|
Astrea responds:
Dear Aqueelah,
My meditation probably doesn't conform to the ideas most people have about meditating, for I have to be MOVING to meditate.
I too find it hard to solve my problems while sitting still. Like you, if I sit or lie down long enough, I fall asleep, which at least is relaxing. Lots of people have a very hard time just doing that. Don't be upset when that happens, for it means you're getting into your groove.
I'm probably very strange when it comes to what I do personally. Some of my best meditations occur while I'm driving long distances, which I do at least twice a week. (Don't worry, I do pay attention to my driving.)
Out on the country roads, my mind is able to really wrap itself around issues without any big distractions. I'm also able to connect with my friends who have crossed over, and they ride along with me sometimes. I've done this for so many years that it's totally natural and automatic for me now.
My other favorite way to meditate is while I'm doing a ballet barre. Over the years, I'm sure I've done hundreds of thousands, and a barre doesn't change that much. Because the barre begins so slowly, with the bigger muscles being trained and stretched, and progresses through the smaller muscle groups and then culminates in a long slow stretch again, it's perfect for me to let my mind go to the issues I need to address at the time.
If you don't have a studio with a barre, it's okay. Just accept that sitting meditation to quiet your mind isn't for everyone, and find something that works for you. There are many great DVDs that have T'ai Chi or similar moving meditations. Kenny Dunn's offers great instruction.
If you don't want something that complicated, there are several other moving paths you might try. In fact, you can design your OWN moving meditation with any kind of repetitive movement, so experiment and find what works best for you. If something doesn't work, at least you're getting good exercise!
Also, don't think that you're not meditating just because your mind goes over the day's events. Reviewing anything over and over can become a mantra for reaching the Higher Self. Searching for answers through a repetitive process is the cornerstone of many traditional inner quests.
The important thing is to honor whatever works best for you!
|
Susyn responds:
Dear Aqueelah,
One wonderful thing about meditation is its versatility. You can meditate almost anywhere and for any length of time and still reap benefits. Meditation is a highly effective tool for centering your mind, heart and spirit. When I find myself unable to stop the chatter in my head, meditation is the answer.
Morning meditation is effective for starting the day off on the right foot and for building strength whenever you're having trouble in a certain area, such as a lack of confidence, trust or clarity. I find that evening meditations are wonderful for clearing away the bustle and confusion of the day.
Choose a special place in your home for meditation, and create an altar or center dedicated to this purpose. Small water fountains, candles, plants or stones can add a soothing tone to your altar. Pictures, icons and crystal balls can also help you focus. While some people like to have relaxing music in the background, I prefer a calming silence.
I like to sit on a small pillow covered with silk or wool, which are both known to be powerful conductors of life force energy. I sit with my legs crossed and my back straight.
Taking in ten deep breaths, I time my breaths to the count of four: Four counts inhaling, four counts holding, and four counts exhaling. Once I center in this way, I choose an object to focus on or visualize a window in my mind and wait for images and visions to appear.
As you meditate, the biggest challenge is preventing stray thoughts from entering your mind. When this happens, choose an object to focus on such as the flame of a candle, an image, or an affirmation you can read over and over. You can also clear your mind by listening to music or the sounds of nature.
Like most things in life, practice makes perfect: meditating regularly in the morning or evening will increase your ability to get in the zone. You can also perform spot meditations in unfamiliar settings when you feel uncentered, panicked or worried.
Find a quiet place where you can be alone and focus on an object such as a ring, a bracelet, your hand, or a special stone you carry in your purse or pocket for just such meditation emergencies.
Spiritual ideas, guidance and clarity are the gifts of regular meditation. I encourage you to find your own style and schedule for honing these skills, for meditation can transform your life in powerful ways. |
