Meditation

My personal version of meditation is similar to the posts I made earlier: How to Meditate. The earlier post was to show other methods of the meditating technique. Below is my variation of meditation. I add and delete things when necessary to my routine, but it will give you a basic outline:


1. Make sure all is quite - no disturbances. Turn off all telephones, TVs and such. Make sure no one is home or they are alerted to your request for peace and alone time. [Maybe they are reading, sleeping, on the computer - just doing something quite]. Make all pets happy - a barking dog or cat fight will surely break your concentration.

2. Lower all lights. Daytime - cover the windows for an ambience and to tone down the bright sun. Nighttime is my favorite time for meditation.... no traffic, worries about a knock on the door etc.

3. Turn on Ambient, Meditation, Experimental, Environmental or Classical music - very low - helps me to relax and focus. The sounds help to 'drive' my experiences while in the meditating mode. ~Once in awhile I choose no sounds for a different effect~

4. Light some candles. If you are a believer in symbolism and colors you may want to consult your color chart to coordinate with the type or focus of your meditation. White is always a good choice for anyone or any belief ~non believers of color symbolism included~. I usually light 3 or 5 candles [odd numbers]

5. Incense, heated and scented oils or potpourri is used. Again, those believing in symbolism may choose to use symbolic scents for their ritual. I use symbolic scents for specific meditations; my general meditations I use my favorite scents. For me, Woods, Spices and/or Musks is the best. You choose what is right for you and your meditation.

6. A series of light, slow stretches to loosen and relax the muscles. This will also help 'free the mind'.

7. Sit on the floor in the classic Lotus Position. Arms in a position most comfortable to you. Eyes closed. Breathe slowly and deeply.... every breath will become deeper and slower.

8. Clear the mind of any and all thoughts. I usually focus on the darkness or blackness that one sees when the eyes are closed. Other times, I will focus on the music to help 'carry me to my place of meditation.' Yet on other occasions I'll picture a lotus flower, lake, or even the stars.... anything to get the mind of the bump and grind of daily living and to start meditation.

9. Now that the mind is clear the journey begins. Experiences vary from person to person and mediation to mediation. You never know where you'll end up: a beautiful magical forest, under the ocean, dancing in the clouds, complete darkness, a room full of candles, a rose garden - the possibilities are endless.

Interesting to note that sometimes you may hear sounds, voices or someone talking directly to you! Messages or Omens are sometimes what they are. Other times it's help with a particular situation. Some may be deeper - telling you more about yourself or others. Listen closely!

The images you see are important too. They are the for the same reasons as sounds/voices. Meditation is very similar to the dream state. Not everything has a meaning... but the things that stand out most to you are meaningful. Remember meditation is more than just relaxing. The beginner may find that that's all they are getting out of the first few meditation experiences but will soon learn otherwise.


10. When coming out of the meditative state, do so slowly. Do not open the eyes fast, do not jump up and or move in any quick way. Once the meditation is over - slowly open the eyes. Breathe and relax. A few easy, light floor stretches is good before standing up.Easy does it again when before standing up. This will help to prevent 'shock' and stop you from being thrown back into the state you were in before the meditation took place.

My personal choice - after the eyes are opened, breathing is back to normal and the stretches are over - I will sit and think about all that I have experienced in my meditations. Keeping a journal of it? Now is the time to write down.

*I usually have a glass of water or juice beside me and some fruits/veggies/nuts waiting for me to complete my meditation cycle. While thinking about the meanings and writing down the experiences I will enjoy my mini healthy snack.


11. Now that this is over with - you should feel relaxed, peaceful, energy soaring, creative juices flowing and happy. The 'third eye' should be clear, mind-body-spirit balanced and the emotions almost euphoric. ~Very seldom do I have a bad or scary meditation experience, but just like a nightmare, it does happen. Just a word of warning.~

12. Ready for the world and what life has dish-out for another day. Hopeful that it is as good as I feel after my meditation journey. May this will help a beginner to understand another method and view of it.


~Terrah Dawn