Meditation (Full Version)

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bernie -> Meditation (1/2/2008 9:07:45 PM)

Meditating as usual & enjoying the centering it's providing, the ability to ingather energy & become more together, evermore integrated & unified.

Had been anxiously awaiting so suspensefully a kind of inner-fusion. Now, it's much more resolved, i.e., the stress, the tension; it is still to be ultimately brought to resolution, nontheless.

Developing a psychic, sixth sense, the gap, emptiness, is much more unbreached, less split...in fact, feeling it finally coming together unitively, holistically, nondually...

By introducing a deeply relaxed state thru progressive muscular relaxation, guided imagery, self-regulated, deep-breathing, focusing & recognizing & eliminating muscle tension, converting beta to alpha/theta brain-wave levels - positive programming may be more easily introduced...and w/ regular, repeated practice one, of course, becomes more familiar w/ a deeply relaxed, gently soothing state & cerebral waves, structures, become more flexible, amenable to change from the negative, destructive, deeply ingrained, resistant, inflexibly obdurate structures - indeed, like blocks of ice!, these rigidly tense, knotty, indurate mindsets can begin to thaw out, dissipating & gradually dissolving old programming, towards creating new, more positive behaviors & healthy-minded, salubrious viewpoints, beliefs and values as in addictive-types whom are so often mood/conduct disordered individuals (comorbid, co-occurringly disordered), & so tragically, insidiously, unwittingly self-medicating & self-destructing...

It has been found that most illness is related to unrelieved stress, e.g., Fritz Perls' stuck points, blocks (resentment, anger, ignorance [primal nescience], inertia - tamas energy - sloth) which need to be somatically identified, alleviated... If you're experiencing stress symptoms, you have gone beyond your optimal stress level; you may need to reduce the stress in your life and/or improve your ability to manage it, in an energetic-enterprising, ever-increasing, creatively, dynamic manner. - Stress Mgmt.




Alchemist -> RE: Meditation (1/7/2008 9:22:39 AM)


To follow up on the theoretical underpinnings of meditation for health I humbly offer the following practice. I have found this to be effective for myself and for others with whom I've shared. This can be used for known conditions (illness/injury) and/or for prevention. I frequently use it in what I call "body scanning" mode where I nip problems in the bud so to speak. So I spend a larger time on the process described in the 4th paragraph than any other.

This practice is more difficult to write down than it is to learn so do not despair if it seems forbidding at first. It is an easy meditation to learn and use. Just work through it as you read and you will 'get it' very quickly. Enjoy your health!

Blessings, Alchemist



Sit or lie in a comfortable, relaxed position. Let your eyes close and begin to relax. Take several slow, deep breaths into your abdomen. Let the air out of your lungs with a big sigh, and just let the inhalation happen by itself. Notice if your chest rises or if your belly rises when you breathe in. See if you can let the air move your abdomen more than your chest. Relax your chest muscles and relax the muscles in the area of your stomach. Let your breath flow in and out like ocean waves. With each wave of breath, let your body become more relaxed. Let waves of relaxation sweep over you. Let the relaxation flow into every muscle and tendon from the top of your head to the tips of your finger and toes.

Imagine that you are surrounded by white light. This is a light of purity and protection. Inside the area of this light there can be no negativity. It is a light of love. Allow this light to shine all around you and through you.

Now change the light to one of shimmering gold. The golden light is flecked with sparkling healing green light. Shine this gold and green light into every cell of your body.

Notice any areas in your body that remain dark. Perhaps this is an area that needs special attention. Draw your consciousness to that area and invite the light to cleanse it of any impurity or dysfunction. Release any tension in that area. Release any negative emotions. Replace it with the light of love.

If this is an area of disease, try to see the disease. What does it look like in your imagination? This is your own personal image. It need not be scientific. It can be symbolic.

Imagine that healing is taking place. The disease is not part of you, it is but a temporary obstacle to full health and functioning. In your mind’s eye, see the dysfunction being removed. Create a picture in your mind of the healer. It might be a person, or group of people or animals, or machines, or forces of nature working on your illness. What are they doing to help you? Get a clear picture. Take as much time as you want to let the process continue. Remember the images you have created so that you can return to them and continue the inner healing later on. Regular practice is more likely to bring the results you seek than sporadic longer sessions. The time just before you go to sleep and right after you awaken are excellent times to practice.

Remember the light, so that you can shine it any time you want. Make it a habit to clear your mind and heart with a loving white light. Surround yourself with it to ward off negativity. Use the gold and green shimmering light to focus your healing power. Fill yourself with light to lighten your inner world. Use it to wash away obstacles and blocked energy.

Visualize your body as whole and healthy. See yourself as your perfect self.









bernie -> RE: Meditation (1/7/2008 10:30:38 AM)

Definitely! & it's highly therapeutic, unfortunately, meditation doesn't really begin till you've experienced its benefits, an alpha state or higher level of consciousness, &, consequently, seek it from the core of your being... 



Alchemist -> RE: Meditation (1/7/2008 10:59:46 AM)

Bernie
 
On the face of it it sounds like a chicken and egg scenario but it needn't be. By applying these visualizations in a relaxed manner (not worrying about results) one can slip into the alpha state. Then the effects of the meditation are more pronounced. And envisioning the Light is one way to establish contact with Source at the core of one's being.
 
This is just one suggestion out of a nearly infinite number of possibilities but one which is effective for many.
 
Best Wishes,  Alchemist



buttington -> RE: Meditation (1/7/2008 1:31:17 PM)

Alchemist, I also have found this healing meditation very useful. The use of white or golden light seems especially powerful. Thanks for reminding me of it as I haven't used it for a while.

Jude



bernie -> RE: Meditation (1/7/2008 2:14:39 PM)

Yes, as integration & unification are the key toward cohesive & congruent receptiveness w/ positive regard, i.e., for optimal benefits. And, thus, may eventually become one of the leading therapeutic techniques.



Alchemist -> RE: Meditation (1/7/2008 3:45:20 PM)

Jude
 
You are most welcome. I am delighted to be of service.

Bernie 
 
Absolutely! With the opening of Spiritual eyes it becomes more and more apparent that all healing is self-healing. Or in view of integration: Self-healing. Can't be more optimal than that.


Blessings,  Alchemist



bernie -> RE: Meditation (1/7/2008 5:23:55 PM)

Absolutely! toward optimal health and full-functioning humanness & even beyond - Supramentalisation...



billyboycorn -> RE: Meditation (1/8/2008 5:05:33 PM)

Hello,

I'm new to this forum but I'm interested in the subject of meditation and it is a practice I plan to include in my life on a more regular basis.  For those who have been practising meditation for a period of time, how long does it take you to reach an alpha level of consciousness and beyond?  When you sit and meditate, how much time do you invest in this practice at one sitting?

Thanks,
B.



bernie -> RE: Meditation (1/9/2008 1:41:53 AM)

To focus & concentrate is a starter & not to dissipate or squander your energy every which way, to still the 'monkey-mind', so to speak. As you ingather your energy more & more on whatever you're contemplating, an idea, person, place or thing, your energy-force becomes ever-increasingly pinpointed like a laser beam while, for instance, you might have pleasant, soothing nature sounds or classical, New Age music in the background.

An alpha/theta state is just a slowing down of your cerebral brain-waves to where you're being more & more receptive for positive energizing forces to facilitate peace, quintessential, toward becoming evermore centered & creative.

In Integral Yoga: the concept of Harmonious and Creative Living, Dr.Chaudhuri points out that, 'In practicing meditation one relaxes, lets go one's mind & body, and calmly reflects upon one's ontological status as an actve center of the Divine. One offers oneself, heart and soul, to the cosmic creative principle, to the universal life force, so that one's ultimate purpose of life may be revealed... Self-energizing ('the coiled power', kundalini) reaches its height when the divine spark in man leaps into a flame... All the great religions of the world, specially the foremost mystics in world religions, refer to the unitive cosmic consciousness as the crowning fulfillment of man's spiritual effort.'



Alchemist -> RE: Meditation (1/9/2008 10:18:45 AM)


Billyboycorn


Meditation is very accessible though there are endless techniques propounded which can be very confusing. One of the best overviews I know of is here: http://www.shambhalasun.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=1594 . After reading that you may want to sample any of the hundreds of meditations here: http://www.interluderetreat.com/medarc.htm . If you are not drawn to any specific one I would suggest "Building Your Sacred Space".

It is best not to worry about being "in alpha". As far as duration, it takes as long as it takes. As you read through the meditations at the second link, you will begin to grasp the open-endedness. I have had meditations which have lasted anywhere from 5 minutes to over an hour. Other meditators use alarm clocks to limit their meditation periods as one quickly loses track of time. It is all dependent on your situation and intention.

I hope this helps.


Alchemist



billyboycorn -> RE: Meditation (1/9/2008 4:46:07 PM)

bernie & Alchemist,

Thank-you both for taking time and responding to my questions.  Both responses have been helpful.

B.



bernie -> RE: Meditation (1/10/2008 9:57:43 AM)

Waking-up is really the seed of perfection, of personal & transpersonal realization - involution precedes evolution! - to remain asleep, 'waking-sleep' (inconscience) leads to complacency, dry rot, and inner, moral decay. 'To be' is 'to do' & to do IS... In the final analysis, last judgment, what shall we - yes, you & I, contribute to our fellowman, to posterity? - we often die before giving birth to ourselves - truly to be reborn is not easy; we create, instead, an intense paradox, toward life, toward our destiny (i.e., a paradoxical process of self-denial in lieu of one of genuine self-interest, self-realization, - actualization, ad infinitum, in tune w/ spirit, the cosmos... 'Like trees, we begin w/ a seed. Some do not develop at all. Some die young. And some grow into towering heights with many flourishing branches').



Alchemist -> RE: Meditation (4/23/2008 10:04:38 AM)


Here is a basic outline on the subject of meditation which provides examples of benefits and some insight on 'what to expect'. Many people have a very distorted view of the subject. I have highlighted a few points I think of as especially important.

I again would recommend the links I provided in an earlier post in this topic to anyone who wants to learn more.

Alchemist


MEDITATION – THE KEY TO PEACE

1) Meditation – the perfect activity, how to fall in love with life.
2) Meditation – your connection to an awareness of God consciousness.
3) Meditation – your connection to the creative process and success.
4) Meditation – the key to peace.

Research studies show

1) Meditation relieves physical and emotional pain, balances blood chemistry, turns off the stress response.
2) Meditation calms and quiets the mind, drains away anger, sadness, fear, and guilt.
3) Meditation balances the body and restores health.
4) Meditation can cure both physical illness and mood disorders, sometimes in a remarkably short period of time.

Meditation

1) Does not take years of practice.

2) Is a state of mind available to us all.

3) Is only a heartbeat and a breath away.


Meditation Methods

1) Hundreds of methods, choose one you ENJOY.

The Role of Relaxation and Stillness In Meditation

1) Meditation produces relaxation. Relaxation produces meditation. Relaxing the muscles and getting the body comfortable prepare you to enter the Kingdom of Heaven which is within.
2) Relaxation is health producing, reduces distractions, quiets the "monkey mind" remarkably, and makes you receptive to the voice of peace.
3) Negative emotions become linked to tight muscles. When you relax your muscles, your negative emotions disappear.
4) Relaxation always precedes entry into the Stillness. The Stillness is the place within where God resides.
5) Deep stillness is a deeply altered state, a true gift from God, so satisfying in itself that nothing else is required for perfect peace.
6) In the Stillness, answers come, perfect answers, conceived in Love, and which bring Peace and Harmony into your world.

Meditation Helps You Awaken From The Illusion

1) Mortal mind (small-self ego-centered states) is easily offended, seeks to punish, exacts retribution, looks for recognition, feels bad about itself, and is based on the perceptions of anger and fear. Mortal mind thinks that others must change before you can have peace. Most people spend their entire lives chasing the illusions of the ego, trying to push other people and situations around to achieve moments of ever-elusive peace.
2) Whenever your negative emotions scream for your attention, the still small voice of peace within patiently awaits your contemplation.
3) As long as you identify with your emotions, your anger and your fears, you will always be suffering, always chasing peace.
4) When you learn to turn away from these errors of mortal mind, and begin to contemplate and identify with the Big Self, the peace of the Divine Mind, your life will change and move into Balance and Harmony.
5) Every day you have a choice, whom you will serve, mortal mind or the God presence within.

The Space Between Your Thoughts

1) Meditation can be the wonderful contemplation of a perfect idea.
2) There is a deeper level of meditation where there are no words.

Using Words To Get To That Place Where There Are No Words

1) Guided Meditation.
2) Mindfulness – "Peace is every step" – Thick Nhat Hanh
One Meditation Technique
1) "The effortless way is the best" – Joseph Murphy. The more you can relax and enjoy the process, the better.
2) In a peaceful place, relax your body, relax your mind.
3) Find a comfortable position. Let your body become peaceful and still.
4) When you feel ready to begin, to calm and focus your mind, you can contemplate a perfect idea, count your blessings, remember past experiences of success, or anything else that brings you into an awareness of life as good.
5) If you are in a peaceful place, such as in nature, let your mind, for as long as you want, pay attention to all the sights, sounds, and sensations as if you had never experienced them before. You can hold a leaf or stone in your hand and begin to notice its perfection. This is "beginner’s mind" on the outer plane.
6) When you feel a shift toward an inner awareness and sensation of peace, let go of all effort. Sink into this pleasurable experience of life itself. This is "beginner’s mind" on the inner plane.
7) You may perceive thoughts, ideas, emotions, insights, answers to questions, or simply a deep state of Stillness, completely satisfying and totally fulfilling.
8) When you are done, take all the time in the world to come back to normal waking consciousness.
9) Bring this peace back with you. Continue to move throughout your day in this peaceful way. Remember, "Peace is every step" – Thich Nhat Hanh.



buttington -> RE: Meditation (4/23/2008 1:47:30 PM)

Alchemist, thank you for that. I've made a copy of it to peruse at my leisure.[:)]

Jude



bernie -> RE: Meditation (4/23/2008 8:56:28 PM)

God be in my head and in my understanding
God be in my eyes and in my looking
God be in my mouth and in my speaking
God be in my tongue and in my tasting
God be in my lips and in my greeting
 
God be in my nose and in my smelling/inhaling
God be in my ears and in my hearing
God be in my neck and in my humbling
God be in my shoulders and in my bearing
God be in my back and in my standing
 
God be in my arms and in my reaching/receiving
God be in my hands and in my working
God be in my legs and in my walking
God be in my feet and in my grounding
God be in my joints and in my relating
 
God be in my guts and in my feeling
God be in my bowels and in my forgiving
God be in my loins and in my swiving
God be in my lungs and in my breathing
God be in my heart and in my loving
 
God be in my skin and in my touching
God be in my flesh and in my paining/pining
God be in my blood and in my living
God be in my bones and in my dying
God be at my end and at my reviving
 
-(Rev. Jim Cotter, Prayer at Night)



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