Are you searching for that place, somewhere, over the rainbow, way up high, where skies are blue and the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true?
Have you been looking for a place outside of yourself hoping it will magically fulfill your longing?
Well, search no more.
Meditation is the magic carpet that will carry you where the clouds are far behind you and troubles melt like lemon drops. You, like Dorothy, have the power within to go 'OM'. It's easy and fun. So put aside your expectations about meditation and don't worry about doing it 'right'. There are infinite possibilities and no fixed criterion for determining the right meditation for you.
"You should sit in meditation for 20 minutes a day, unless you’re too busy. Then you should sit for an hour." ~ Zen Proverb
Slip on your ruby slippers, click your heels three times and remember these zen commandments from Bethela, the Good Witch.
Find that special place
If possible, this should be a dedicated place for meditation. It can be at a table in a corner of a room, a special spot in front of a window, on the floor at the foot of your bed. Keep it comfortable and fresh and fun. A ritual will get you in the right mood for meditation. Anything that tells your mind that this is what is on your agenda will be helpful. Engage all your senses. Light a candle, burn some incense, use essential oils that are pleasing to you. Sit on a satin cushion or velvet pillow - something that feels good. Honor this sacred time and space.
Same good time
Dawn and dusk are particularly good because the world seems to enter into a special tranquility at these times. More important is to give the mind notice that at a certain time you are going to meditate. And setting aside 10 minutes every day is better than 1 hour once a week. The length of time is less important than the daily practice.
Shhhhhh - quiet please
Eliminate as much noise and as many potential distractions as possible. Turn off the cell phone, lock the door. Don't worry about those things you can't control.
Comfort is key
Sit comfortably with your spine reasonably straight. this allows the energy to flow freely up the spine which is an important aspect of meditation. Leaning against a chair back, a wall, headboard, etc. is perfectly all right. If you're sitting in a chair, place your feet flat on the floor. Arms relaxed, shoulders down. Place your hands in any position that is comfortable.
Joy to the world!
An attitude of joy in just sitting, in just being -without expectation - is essential to meditation. In China and Japan the meditation posture is known as 'sitting like a mountain'. This gives the feeling of solidity and stillness with the body well connected to the ground and the mind reaching to the heavens. When you sit, having this image will be very helpful to your practice.
The hardest part about meditation is simply sitting - seriously! But once you make it part of your daily routine, it becomes a very powerful tool always available to calm your mind/body/soul and enter into the blissful state of oneness - where bluebirds fly. Okay, maybe not every time you sit - but there will be times - I promise.
Welcome Om!
Meditation Musing:
Breathing in, I calm body and mind.
Breathing out, I smile.
Dwelling in the present moment
I know this is the only moment.
- Thich Nhat Hanh
Challenge of the Day:
Find 10 minutes to meditate today - here are some unique ideas if you don't know where to start...
Build a Cairn - Balancing stones is an old Zen technique of examining the mind. Flat pebbles work best for this meditation- start with the biggest ones on the bottom and build your way up, paying close attention to your breathing as you complete the tower.
Watch Water - This is a great meditation alternative if you live near the water. Remove your shoes and walk slowly along the beach, feeling the sand shift beneath your feet. Stop at the water’s edge, and watch how the waves flow and crash. Let the sounds of the ocean return you to a place of peace in your mind. If you like to stay at home, you can simply observe the ripples that a drop of water creates. in your bathtub.
Mindful Movement - Take 10-20 minutes and completely lose yourself in a moderate physical activity. This could be anything from swimming laps to shooting baskets to yoga. Just breathe deeply and allow your mind to concentrate fully on the activity at hand.
Blessings on your path,
Beth