| There are a lot of misconceptions in regards to meditation the main one being it is a new age practice where people go into another dimension. Meditation can be as Adam Sandlar learnt in the movie Happy Gilmour simply a case of teaching yourself to go off to your happy place. Doing something calming and relaxing can be a form of meditation getting lost in a good book, painting, cooking or putting on some soft music closing your eyes and drifting to the sounds. For some praying can be a form of mediation going within to seek guidance from a higher power. Chanting for other religions becomes a tool for meditation. It is what works for you that matters what takes you to that place of peace where all is well in your world. There are no rules but I will give a couple of guidelines that may be helpful. Concentrating on breathing can help focus you inward. Being aware of each breath as it enters and leaves your body Don't get preoccupied with emptying your head of thoughts the more you focus on your thoughts the more will come just let them come and go like watching the clouds above you. Try to ground before you start or use the meditation itself as a grounding agent. Try to take a comfortable posture Don't force it if it doesn't seem to be working try something different. There is a meditation which uses affirmations as part of it's process and it is this meditation I will show you today. It is being used as an example not as an endorsement of any ideological strand of thought. Exercise: This is the loving kindness meditation. Take a comfortable position, focus on your chest and breath in and out from that area. You may close your eyes or choose to leave them open. Breath in and out several times each time letting go of any negative feelings you have towards yourself. Then say to yourself out loud or just in your head May I be safe and protected May I be free of suffering May I be healthy and strong May I be able to live in this world happily, peacefully and with joy Next think about someone who makes you feel really good about yourself repeat the affirmations for them May you be safe and protected May you be free from suffering May you be healthy and strong May you be able to live in this world happily, peacefully and with joy Then move on to someone you have difficulty with who you do not feel loving kindness for and say To the best of my ability I wish you to be safe and protected To the best of my ability I wish you free from suffering To the best of my ability I wish you health and strength To the best of my ability I wish you peace, happiness and joy Lastly we want to send loving kindness all beings May all beings be safe, happy and live with joy Repeat this line several times You can shorten this meditation to May I be safe from harm May I be happy as I am May I be peaceful no matter what is happening May I be healthy and strong May my world be filled with joy happiness and peace Then end with may all living beings everywhere be safe, happy, healthy and free from suffering. |
| Meditation |