How To Meditate

When the air is very still, not even the lightest leaf will move. On New Years Day at 6 am it is very quiet on the streets. When I wake up at 5 am, prop my pillows against the wall and sit up in my bed, it is calm and quiet. This is when I do my morning meditation.

There is no set method for meditation. Webster defines the word meditate, "to engage in thought or contemplation" and "to plan in the mind, intend". So, it is not some mysterious activity reserved for yogins. You aren't required to contort your body or hold your thumb and index finger in a circle while resting your wrists on folded knees. It is helpful to be relaxed however, and to be in an environment with little or no distraction. This is because the act of meditating is intended to clear a path for new or inspiring thoughts. Or, to give oneself insight into ones spiritual path.

Many of us have numerous thoughts flittering around in our heads, and it is difficult to turn them off, or to direct them in the way we would like. With practice, it is possible to have control over the thoughts that you entertain in your head. This practice is meditation. It is a practice of emptying the mind of thought. Try to not think of anything. Close your eyes and give it a try. Most likely it will be impossible. If you are lucky, you may be able to do it for a second or two. If you have practiced this, you may be able to do it for longer. The idea is to relax and let you mind go free to find a higher vibration than this physical reality. It is your own path and can be developed in your own way. But, certain practices can prepare you to have better results.

My house has a front and back door and a living space in-between. When a knock comes at my door, I can decide if I wish to entertain my visitor as a guest or not. I don't just allow anyone to walk in my open door and fill my house up with unwanted guests. This is how we must consciously monitor our mind. Thoughts are different than people though, they can float right into our heads, this is where the back door comes in handy, they can float right out. If I am aware, an unwanted thought can be escorted away. If this sort of thing is new to you, it may take some effort to do, but it is well worth the effort. The result is more peace of mind. There are many thoughts which are less than desirable, let us look at a few of them.

Fears, negative thoughts, morbid reflection, guilt, remorse, resentment, etc. If you are allowing these type of thoughts to occupy space in your head, you will need to escort them to the door and give them the boot before you will be able to achieve any kind of worthwile meditation. It may require some practice if you are used to harboring these type of thoughts. If you are willing, it is possible. Meditation clears the way for ushering in the thoughts that will make you feel at peace, give you happiness, and create the kind of life that you wish to live. "As a man thinketh, so is he" Proverbs 23:7.

When are you going to tell me how to meditate? you may ask. Ok, here is an example of something to try if you are new to this. Sit in a quiet place, and try to make yourself comfortable. Relax and breathe steady. Try to breathe equal inhales and exhales, but try not to concentrate on it. Just relax and breathe effortlessly. Close your eyes. Relax your muscles, rest your neck and shoulders and your head. Now you can try to empty your mind of thought. If this is too difficult, then try to concentrate on a single thought. Maybe start by imagining yourself on a secluded beach or lying on a chase lounge in the sun, something pleasant. If unwanted thoughts appear, practice escorting them away and replace them with your single thought. The more you do this, the more you will be able to control your mind. Take your time, enjoy the process, be easy on yourself.

I love the time that I get to take for my meditation. That's all for now, peace!