Wow. This is usually a very broad topic, but I’ll try to keep it focused on the main topic of this month’s newsletter: learning to walk in this world spiritually and not be overshadowed by it.
The last couple of weeks, I talked about the ways that we are able to come to spiritual acceptance, and that was though either a gradual or sudden “spiritual experience.”
I spoke of when we accept something in a “spiritual” way (I pointed out the differences in the two different types of acceptance a couple of weeks ago), we are able to feel the acceptance, see the person or situation in a different light and not have the person or situation (as some folks say) “rent space in my head” going forward in life.
Meditation is another one of the experiences that will help you stay spiritually fit and protect you from becoming overshadowed by the events that go on in and around your life. This means that you are able to keep your peace (acceptance), even though you might not agree with everyone or everything around you.
The type of meditation I am speaking of is one that allows you to become more whole. It is a very simple process…anyone can do it. In fact, a teacher once told me: “If you can think, you can meditate.” When meditating, we are simply trying to replace thoughts of the mind (this is what the mind is suppose to do…think thoughts) with other thoughts for the mind to think about.
Please read though the following part first and then follow the practice.
All you have to do is try to find a quiet place, if possible. If not, it can be done in places that are not absolutely quiet. Sit in any comfortable position that works for you. Rest your hands on your chest in the area of your heart. Now breathe into that area, breathe into your heart area. Be quiet and feel your heart beat. Do this for several breaths.
Then go past the beating heart and begin to feel the feelings in your heart. Some of you might be able to see different colors of light, some of you may not. The light is wonderful, but it is not the purpose of this meditation.
Can you begin to feel the quietness?
Can you begin to feel some of the peace that is there?
What about the happiness that is in your heart? What about the joy? If necessary, think of the things that stir up those feelings peace, happiness or joy in your heart.
Now, this next part may be the most important element for instilling peace and acceptance in your life while walking in this world.
Find a truth that resonates with you. What I mean by a “truth” is something that is not of this world, but rather from scriptures, avatars, or saints. Find a prayer, mantra or quote and repeat it while focusing on your heart.
If there is a particular person or situation that is bothering you, or if you want to send healing thoughts to someone, you can invite them into your heart now. You do this by bringing a vision or thought of the person/ situation into your heart area before you begin to repeat and focus on your “truth.”
Once you have your truth, you repeat it (silently within your heart area) with every deep breath you take. If it’s a longer prayer or mantra, find your own rhythm as you breathe in and out. You can do this for 5, 10, 15, or even 30 minutes or more. I suggest starting off slowly and increasing the length over time.
After you have finished repeating your truth, allow yourself 5 to 15 minutes to feel the peace and listen to the silence.
It is very important that you use a valid truth; one that is not man-made or for some particular gain. Please choose one that feels right for you. It does not matter what religious background you come from, if any.
Below are a few that I have used over the years.
Om (means the unmanifested aspect of God within creation)
Om Sai (Adoration of the Universal Divine Mother)
Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me (The Jesus Prayer)
The truths above can work for any denomination. For example:
Allah have mercy on me
Lord Buddha have mercy on me
Lord Krishna have mercy on me
Yahweh have mercy on me
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna, Krishna, Hare, Hare
Hare Rama. Hare Rama, Rama, Rama. Hare, Hare
Thank you for your love and support. Walk in Peace, my brothers and sisters.
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