The Path of Meditation

Transcription

1 Chapter Two Copyright Project Garden Gate (rev 3)

2 If you are living a fast-paced life and constantly trying to catch up, then hopefully you'll find the help you need in this chapter. Today too many people are facing calamity in their lives because they are unable to unplug and breathe. Their lives would be forever changed, if only they knew that a few breaths away is peace and tranquility. Learning to stop, be in the present, and breathe, can guide us on a path to living with ease. This chapter is intended to present you with opportunities that will have you feeling like you are in a spa-like retreat in a moment's notice. Regaining a sense of peace and tranquility can be achieved without going anywhere but right in your own home or garden. The path of meditation is a proven way to reduce stress and improve energy levels. The path of meditation will guide you to a way of quieting the mind and bringing a greater sense of peace throughout the body. Through the path of meditation we can reach a much higher state of utmost concentration and focus. Meditation can also be a time when we listen and connect to God (the Source), the spirit world, nature, and/or the Universe. The path of meditation is a proven way to reduce stress and improve energy levels. Those who practice meditation consistently often go through greater levels of self-esteem and overall wellbeing taking their health and happiness to a whole new plane. Learning the practice of meditation has helped me in so many ways. Developing a consistent meditation practice was a learning process in itself. I had to discover how to meditate which meant learning to breathe correctly and figuring out when to meditate, and for how long. Experiencing and seeing the results have kept me at it. First I started by working on my ability to sit for longer periods of time. Before leaving home in the mornings to go to work, I would sit and stare at a burning candle. At the time, I was unaware that thousands of years ago our ancestors did something similar to this which was gazing into a burning fire called a 'tantra.' Who doesn't love sitting by a warm crackling fire? Besides the golden glow and warmth, there is something about the energy that it gives off. Is it love, romance, peace and tranquility? Just as our ancestors gazed into the burning fire, candle gazing worked for me. As I developed the ability to sit for longer periods, I began to go within and let my thoughts flow. I also began to experience a new kind of communication. I began to see and feel things differently. The feeling of oneness and unity was gradually becoming clearer to me. Page 2 Copyright Project Garden Gate (rev 3)

3 One Saturday morning, after a session of candle gazing, I continued to sit and meditate. Suddenly I was lying on a beautiful sandy beach all alone. The surf moved gently toward me. There were palm trees and the sky was crystal blue. I remember this scene like it is happening right now. Then a familiar man walked up to me and extended his hand. When my hand touched his, he gracefully pulled me to my feet. It was so real. Without saying any words, we held hands and walked into the water. To my amazement we suddenly leaped out of the water, but during this leap we merged and we became a dolphin -- not two separate dolphins -- but one. This was one of many signs I have received that twin souls exist. By the way, when I started my spiritual journey in 2011, I had never heard of twin souls. There are so many benefits to a consistent meditation practice. Not all meditation sessions provide visions or images. The best way to go into a meditation session is not to have any expectations at all. While it s wise to have intentions for your meditation sessions, it's not necessary. Many people meditate just to relax and improve their health. There are so many benefits to a consistent meditation practice. I believe that many people feel that they don't have time to meditate. The irony of this is that once you start, you actually begin to realize that time is all we have. Remember, we are the creators of our reality. So create the time. If it's your intention to start the practice of meditation, from your heart, put it out to the universe and see what happens. Let it flow, resistance only makes it harder. I became a Reiki practitioner in Then in 2016, I became a Reiki Master. Many Reiki practitioners give themselves daily Reiki treatments. I do this as well or at least I make an attempt to. What I have learned over the years is to combine the meditation with the Reiki self-treatment. This practice has opened many new doors for me spiritually. What I mean by this is that I have had a variety of amazing experiences. One such experience was the presence of Jesus. This came as a complete surprise but definitely welcomed. The experience brought much peace and tranquility in my life. Another occurrence was finding myself floating in outer-space. I felt safe and protected. The feeling of oneness was clear. I also needed to work on breathing. Learning to focus on our breath is most essential in the practice of meditation. Breath control (aka controlling one s breathing) is also important in being a successful swimmer or any athlete for that matter. I was a competitive swimmer so breath control wasn't a problem for me but learning to breathe into my nose took some practice. Breathing into the nose doesn't work in swimming. Swimmers need to breathe into their mouths, but in meditation we inhale into the nose and exhale from the mouth. Changing this mindset changed my life. Learning to breath into my nose has helped me with eating, sleeping and exercising. Swimming is a form of movement meditation just as Page 3 Copyright Project Garden Gate (rev 3)

4 yoga or any other type of sports such as running or cycling. One on my favorite things to do is ironing. I know, who irons anymore? I find that ironing is a great way to relax and focus, and yes, this is a form of meditation. Washing dishes or cooking are also activities where you have mind/body awareness. So, if you like cooking, ironing or washing dishes, the practice of meditation should come easier for you. If you decide to take up the practice of meditation, look at it as a learning experience. Learning something new takes practice and consistency. Start out with small goals then eventually expand your goals until you feel comfortable. There is really no set way to meditate. Don't try to compare yourself to a Buddhist monk or a meditation guru. You don't need to go to an ashram (spiritual retreat) in India, a luxury spa or spiritual center either. Meditation is just as effective in a quiet place in your home or garden. In fact, when I am in line for tea at a coffee shop, I do a standing meditation. I focus on my breath, and before too long, the barista is asking me for my order. It doesn't always need to be quiet either. It takes time but learning to meditate when there are distractions can be a sign of great shift in consciousness. Here are some questions to ask yourself before starting a meditation practice: Why do I want to meditate? Am I doing this for health, spiritual, or mental reasons? How important is it to start the practice of meditation? What do I expect to gain from meditating? How much time can I devote to the practice? Do I have a place to meditate where I won't be interrupted or disturbed? Here are some tips to help you continue after starting a meditation practice: Don't beat yourself up if you miss a session or day of meditating. Don't expect some great revelation to occur each time you meditate. Keep an open mind. This is your time, enjoy it. Focus on your breath, and go within. Page 4 Copyright Project Garden Gate (rev 3)

5 I listed a few of the many convincing benefits to why people meditate: Physical Reduces heart rate and blood pressure Decreases muscular tension Balances blood sugar levels More restful sleep Mental Increases happiness and joy Improves concentration and focus Improves total relaxation Awakens creativity Spiritual Connects the body and soul Prayer becomes more effective Fosters a closer relationship with God (Source) Expands perception and consciousness Self Development Solving personal conflicts and difficult relationships Helping the body and mind to heal Starting out on the path to personal growth Discovering our true self Meditation has been around for thousands of years. The practice of meditation arrived in United States in the 1960's, and its popularity has grown exponentially over the past 50 years. Meditation is the easiest and most natural way for lowering one's blood pressure and blood flow for those with external stress factors. I believe that if all doctors learned and understood the practice of meditation, they could help their patients to heal on a different level. Isn't that what doctors are for? To help their patients not only heal but prevent illness and disease? The problem though is that many people don't want to take the time to meditate because taking a pill seems easier. Since I started the practice of meditation, not only do I feel more at peace, but my health has improved in so many ways. My quest for more peace in my life has guided me to take better care of myself. I became a vegetarian. I transitioned to all natural personal care products; and, now I use all natural cleaning solutions at home. I am proud to say that I am not on any prescription medications and only take a few supplements such as calcium, probiotics and a vegan omega 3, 6, 9 oil. When we are open to personal transformation, we have a much better chance of achieving our personal goals through the practice of meditation. The possibilities are limitless. Page 5 Copyright Project Garden Gate (rev 3)

6 In my heart I know that in the future, more and more corporations will offer meditation for their employees. In fact, in Silicon Valley, many companies provide meditation rooms and training classes for their employees. The tech industry demands long and stressful hours of their employees. Providing meditation time in the workplace has shown to reduce absenteeism due to illness and burn out, and promote happier employees. As I walk through airports and hospitals, I'm beginning to see meditation rooms. Hopefully, more and more people will begin to see the benefits to meditating and will use these facilities. In a perfect world, I would like to see meditation instruction being offered at all levels of education. Especially for children, who will benefit from the practice of meditation for the rest of their lives. Imagine a world of people being present in each and every thought and moment. There are many forms of meditation. In the western world, mindfulness meditation is the most popular form. Knowing why you want to meditate will guide you to which form of meditation is best suited for you. I think it's a good idea to try them all though. You'll know which meditation type will take you on the path you need. There are many types of meditation. Here is a list of general types of mediation with a brief description: Mindfulness - to be present in each and every thought, awareness of breathing pattern Spiritual - to seek a greater connection with God (the Source) through meditation and prayer; and deeper connection with body & soul Energy - visualize the energy of the earth and/or the Universe flowing through the body; the most popular is the chakra meditation (chakra means turning or wheel) Visual/Focused - to actively direct thoughts to a specific problem; to focus on a single object, sound, mantra or thought and hold focus as long as possible Movement - to focus on breathing patterns while at the same time also performing repetitive flowing movement patterns (such as yoga, running, ironing, cooking, etc.) Mantra - to recite a sound, syllable or song over and over again to better focus thoughts Sound - to connect and be in the present moment through sound Sensory - being present to a particular sensory experience such as sound, taste, aroma, soft gazing, feeling with your hands If you are interested in taking the path of meditation, I recommend that you set your intention and start a routine for meditating whether it's to improve your overall health (physical and mental), Page 6 Copyright Project Garden Gate (rev 3)

7 develop creativity and intuition, or enhance job or sport performance. I advise you to seek coaching from a professional meditation instructor, take an online course, or read an instructional book. Listed below are a few exercises to consider doing to kick off your meditation practice: Gaze into a candle daily for five minutes. Choose a time and place that works for you. Meditate for 10 minutes a day for one week. Add another 10 minute meditation session during the second week. Gradually increase the meditation time as you feel comfortable. Download a meditation app to your iphone or Android. There are many free apps. Listen to a guided meditation. You can start with my guided meditation, The Enchanted Garden, which is included in this chapter. Create your own guided meditation. Use the voice-recorder app on your iphone or Android smartphone to record it. Then you'll be able to listen to it anytime and anywhere. The important thing is to get started and not worry whether you are doing it correctly. Proper breathing techniques though will help you to achieve your goals more quickly. For a lifetime practice of meditation, let go and enjoy the process. Have a question or need help getting started on your path to meditation? I d love to help. Reply to one of my s or visit ProjectGardenGate.com/Get-in-Touch. I am also available for group and private meditation sessions. Click here to schedule a complementary 15-minute session. Page 7 Copyright Project Garden Gate (rev 3)