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Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Meditation is a Quiet Revolution
For over 30 years I have meditated. For almost as many years, in workshops, consultations, friendly conversation, and writing, I have been encouraging, teaching, or leading people to meditate and create quiet moments. Meanwhile, the world has changed dramatically, and so I. My learning was the most important is: everyone is different. Certainly there are similarities in meditation, but each individual is unique. I believe that meditation is one of the most empowering practices that anyone can engage in.
A “quiet revolution” is an oxymoron, of course. Meditation is generally a private, quiet practice. In North America its acceptance has changed dramatically in recent years, although it is not yet universally accepted. As with most revolutions, a tunnel is set up before, during and after the external manifestations of enlightenment. In this culture that I know, people increasingly speak and write about their meditation practice.
Meditating in groups is also common and very powerful, yet everyone still pondering a unique, quiet, private experience. In the workplace, meditation is often practiced openly, or discussed, except in safe, small groups or friends. When I was frequent workshop presenter, I had a lot of participants to talk to me privately whispered to pause to acknowledge that they meditate. The voice may not be as cozy these days, but always there is a quiet, even silent, on the practice in many settings.
I am comfortable with the variety of words used to describe meditation. My own goal for meditation is to connect with the Divine and supplied by the source. Some speak of mystical experiences and a higher consciousness, while others are more comfortable on relaxation, calmness and resilience. Increased awareness, intuition, vision and imaging are frequently used to describe the experiences of meditation. I find that helping others to express their own experiences meditation is a powerful process for them, even when the words do not flow smoothly.
Long-time meditators can find other long mediators easily. Meditators give off signals or vibrations that are quieter and more aligned with the self than those who do not meditate or do not have a type of meditative practice that appeals to a higher consciousness. Gardening, yoga, sports activities and relaxation regularly can achieve the same calming signals when practiced in order to achieve harmony with oneself.
No matter how and where you meditate, you must make a choice to meditate and practice regularly to enjoy. Benefits come complete with regular practice over a period of time. Meditating only when stressed may certainly be beneficial in the immediate situation, but the long-term benefits of regular practice include general welfare, health, a strong immune system, longevity, clarity of thought, and the balance.
Meditation is sometimes associated with certain religions. Meditation can be practiced in all religions, but the two are not synonymous. In my work, I keep meditation distinct from religion, if my clients choose to combine the two, that’s fine. Those who have strong religious beliefs gravitate to the types of meditation that match their beliefs. Wikipedia has a list of methods of meditation.
Whichever method you choose, the benefits of regular meditation, over time, are as varied as the people who meditate. It is quite common for meditators long to recognize that they benefit physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
Recently I received an email from a long-time meditator in India talking about her experiences of meditation. It was a delight to read. It became clear to me that it has incorporated the same elements that encourage people to discover and use.
She uses her breath to relax. It has several processes to manage stress and mind chatter, so it is not disturbed by them in meditation. It has two different “focal points” for his attention. One is a visual focus, a traditional Indian lamp, it displays the divine light that illuminates his heart. Another focal point is one of the most famous mantra, OM, where she sang several times, saying it only takes a little time to reach the state of consciousness that is its purpose for meditation . And has a regular practice.
His message was a summary of what many good long-term meditators might report. While working with the new meditators and long, I discovered that the most difficult aspect of meditation is to practice regularly. All elements of meditation are easy to understand, but to sit and make many new challenges meditators.
If you have not meditated before, it may seem mysterious. However, meditation is simple. I recommend a maximum of twenty minutes for new meditators. The elements:
Adequate time when you will not be disturbed;
Sit in a comfortable position and relax;
Close your eyes, unless you like a meditation with open eyes;
Intentionally to breathe a few breaths;
Choose a focal point, such as music, a song, a pleasant image, a voice guidance;
Stay with the focal point, if your mind wanders, gently return to the focal point;
Bring meditation to a close and return to your activities, refreshed.
If this is your first time meditating, you can feel that “nothing happens” in the first time you sit down to meditate. It’s a common feeling. At the end of your meditation time chosen is simply up and continue your day. Benefits are cumulative, that is why I advocate a regular practice.
If you want to meditate, but are not or are not meditating meditate as often as you want, please be gentle with yourself. While only you can sit and do it, you can also find ways to make it more attractive. In order to have a meditation practice, you must practice meditation. First and foremost, follow your heart and trust your own inner guidance.
What do you think? Do you want to be part of this quiet revolution? Are you already part of the revolution, but want to meditate more regularly? If so, think about a session at a time until it becomes a part of your life.
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