Lesson II Introduction to the basics.
This lesson is going to cover meditation.
As I mentioned previously in the first lesson that meditation is not
just a way to clear or empty your mind of all thoughts and feelings; yet
it's rather a technique one of which there are many methods of doing
so; that should be used rather to help one concentrate or focus on one
particular goal or objective. For instance say I was sick or wounded,
dismaying to think about, but if I wanted to heal myself or at least
fight whatever is going on then I would meditate and focus my thoughts
toward healing and getting better creating a healing effect not only
emotionally and mentally but if properly done, also on a physical level
as well. This particular example is done synonymously or at least some
of the time with another basic skill one needs to learn, practice, and
use which is called visualization; which we will discuss in another
lesson.
Meditation is used for one to train his or her mind, to induce a level
of consciousness that suits a particular purpose whether it be peace of
mind, calming ones' anger, some use it to realize or discover something
they are missing or have not yet realized yet, it can be used to
communicate with guides or send or receive cosmic or spiritual messages.
There are hundreds if not thousands of methods of meditation, and there
are many variations of techniques employed to achieve the practitioners
goal. It all all comes down to what one is trying to accomplish, what
he or she "you" is feeling; your emotional state plays an essential role
in the practice and effect of meditation.
Meditation is usually done in private or at least a place that is free
from as many distractions as possible as have outside influences and
disturbances will make it challenging to achieve a meditative quality
and state. Meditation is not just about the aforementioned above but is
also used to align one spiritual centers, to heal or mend troubles that
worry, and depending on your goal can have a very deep impact on your
physical well being and health.
Breathing is essential to most life on earth , and
to keep help one's respiratory system in balance, or to gain a better
sense of control on one's breathing; meditation also helps as practice
for controlled breathing and helps improve one's normal breathing
rhythms on a normal everyday level without one even realizing there
breathing pattern has changed. As there are many methods of meditation
it is expected that there is also a vast amount of different breathing
patterns one would use to achieve there meditative state of altered
consciousness. Such methods can include basic breaths one in and one out
"count of one" inhale one exhale two "count two" and so on, and there
are even more complicated and potentially dangerous breathing
techniques. One I learned particularly the hard way when I was
practicing kudalini yoga, in which we were meditating in a half lotus
position. The breathing technique we employed for that meditation was
called the Breath of Fire, in which we would inhale and exhale in
repetitive bursts. Unfortunately my first time using that technique led
to me passing out because I wasn't properly prepared and focused. I did
not have control, which led to an unpleasant incident. However that can
all be avoided with taking precautions, being taught properly,
concentrating, and using common sense by not attempting something you
don't know if you are ready for. Many people don't think that such
occurrences happen and that meditation can be dangerous if proper
instruction and practice is done appropriately.
There are many positions in which one can chose to
practice their art of meditation. Some include simple laying down with
one eyes closed, sitting in a chair with you back and spine aligned
constituting an energy flow between your chakras, there are even further
advanced positions such as the lotus one particularly difficult and
uncomfortable for people to sit and relax in. Whichever meditation
technique you decide to do, my honest feeling and instruction for
student's is to do what one is comfortable doing, and especially what
one is capable of doing. Don't force yourself to do anything, however
that doesn't mean stop trying or giving up, by all means no. You must
train yourself to work harder and learn more advanced techniques and
positions.
Tools used in meditation can depend on what the
practitioner wants and desires, how such tools work with the goal and
objective, and if they are suiting to such goals. Music for instance is
the most common tool in meditative methods and practices, but again it
depends on the person and what they feel most comfortable with. Some
people are too easily distracted by the music, or the music simply
doesn't compliment the occasion. However when music is used
appropriately, it can be a guiding light to help facilitate the process.
Some individuals cannot meditate without it, and a lot of people first
trying meditation as a practice use soothing meditational music to help
them get started. Usually the music composition or choice is very
calming and harmonious to natures balance. Most pieces are usually
classical piano, harps, flutes, violin etc. There are many cd's that
specialize in specific meditation music, that is usually very calming,
and some pieces can induce or mimic a trance like state. Another common
tool used in meditation used by some, but not all is incense or
aromatherapy. The sense of smell is very powerful, and it's the
strongest sense related to ones mind, as smell has the greatest effect
on memory than the rest of the senses. Some people are not aware of that
fact, but smells can bring back vivid memories, and smells can also
help facilitate ones desire to archive his or her objective. In this
case a particular fragrance can bring about a calming effect of inner
peace if that is what one is trying to accomplish, if one is trying to
discover something or realize something they haven't they might consider
using an incense or aroma that is conducive to a psychic connection or
something that stimulates psychic or clairvoyant tendencies. Some people
also might chose to use candles although those just beginning should
not in my opinion and I strongly advise against it because of the
potential fire hazards. Candles can easily be knocked over if one gets
distracted, or they can easily be forgotten about or left unattended as
some people might lose sight or awareness of their immediate
surroundings and environment, the candle although it can be useful for
those more experienced and aware of the dangers and risks, should be
left alone until further advancement is made.
I mentioned this simple meditation exorcize earlier however this is
such a basic method I thought I would mention it once more. Go to a
quiet place and sit or lay down in a comfortable position, take a moment
to breath and be. Slowly start to breath in and out counting your
breaths. Inhale and Exhale 1 inhale and exhale 2 and so on. Do ten
repetitions of this and take a break, then start over until you can do
ten repetitions without having any thoughts, feeling, anxieties, or
worries interrupt you.
To find and research methods of meditation try the following websites:
http://www.freemeditations.com/resources.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meditation
http://www.learningmeditation.com/
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/meditation/HQ01070
http://www.how-to-meditate.org/
http://www.researchingmeditation.org/
http://www.nmr.mgh.harvard.edu/~lazar/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Research_on_meditation
