If you’ve had a meditation practice before, you know the bliss awaiting you each time you sit, and you know just as well the challenge that comes with fitting in a practice despite personally experiencing the benefits. If you are new to meditation, perhaps you wonder why, if at all, it’s something you might want to give a whirl. You may think it’s too hard to do. You may feel funny giving something a go, which involves a state of not going anywhere at all, so you might be wondering, “where do you even start?”. Some important points I have gleaned throughout my years of meditating are listed below to help you get the most out of any type of practice you decide to embark on, plus a few techniques you may add onto an existing practice to deepen and enrich your experience.
Meditative versus Focused; what is the difference?
Just so that we are on the same page, there is a difference between having a focused, one-pointed state of consciousness, and having a relaxed open and expanded state of consciousness. The notion of disconnecting from our thoughts to leave our minds totally empty, in my opinion, is not an accurate, nor, concise definition of meditation. From my experience and years of training with many teachers one of whom is my energy healing teacher, Master Choa Kok Sui, I came to learn that instead of the goal being to “clear” anything, the aim was to sit in a space of quiet reserve to experience the spark of divinity that exists within us, that frequently goes undetected due to normal life activities and our own agendas. We lose touch with the space within ourselves that remembers the magic state of peacefulness, hope and love that’s crowded out by our everyday pursuits. So, for me and those I teach, the point is to experience connection to your True Nature in ways you haven’t yet experienced. From that perspective it takes on a new light. Wouldn’t you like to explore new places within yourself and come into more amazing discoveries about yourself? If you are a person who believes you have nothing new to discover about yourself, then my take on meditation probably won’t move you and that’s ok. Sharing is caring, so even if you are reading this as a by-stander to see how it works for everyone else before you jump in, know that I care about you as well.
Meditation Appetizer?
So, what do you do if you are new to meditation and you just can’t see yourself sitting for long periods? Or what do you do if you’re an experienced meditator who keeps being short on time and can’t fit it in? Well then you have a little appetizer of a mediation by using the breath and the tip of your nose. This technique works wonders especially if you are in the heat of a conflict and can’t seem to find your composure. It’s amazing what can shift in the space of 5-7 slow breathing cycles. The directions are easy in practice and easy to remember. Close your eyes (if that is possible, but it’s not necessary) and connect your tongue to your palate; inhale, slowly, through the nose for a count of 6 and hold for 3 and then exhale, slowly and completely, for a count of 6 and hold for 3. That’s one cycle. Now gently tap the tip of your nose and hold your focus there for 5 breathing cycles and see how quiet your mind noise becomes; see how less charged and how less angry or exacerbated you have become. Go ahead and try it and see for yourself how it can impact your inner experience. That’s a little appetizer, as it’s moving your mind into a place where it will begin to want to have that experience again, and again, and without all the apprehension or busy-ness holding you back from finding the time or even giving it a try.
Meditation with Intention
This practice is about moving the amount of energy or life force that your body conducts into key areas of the body for a feeling of peace and resolve. Practice everything you did as a meditation appetizer while holding the focus on the tip of the nose and the heart center and do 5 cycles with awareness and making sure to hold at the top of the breath and relaxing at the bottom of the exhalation for 3 counts. This exercise activates the heart chakra leaving a person feeling more peaceful, less anxious and open to the positive aspects that may not be so obvious to them.
Meditation with a Blessing
This practice embodies the prior 2. After 10 breathing cycles, allow the feeling of peace and easiness to float towards a vision of the planet earth the size of a small ball in front of you. You may also send this feeling of peace out to co-workers, estranged family members, or anyone you know who may need a little boost or may be suffering. Hold this intention for as long as it feels comfortable and sit in enjoyment of the bliss it brings up for you.From there you may move into your current practice or simply stop and carry the feeling of calm and easefulness into your present daily affairs. Such a practice will create more emotional presence in your life and keep your mind from getting too cluttered with racing thoughts. It may also whet your appetite for a more solid, and deeper practice. What’s in store beyond the initial experience of peace and tranquility? So much more that I cannot cover it all here.Of course, as the student becomes ready the teacher appears. If you find yourself wanting to have more info or teachings on this topic please email me at AskLaniNow@gmail.com. Be sure to check out my workshop schedule so you can attend a live event at Paradise Found to experience some of these techniques in person. Know that I am rooting for your health, wealth and happiness and that I look forward to our paths crossing one day soon!All love! Lani
