Meditation
Meditation is fundamentally a skill that has long been lost to Western society and yet it is one, which almost everyone practices in some form. Meditation can often conjure the image of a strict discipline encompassing difficult "detachment" techniques designed to open the "mind" to the cosmic level of awareness, until such time when "enlightenment" is reached & God realization strikes!
The term meditation of course does encompass such practice, a focusing of the mind, a "letting go" of thoughts to allow the silence in. For,
"It is in the silence that the Soul speaks."
However, meditation can encompass numerous techniques and is a practice, which, far from being attainable by the very dedicated can and is used by virtually everyone, even if they are unaware of it.
Meditation becomes stronger with practice, the results from a meditation becoming more profound. As with any new skill that is learnt or developed,
"Practice makes permanent."
As one becomes more proficient in meditation you will find that certain methods will appeal more than others and in addition, that you will be drawn to different techniques perhaps at different times of the day, or when in different emotional states. As with any work that involves energy, it is important to remember that energy moves, it cannot be confined or restricted and that to attempt to be rigid with energy is in effect being rigid with oneself and inhibits your growth.
So play!
Explore different ways of meditating and be flexible in your growth and development.
What is meditation?
A centering and balancing of your energy system. If you imagine the physical form and subtle body system, meditation is a process of STILLNESS whereby the form is given the "space" to connect itself and rebalance. During this time the chakra system is given the opportunity to increase its vibratory rate as it in effect has the "time out" from having to process the data being received from the physical senses and interaction at the third dimensional level. Therefore, it is during meditation that extra sensory perception increases and cosmic awareness is received, through colour, vision etc. The charkas functioning at their finer levels.
Where?
Find your "own space" either somewhere in your house where you feel at peace and will not be disturbed, or alternative somewhere outside. The more comfortable you become with meditation, the easier you will find that you are able to disconnect from the third dimension, even if you are surrounded by noise!
How long?
Flow with your energies and listen to your intuition. If you feel that you need to meditate for an hour or more, then do it! If you feel you need four or five minutes, do it! Flexibility and simplicity are important and remember,
"Quality and not quantity."
You will tend to find that the more you practice meditation, the more often you will want to meditate and the easier it will become.
Some techniques
There are many forms of meditation. Fundamentally,
meditation = bringing the awareness back to the form = period of stillness and relaxation
- "So Hum," breath.
- Focus on the rhythm of the breath. Concentrate on the movement of the rib cage and the sound your breath makes. Be aware of the energy moving through you, the breath of God, life force. So, on the inhale. Hum, on the exhale.
- Inner journeying.
- Explorative journey into other dimensions. Unlocking doorways of the self and so the cosmos. Used by cultures such as the Native American Indians.
- Visualisation.
- Visualisations using colour. Working the aura and chakra system. Used to open the energy channels within the form to enhance vibration.
- Mantra.
- Using the vibration of sound to work and center the energies. Most common used AUM. The sound of cosmic creation.
- Focusing on each muscle.
- Focusing on each muscle within the form and concentrating on each one relaxing.
- Open eye meditation.
- Focusing and becoming absorbed with a particular object, i.e. a flower, a crystal or candle flame. Open eye meditation using sacred geometry.
- Chopping carrots!
- Any form of rhythmic activity that focuses the conscious mind and so brings a state of stillness.
The only limit to meditation is your imagination. The examples here reflect methods, which I personally use, but there are many variations. It is important to remember that we are all different and different methods will resonate with different people.
From experience, I have found that the trick with meditation is to enjoy yourself. Make it a time when you are fundamentally "giving" to yourself. That way it becomes a treat, something to look forward to, rather than a strict discipline and a chore. How can spiritual unfoldment occur when the thought of having to do a meditation creates stress and a sense of boredom?
Have fun & enjoy your journey
Sai Ram
KaiAmea.