose comfortable clothing.
3. You may want to use a focus object such as a candle, flower, or picture, a sound such as a mantra, or ambient music.
4. For the right posture sit in a chair or on the floor with your back supported. Place you arms on your legs with your hands in
an open position.
5. Devote your attention to your point of focus: start with five minutes increasing the your time with practice.
6. No need to force your mind to concentrate, focus without effort. When thoughts intrude, don't push them aside but let
them float by. If your mind wonders, return to its focus, no matter how often it escapes.
7. Meditate at the same time each day. Morning is desired, on an empty stomach. Meditating the last thing at night can
cause you to fall asleep.
If sleep is your desired result, there is another style of meditation for that. As I stated sleep is also considered a form of sustained meditation.
Here is one of my favorite exercises for complete relaxation: It can last as long or short a time as you desire. Find a quite place to start. You may want to listen to some relaxing music to become completely calm, turn the music off.
BREATHING IN THE LIGHT:
1. Direct your consciousness onto listening to your breathing.
2. Tune into the ebb and flow of your breath, and focus on the quite rhythm.
3. Let your breath take you to your inner calm, and consciously breath that stillness out from the core of your being.
4. Visualize you breathing as ripples on a pond, moving outward in increasingly large circles, or as waves of light radiating from
your body.
5. Hold the energy and keep your focus-don't be tempted to "float away." After a while, as you breath, concentrate on the
thought that every living thing breathes. Say to yourself "We all breath in light." Now let yourself become completely open
to the universal focus of light. Stay with this feeling as long as you like.
6. When you are ready, gently lead your consciousness back into your physical body (paying particular attention to keeping
your feet on the ground).
7. Finally, cross your arms and legs, as an act of closing.
I like to use this exercise in what I call my "water treatment", it souths my body and soul (great for a fire sign!). I float in a pool of cool water, watching the ripples of light and water surrounding my body on the bottom of the pool, while repeating "We all breath in the light".
So thanks for sparking this topic of which I was wanting to share!!! This ones for you Amanda ;}
Now, I go to my favorite meditation - sleep!!!
"Spread your wings"
Jules
SAGAPS
Case Manager/investigator
Sensitive