Meditation new

Life is full of stress related experiences, where one goes through the
highs and lows, constantly or continuously. I have heard that the art
of meditation can help me overcome these circumstances. I want to know
about meditation. Can you please tell me something about how to
meditate and how can one experience complete relaxation in meditation?
This is what a novice who is suffering from some psychological
upheaval asked a yoga professional. And the simple answer that came
from the expert is: meditation is the way to increase concentration.
You just sit with legs crossed, spine straight, and light a candle in
front of you. Now keep gazing at the unwavering flame till your eyes
can bear and then just close your eyes. So, now you have done
meditation.
Wow! What an explanation. But is this what we call meditation?
No! But unfortunately this is what has been understood by a common
man. In reality, no answers can ever suffice to elucidate what
meditation is all about and how the regular daily practice of a
certain meditation technique can evolve the over all personality of an
individual.
Meditation is an experience, not a philosophy. And one goes on looking
into the books to research on meditation. When we are looking at the
wrong place, how will we find what we are seeking? The need is to be
in the benevolence of the master and seek from the master. Master is
the one who is well versed with the intricacies involved and it is
because of sheer compassion that master shares this treasure.
Today, we have cds and cassettes of meditation techniques which are
readily available in the market but the real essence of meditation can
be understood and experienced in the presence of an enlightened
master. These cds are just a stepping stone towards the unknown path
and master is the gateless gate through which the seeker passes and
become one with one's own nature.
You can be the creator of your own manifest destiny. Through daily
meditation practice and focus on changing your life for the better. In
fact, you have the ability to redefine yourself in any direction you
desire. The power that you can cultivate is limited only by your own
imagination.
As I have mentioned earlier, this will change the lives of people who
you come into frequent contact with. Therefore, you must always be
kind, trustworthy, and considerate to others. You should make a change
in that direction at this very moment.
Why the sudden need for character improvement? It goes hand-in-hand
with using power and influence wisely. Remember Lord Acton's saying:
"Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." The
power of your mind has the ability to alter reality. Therefore, this
is a power that must be controlled.
How is this possible? Here is an example: If you had two identical
twin boys, who haven't eaten for two days, and you put an apple in
front of them; what would they do?
Most likely, they would fight over it, and the winner would eat, most
or, all of it. You and I know they should divide it equally, but each
of them has really felt starvation, and that is a reality you and I do
not feel at the moment. So we are not talking about imagination, but
three legitimate points of view, that each becomes our own reality.
Meditation will allow your mind to see multiple points of view,
without judgment. If you can see only one point of view, you haven't
meditated long enough. The best leaders, negotiators, and diplomats,
know that you have to understand the opposing viewpoint, to move
forward, on any issue. There is always justification, on both sides,
in any conflict, but true compromise is meeting the opposition in a
different reality, than you both started from.
If you had the ability to travel in the space shuttle, your view of
earth, from within your space vehicle, would be much different from
the person living in poverty, within a refugee camp. You could not
see, or feel, that person's pain, and each of you would have a vivid
picture of life on earth.
You can meditate from a mountain top, but once you have seen the full
picture, you have an obligation to help mankind, with acts of
kindness. Once you have discovered how easy it is to help others, you
are no longer struggling with; "who is right and who is wrong."

Self meditation really works. Countless of learned and loving people
have practiced it all through the ages, because it clears the mind and
opens the heart. Highly educated priests and sages spent their all
lives pursuing and teaching the way to illumination. The techniques
have been included into the world's great philosophies and religions,
and have been used by millions of people through the ages.
The current interest in self meditation has enthused many modern
teachers to simplify the ancient techniques, and to strip them of the
cultural accumulation of centuries. In this way, self meditation has
become reachable to people who may not wish to get involved in a
religious tradition, but who do wish to change themselves and to perk
up the quality of their lives and relationships.
The state of self meditation can some-times occur impulsively, when
all the conditions are just right. However, most of us need to work
quite hard at our self meditation techniques in order to get into the
right frame of mind.
There are 5 basic requirements:

The body must be at ease and still
The internal energies need to be in balance
The mind must stay focused and not be allowed to stroll
The heart must be at peace
You must wait patiently, without expectations
You first need to learn how to sit contentedly in a suitable position,
and to practice this position until you can stay in it, tranquil yet
alert, for 1/2 to 1 or more.
You may need to practice breathing exercises to bring the internal
energies into a state of synchronization. Otherwise you will be
vulnerable in your practice by restlessness of one sort or another -
traditionally known as disruption.
You should focus your mind on 1 thing only, which can be an external
or internal object. You should become aware of when your mind stroll
as it will and gently bring it back into focus.
Your heart should become naturally passive and serene as a result of
attending to your body, breathing, and mind. If it remains disturbed
or unhappy, there are many techniques to help you to gain inner
stillness when negative emotions beset you.
Having got yourself ready for the state of self meditation to arise in
you, do nothing. Maintain your stillness and wait serenely - simply
grateful for the chance to receive. You are like a radio receiver
tuned in to catch anything may come to you from beyond.

Adjustment is always needed since our environment constantly changes.
Thus, it affects both the emotional and physical aspects of the person
creating either negative or positive feelings. This can result to
stress.
Stress is a part of everyday lives since time immemorial. But if an
influence is positive, stress can motivate a person to an action
resulting to a new consciousness and a stimulating new perspective.
But if the influence is negative, stress can create a feeling of
rejection, distrust, depression, and anger. In return, health problems
can be developed such as an upset stomach, headaches, insomnia,
rashes, heart disease, stroke, ulcers, and high blood pressure. People
can experience stress during a job promotion, new relationship, child
birth, or death of a person close to them.
Stress can hinder or help people depending on their reactions to the
circumstances of life. It does not matter if all are positive stresses
since it adds excitement and anticipation to life. But somehow
competitions, deadlines, frustrations, sorrows, and confrontations
also add enrichment and depth to life.
You don't need to get rid of stress. All you need to do is manage it
in a way that it can give you benefits. Remember that insufficient
stress can act as depressants letting you feel dejected or bored.
While excessive stress lets you feel stocked.
To avoid stress build ups, you can try meditation. Besides it being
cool to do, you can obtain an immediate calming effect regardless of
your meditation posture. In this manner, you can reduce your stress.
1. Practicing your breathing is the first process you should learn. If
you observe that stress is starting to disturb you, just do a couple
of light breathing. Concentrate on your breathing quality. Make sure
that it's light and still. Then slowly breathe deeper.
2. The next step is to balance your posture and make it even, head up
and back straight. Most people who are stressed out often do a
slouching posture while frowning.
3. Clear your thoughts. Start to imagine that you are swimming in
relaxing waves. Feel the flowing waves in your consciousness that is
taking away all you stress and anxiety. Make sure your body receives
the constant flow of the waves.
4. Acknowledge your stress and review its root causes. This is a very
important step. Denying stress in the meditation process is not good.
Clearly speak to your mind that the stress is true but you have the
capacity to handle it by thinking straight and finding ways to deal
and cope up with it immediately.
5. Repeat this statement during your meditation process for at least
ten minutes or more. Then take control of your stress totally. Think
of the person who caused you such stress and made you out of control.
Control your mind and remove the stress from it.
6. Finally, concentrate on a decision that you have the right to a
peaceful and free mind and nobody can say or do anything against this
right, as you end the meditation process. Every time you need
meditation, just dictate this decision to your mind.
These steps can do something to change your outlook whenever stress
disturbs you. Never be afraid to try, just believe on the benefits
that it will give you in the end.

Have you been under too much stress lately? Or are constantly tired
because of work and other commitments? Are you lethargic and need
something to boost your energy? Then meditation is for you. Meditation
describes a state of concentrated attention on some object of thought
or awareness. It is the art of relaxing your mind by turning the
attention inward to a single point of reference.
Meditation is one of the oldest arts of India. Hindu religion lays
greatest stress on Meditation. According to scriptures Meditation is
the path to achieve godhood. Now days many forms of meditation have
developed, but the aim is common. In normal practice Meditation is
used for many other advantages for body mainly for stress relief, and
other medicinal benefits.
What Meditation does-
It is a great to distress or relax. It helps improve concentration. It
helps keep an altered state of awareness. It is the suspension of
logical thought processes which helps relax the mind. It helps the
mind to maintain its self-observing attitude. It helps a lot to get in
touch with your mind and soul, which is a rejuvenating experience. It
refreshes the mind and soul and keeps it healthy. It helps promote
positivism in our mind and get rid of negative thoughts.
There are various methods of meditation. Yoga, prayer, vipasana,
sufism, etc. Each of these forms helps to meditate. Meditation is best
done in early the morning and in a quiet place. To gain the maximum
benefits of meditation, it is best to do it consistently at the same
time, everyday. This helps create a pattern and makes it easier to
concentrate. Meditation helps keep the mind and soul young and
healthy. It is a healthy practice that helps distress and relaxes.
Select a peaceful place and begin Meditation. If you can perform it at
a set time everyday that will be better.


When it comes to learning meditation, one requires to learn several
important techniques in order to achieve success and obtain maximum
benefits. Remember that effective meditation includes a lot of
techniques.
The techniques of meditation vary from one culture to other. However,
the art of meditation is one. It is universal. These techniques have
been developed to suit different personalities.
You would find that certain techniques demand concentration, focus and
attention. There are also other techniques that are expansive.
'Vipassana' form of meditation is such a technique. It allows one to
enjoy free flow of thoughts in conjunction with observation.
Here are some of the most common techniques used in:
a) Mantra meditation:
A mantra can be defined as a grouping of different sound vibrations
that have an effect on the physical as well as mental consciousness.
Traditionally, these are given to a student by a Teacher or 'Guru'.
However, in the absence of a Guru, the practitioner or the student can
opt for his own mantra.
One needs to follow an important rule when selecting a mantra.
According to this rule, one must choose a mantra that appeals to the
mind fully when spoken verbally. When chanting mantra, powerful
vibrations are created. These are said to be directed to the
appropriate 'Chakras' in order to attract certain divine forces.
This technique works towards healing the physical, spiritual and
psychological body of the practitioner. One must fully enjoy the
rhythm of the mantra when it is chanted. It is also necessary to
surrender oneself to the whole experience.
b) Steady gaze or Trataka:
This is a simple but very beautiful technique of meditation. You need
to use a regular candle for this technique. Some people prefer using
other objects of their choice. You should set up the candle at an
arm's length. It should be placed in level with eyes.
Perform steady gazing with eyes open first. After a while, you can
close your eyes and gaze at the after image of the flame. This should
be gazed at the eye brow center. Do not move through out the practice.
Now, relax your breath and lengthen and deepen it. Repeat the process
for sometime.
c) Chakra meditation:
Charka meditation refers to a simple way for neophytes to explore the
charkas via self help. This helps in providing a sense of awakening in
them gently. This is done in a balanced integrated manner.
You can perform it either sitting or lying. You need to close your
eyes, adjust your body and clothing. Let your breath relax, slow and
then deepen. Do not make an attempt to control it. Once you are
settled down, begin with Ujjayi pranayam and do this for sometime.
Bring awareness towards the spinal passage. Do it for a few minutes.
Ascend with inhalation and descend with exhalation. Try to locate
charkas within that channel. Don't locate the exact location. Only
focus in general area. Feel the location of these charkas and repeat
its name mentally as you pass by it.
You need to mentally repeat from Mooldhara to Ajna and then reverse
the order. Prior to finishing, let go of breath sound and then names.
Now, chant mantra 'Om' for about three times.
connie thompson to meditationzen
show details Mar 26 (5 days ago) Reply




My definition of "meditation" is a somewhat broad one. I consider it's
an opportunity for each of us to realize our higher consciousness (or
to realize our oneness with our higher consciousness) and to let go of
resistance.
Benefits and Techniques of Meditation
There are many benefits to meditation, which I see as side effects or
extras, rather than the primary purpose of meditation. However, many
individuals are inspired to meditate because of the benefits or
perceived benefits, such as improved health, greater calmness, less
sleep at night. Regular meditators are generally more attentive,
aware, and calm.
Given my broad definition, you can perhaps understand that I recognize
the existence of hundreds of techniques and advocate a variety. Some
are more supportive than others; some are more conducive to continuing
a long term practice than others; some are easier to learn than
others. A technique is a means to assist you in reaching the deeper
purpose of meditating.
Guided Meditation: One Approach
One of the techniques I use with people is the "guided" meditation. A
guided meditation is one in which a voice is used to guide the
process. The voice can be your own or someone else's. Some folks feel
more relaxed or more clear as a result of guidance and support of
another's voice.
A soothing voice is more conducive to a meditative state than a harsh
one. Simplicity is more helpful than complex words or complicated
ideas. A slow pace, rather than a fast cadence, tends to foster
greater depth. A regular practice is helpful for going deeper.
Enhancing Your Guided Meditations
Here are suggestions for the most effective guided meditations or
guided visualizations, whether you wish to lead others verbally, or
you wish to benefit the most from being guided by someone else, or you
wish to guide yourself.
Align with the Divine. When we are in touch with our higher
consciousness, words flow through us. Or perhaps they do not flow
through us, in which case, silence is a perfect condition.
Establish Intention. A guided meditation that begins with a stated
intention will find perfect rhythm and sound and depth, regardless of
the spoken words. The best statements of intention are simple and
broad, like "to relax" or "to align with the divine" or "to be more
aware."
Be Present. New meditators are often concerned with "getting the words
right." However, a satisfying guided meditation is deeper than words.
Showing up fully will do more for lifting consciousness than a well-
edited script.
Breathe. Breathe and instruct others to breathe to enhance grounding
and relaxation. Some meditation teachers have rules about breathing. I
keep in simple: breathe in and breathe out. And notice.
Be Conscious of Energy. You may see energy or feel it or sense it or
know what is happening energetically. If you feel confusion, invite
clarity to be present. If you sense resistance, give your attention to
safety or ease or comfort or relaxation.
Honor Both Uniqueness and Universality. If you guide others into a
meditative state, remember that individuals are unique beings with
their own set of beliefs which are not to be undermined, but honored.
The deeper we move into a meditative state, the more universal are the
experiences, with space for each of us to have our own unique
expression.
Let go of Expectations of End Results. Sometimes we get fixated on how
we think things "should be" and miss living right now. A guided inner
experience can provide power to open to new possibilities, if we just
show up for the experience.
Feel and Express Gratitude. It's a joy to do inner work, which usually
prompts us to greater and greater gratitude. Gratitude is a powerful
consciousness from which to live and to express outwardly.
Live in the Consciousness of Loving Kindness. Sometimes when we are
carrying on our daily lives, we forget the calmness of a meditation.
It's important to train ourselves to live this calmness and joy.
Practice, Practice, Practice. It's important to practice until
meditation is part of your life style. If one approach feels good one
day and another another day, then you are trusting your own inner
guidance if you shift from one technique to another.
becky hicks to meditationzen
show details Mar 26 (5 days ago) Reply




It is a scientific fact that sound stimulates our mind, it has the
power to change our moods, trigger emotions and imagination and even
go so far as to alter our states of perception.
Our mind responds to our brainwave frequencies - the electrical pulses
in our brain determine which brain wave state we are presently working
in.
The most commonly categorized frequencies are;Beta, Alpha, Theta &
Delta.
The Rooms of our Mind
An easy way to understand this is to imagine you are stood in the
center of a circular room, there are several different colored open
doorways around this room. Each doorway leads to a hall set with its
own ambiance and powers.
The Alpha Hall...
Imagine we walk through the green doorway, you notice above the
doorway is the sign; 'Alpha Hall'. In the Alpha hall there is a lovely
relaxing atmosphere, you can hear soft bells ringing and birds singing
all around you, the air is fresh and clean. There are many things to
look at that remind you of the different parts of your life. All
around there are comfortable sofas, cushions and chairs inviting you
to sit in them and rest. In this room you can focus on everything very
deeply and you feel a sense of understanding.You are very relaxed and
soothed and can't help but settle into one of the soft, plush sofas
and allow yourself to soak up the atmosphere. You find you are able to
sort though the thoughts in your mind and make better judgments and
decisions.
The Beta Hall...
After a while and feeling wonderfully refreshed you leave the alpha
hallway and return to the circular room, you then enter through the
red doorway and see the sign above 'Beta Hall'. This room has an
electric, vibrant atmosphere and you instantly feel an energy rush.
There are clocks ticking, office desks, computers, phones ringing, gym
equipment and lots of interesting activities ready for you to work
with. You feel alive and ready to take on the world. Ideas begin to
form in your mind and you decide which activity you are going to
perform first.
The Theta Hall...
When you leave the Beta hall and return to the circular room you
decide to go though the purple colored doorway. Above is the sign;
'Theta Hall'. When you enter the Theta hall your body starts to feel
weightless. You begin to forget the immediate things on your mind and
your present circumstances, instead you see yourself in a more
meaningful way, as though you have taken a step back and have reached
the control center of your being. You feel you can conjure up various
situations and surroundings, almost as though you are in a dream
state. It's a magical room where anything is possible. In this hall
you can study your life and behavior from a new perspective and
understand and decide on the things you need in your life back in the
circular room.
The Delta Hall...
Back in the circular room you enter though the blue doorway, above is
the sign; 'Delta Hall'. Inside the Delta hall it is as though it were
night with a bright moon and sparkling stars in the sky. There is a
distant singing that sounds like angels are serenading you. You
immediately feel drowsy and notice there are beds and resting places
all around. The atmosphere feels safe and healing, any pain you have
seems to melt away. You rest in a soft, downy bed and allow the warmth
to soak into you and feel a wonderful healing energy enter your body.
You drift away into a rejuvenating deep sleep.
Brainwave entrainment music attempts to guide the brain toward planned
frequencies and combinations to produce the target response in our
brain such as deep relaxation, meditation, pain relief.
. elvira wright to meditationzen
show details Mar 26 (5 days ago) Reply




you're no one. Your value just went down the chute! Same with all the
other things you attach yourself to, your car, your house and your
money. Poof, they're gone, and so is your essence. Bull!
Learning to let go of your Ego allows you to let go of any attachment
to material things and the need to control your surroundings, people
in your life and all your stuff. "But wait Steve, aren't we here to
learn how to manifest more stuff?" Well, yes. It's a bit counter
intuitive isn't it? We're back to 'letting go, and letting God'.
At this point I hope you get the point that you need to allow yourself
to just be, without any attachments to outcomes or results. It's when
you let go that the things you want in life begin to appear. You have
an internal guidance system, your true self, that points you in the
right direction to happiness and fulfillment (yes, and the stuff), you
just need to remember who you really are and tap into that.
You knew when you were a kid how to have fun and be happy. I bet you
had more fun with a cardboard box and a crayon than whatever came in
the box. Somewhere along the line, you just forgot how to do it. Now
I'm going to give you some tools with which you can remember.
Let's begin with gratitude. When was the last time you were really
thankful for the things you already have? A home to live in, a car to
drive or the food you eat every day? When was the last time you really
tasted and savored the food you eat? I'm not trying to beat your down
here, or guilt you like your Mom did about the starving kids in China
or Africa. I'm just saying slow down and really, really appreciate
your corn flakes, or your kids or that fact that your car starts most
mornings. Be completely grateful for what you have without thinking
about what you don't have. OK? OK.
I'll give you more Manifestation tools in Part Three, but first.....
Let meditate!
So, hopefully you have been practicing at least 5 minutes a day, and
congratulations if you are! Maybe you are even up to 20 minutes a day,
KUDO's to you! (Just a small ego stroke for ya, ha ha.) Go to place
where you prefer to have your quiet time. Again, this should be a
place where you wont be disturbed and preferably darkened. If you
like, light some candles and your favorite incense. Now find some nice
music to play in the background. There are plenty of meditation CD's
you can purchase for this purpose, don't worry if you don't have any
right now though.
Sit either on the floor, in a chair or on cushions that will allow you
to keep your back straight up and down. Keeping your spine erect helps
allow the energy to flow through you easily and keeps you 'grounded'
during the meditation. There are two ways I suggest you hold your
hands. Either place your hands on your legs near your knees, palms up,
with your index fingers and thumbs lightly touching, or hands
overlapping, again, palms up, in your lap and forming a kind of cup.
Choose whatever is most comfortable and feels right for you.
Breath in taking full deep breaths, allowing your diaphragm to fully
expand, pause for a few seconds and exhale completely, expelling all
the air in your lungs. Continue to focus on this method of breathing
for a few minutes until it becomes natural and rhythmic and you begin
to feel relaxed. Now think about something you are grateful for, for
the next several minutes. Allow yourself to feel total joy around this
experience.
Next, think about something you would like to manifest in your life.
Imagine already having it in your possession. Feel the joy it brings
you to have this thing right now. Completely focus on the feeling of
already having in your life. If thoughts creep up like "I can't ever
get that" or "That would be nice, someday" gently let go of these
thoughts and return your focus on the feeling of having it today,
right now!
Continue focusing on the object of your desire for about 5 minutes,
then return your focus on your breathing. Simply let go of any
thoughts you have. As your mind wanders, and it will, take notice and
just redirect your thought to your breath.
When you are ready, begin to slowly return your consciousness to the
room you are in, and become aware of your surroundings. Ahhhhhhh, I
bet that felt great! Remember not to judge your meditation, you will
get better and better the more you practice.
Keep up this new meditation daily if possible. Each time you may
choose to focus on the same thing you want to manifest, or something
different each time. Just be as consistent as you can. Next time, more
tools sweep away your Ego and more meditation techniques to manifest
the life of your dreams.
Nowadays it seems that even the mainstream magazines are discussing
the numerous benefits of meditation. What was once an activity
reserved for the eclectic in our culture has now taken a strong
foothold in the fabric of Western society.
But there are still many of us who would scratch our heads if asked to
explain meditation. What is it exactly? To meditate means to focus
your thoughts on something with the purpose of quieting the incessant
chatter of the mind. If done properly, your brainwaves reach a level
of consciousness called alpha state, and it is in this state that your
mind and body begin to heal.
The healing benefits of meditation are threefold - physical,
psychological, and spiritual. The meditation benefits touted the most
in our culture are the physiological benefits that can be tested and
proven. For example, due to a steady increase in coronary disease over
the last few decades, many individuals are turning to meditation as a
way of improving their heart health. The effects of meditation when
practiced regularly include reduced blood pressure and cholesterol,
which means an overall decrease in your heart's workload. Less work
for your heart means it will be pumping for many years to come.
Other meditation effects on the body include a decrease in chronic
pain and stress and better breathing due to improved lung and heart
efficiency. Some studies also suggest that meditation may help those
with sleep disorders or even those who suffer from autoimmune diseases
such as fibromyalgia.
Other benefits of meditation are those which take place in the mind,
and sometimes these are equally as important as the physical benefits.
Psychological benefits of meditation include improved creativity,
learning ability, and memory. And, let's face it - who doesn't need a
little help with their memory? Studies also show an increase in
overall happiness and emotional stability, while feelings of
depression, anxiety and irritability tend to decrease.
In addition to the physical and psychological effects of meditation,
we cannot discount the deep spiritual implications of this ancient
art. For centuries enlightened cultures have sought the spiritual
benefits of meditation and have discovered its awesome ability to
momentarily separate us from our material needs and desires and put us
in contact with something greater. We can use meditation to open up
our minds to receive deeper wisdom, which helps to lead us down the
path of self-improvement or even self-enlightenment.
The best part is that we don't have to be a shaman, or Gandhi, or
attend a Buddhist temple to reap these spiritual meditation benefits.
In fact, there exists a number of ways in which people like you and I
can partake in the physical, psychological, and spiritual benefits of
meditation.
Mindfulness, transcendental, and breathing meditation are just a
sampling of the types of meditation you can use to bring your mind
into a relaxed state of healing. In mindfulness meditation we allow
thoughts and feelings to enter our mind, but we do not judge them. We
practice living fully in the present moment. With transcendental
meditation, we use a mantra, which we repeat in order to quiet our
thoughts. Breathing meditation harnesses the rhythmic power of our own
breath. Feel inspired to investigate other types. As long as the form
of meditation benefits the body, mind, and soul, it is useful.
Feel overwhelmed by your choices? You can also purchase meditation
tapes in order to experience the positive effects of meditation. Let
an expert guide you through the process. Or, look for local churches
or meditation centers that offer classes. Whatever form of meditation
you choose, remember you must practice it regularly in order to
experience the incredible benefits of meditation.
http://www.meditationandmore.com
connie thompson to meditationzen
show details Mar 26 (5 days ago) Reply




An accomplished meditation expert will probably tell you that you must
not fall asleep during meditation. The aim is to be in control of your
mind during the meditation session, and falling asleep quite clearly
takes away that control. Similarly, somebody who practices mantras
will inform you that the mantra should be exhibited orally, and very
many times.
There are times in life, though, where it can pay to adapt valuable
concepts and practices, and mould them into your own life and
lifestyle. A full meditation session of any type really cuts deep into
the day, and while it would be beneficial for everyone to indulge in a
regular full session, some people just cannot, or will not, fit it
into their daily schedule.
As for mantras, many Westerners would feel very self conscious of the
oral repetition which, to others, may sound rather zombie like.
However, there is a time of day when you can "cheat" on both the
mantra and the meditation, and still get some amazing results. That
time is after you have gone to bed, after you have finished your other
bedtime activities, like reading War and Peace, but before you fall
asleep.
When you sleep, your subconscious mind does not rest; at least, if you
give it something to work on, it will not rest. If you count sheep to
get to sleep, though, your subconscious will maybe think: "Oh my,
we're into farming now. Looks like the quiet life from now on." The
secret is not to think about going to sleep, confine sheep to the oven
for your evening meal, and give your subconscious some serious
activity for the night.
From 1990 to the mid 1990's, I discovered the power of the
subconscious to resolve work related problems, in highly complex
projects that I was involved in managing. One in particular was very
high pressured, high profile at the time, and very complex. It was an
outsourcing project, worth about $50m a year, and of a type not
attempted in Europe before. The responsibility was enormous, we were
breaking new ground, and there were lots of problems.
Yet, I never worried about the problems, and did not have to. Most
could be resolved in working hours, and it was my practice not to take
work home. Difficult problems that there were no immediate solutions
for were set aside at the end of the working day. I did not lie awake
worrying about them, but I did focus on communicating them to my
subconscious just before I slept. The solution, at least in outline
plan, was always ready and waiting by the time I got to work the next
day; without fail.
I had never read about meditation at that stage, but later realized
that what I was doing naturally was a quick meditation technique, with
a particular purpose in mind.
Since then, I have added to that technique, and use it not just for
problems, but for achieving what I want to in the future. I have even
used it, at its most magnified, for a couple of emergencies. My
bedtime meditation now comprises:
1. Lying in bed, on my back, focusing on my breathing to get into a
totally relaxed state, as for a normal, long, meditation session.
2. As soon as I feel I am able to communicate directly to my
subconscious at a deep level, I focus, one at a time, on the things I
want to achieve in the next few years. Each one I repeat in my mind,
like a visualized mantra; not orally so that I keep my wife awake, but
through imagery I hear what I am repeating, and see what I will be
achieving.
3. The words I am saying are all in the present tense, thus stating to
my subconscious that "this is how it is...it's up to you to get me
there."
So far, the plans that I have been imposing on myself are gradually
coming to fruition. They are long term and ambitious, but they will
happen.
How I will get there I do not know, as I have learnt with these
techniques that the end result may be achieved in an unexpected way. I
mentioned earlier using these techniques in an emergency, and have
done so twice in the past two years. On the last occasion, the night
before the last pre-court hearing over a lease contract, our opponent,
against all expectations, suddenly caved in. Why she did so I would
never have guessed in a million years.