Posts Tagged ‘Meditation’

With so much information on the internet to assist with your Spiritual Growth, it can be overwhelming knowing where to begin.

This post is to tell you of a man named Anmol Mehta, who moderates the Mastery of Meditation, Yoga & Zen website.

Although this website has an extraordinary amount of great content, the search function, or skimming the most popular articles will surely get you reading and learning something of great interest.

I have been subscribed to the Newsletter for many years and always enjoy Anmol’s posts.

Like this one… Opening Third Eye (Ajna) Chakra Meditation Technique for Psychic Powers

In Love and Light, We Explore!
Nigel Coates

Let’s try something more Traditional, because Amazing things can happen on a personal level when practicing meditation in its simplest form.

No guide to walk you through the process… No music to keep you focused. This is how meditation was practiced in the early days. With focus on an object, mantra or breath… or no focus at all.

I do not believe any one form of meditation is superior to another. They are all beautiful in themselves. True, some people have a better experience with a specific method – but that choice is personal – not universal.  I do encourage the exploration of all forms, even if you have a favorite.

Imagine a child in a 40 flavors Ice-Cream shop trying to convince everyone that chocolate is better than the rest. When asked how many of the 40 flavors he had tried, he answered ‘one’.

The Universal Mantra Meditation

This meditation comes from an ancient Indian text called the Malini Vijaya Tantra, which dates back about 5000 years. It is a very easy meditation, yet very powerful in its capacity to quiet your mind and connect you with your Essence or Inner Spirit.

This meditation uses a mantra as your object of focus. A mantra is a word or phrase that has the power to catalyze a shift into deeper, more peaceful states of awareness. The mantra most use for this meditation is: Aum. Aum does not have a literal translation. Rather, it is the essential vibration of the universe. If you were to tune into the actual sound of the cosmos, the perpetual sound of Aummm is what you would hear.

Although this mantra is sometimes chanted aloud, in this meditation, you will be repeating the mantra mentally… silently. Before we get to the actual steps, there are a few important points to be aware of.

• One of the keys to this meditation is repeating the mantra gently or faintly in your mind.

• The power of this technique comes from letting go and allowing your attention to dive into the deeper realms of awareness. Therefore, even though you will be focusing on the mantra, staying focused on the mantra is not the aim of this meditation. Trying too hard to stay focused would keep your attention from descending into the deeper realms. Instead, you will be repeating the mantra with “minimal effort”, and giving your mind the space to wander a bit.

• Resist the temptation to make something happen, and allow the mantra to do the work. This meditation easily produces a shift into deeper, more peaceful states of awareness. (The degree of this will vary from session to session.) It increases the flow of energy to the brain and clears away a good deal of physical and emotional toxins.

Because of this detoxification, it is best to keep this meditation to 10 or 15 minutes a day when first beginning. After a month or so, it can be increased to 20 minutes, but that should be the maximum for anyone who does not have quite a few years of meditation experience. Also, it is advisable to drink a lot of pure water.

Finally, mantra meditation accelerates spiritual growth as you achieve a state of relaxation and self-awareness.

The Practice

1. Sit comfortably, with your eyes closed and your spine reasonably straight.

2. Begin repeating the mantra gently in your mind.

3. Repeat the mantra at whatever tempo feels most natural. There is no need to synchronize the mantra with your breathing, but if this occurs naturally, it’s ok.

4. Allow the mantra to arise more faintly in your mind… repeating it with minimal effort.

5. Continue repeating the mantra faintly, and allow for whatever happens.

6. If at any time, you feel that you are slipping into a sleep-like or dream-like state, allow it to happen.

7. If and when you notice that your attention has drifted completely off the mantra, gently begin repeating it again, and continue with minimal effort.

8. After 10 or 15 minutes, stop repeating the mantra, and come out of your meditation slowly.

Some people struggle without the music or guide to stay focused on the practice. It is important to be kind to yourself when you slip. Gently steer your focus back on track. If you curse yourself or your ability there will be no benefits for you to receive.

Some days will be better than others… and it takes practice.

Please share your experience with this meditation below,

In Love and Light, Nigel.

Just the other day I got in a Fight!

I was out near my Worm Farm, transplanting a few cherry tomato seedlings when it all began.
 
I had a bag of potting mix between my knees, both hands full of dirt and BAMMO!

One of the neighbor’s bees lined me up and took me down with one hit (but not before I squealed hysterically, ran in circles and threw dirt everywhere).
 
I was stung on the top of my cheek, just below my right eye. I was home alone and a little worried about the effects, as I had been stung on my foot a few years previous and my whole leg swelled. Luckily, this time, Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation saved a disaster. My face did swell a little – but only enough to cut some vision and make me look a little chubby. But the worst thing of all – It hurt when I smiled.
 
I didn’t actually go to a doctor but I can imagine their advice. “If it hurts when you smile – don’t do it.” And that does seem simple, and logical I guess. Just don’t smile.
 
But let me tell you… Naturally, I’m a visually expressive person. I like to show my emotions physically. It’s generally very easy to tell what I’m thinking just by looking at my face.
 
So, imagine not being able to smile for 3 days! (Especially with the ‘Trigger / Response’ of Smile = Pain) It REALLY took it out of me!
 
By the third day I was flat… low in energy, enthusiasm, compassion, appetite and zest. I felt like Mr. Bland from Blandsville having an averagely bland day. My heart beat without passion!
 
Now apart from the fight with the bee – Life was wonderful. I had no other reason to complain, so I knew the connection was direct.
 
Being deprived of the ability to smile affected my mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health – and that got me thinking. 

The Smile Meditation

Smile!

Usually when I meditate I feel stress and muscle tension melt off me like ice in the sun. I try to ‘let go’ of everything and separate my awareness from its physical attachments. But as soon as the swelling subsided and associated pain gone, I lay to meditate and consciously held a gentle smile. (Not a big forced cheesy grin… Just an inner feeling of warmth and good humor.)
 
And quickly, thoughts of good things and fun times started to drift by. And they kept coming. Good times, funny situations, things people had said that made me laugh…
 
And although the rest of me was relaxed, my face slowly shaped into a full teeth grin – but it was a natural smile. I gave it no muscular assistance at all. I couldn’t help but smile!
 
The energy of my smile became a power source of its own. It drew from the links of all my smiles past – and this energy stared to radiate through my body. I was soon glowing, and rushing with the endorphins that are released when you laugh. My physical body still held no tension, so this smiley energy was free to zoom around my body and blast all blockages and pockets of dense negativity. I didn’t care what the bad bits were – but I could feel them wrapped in the energy of a warm loving smile and transformed into light!
 
And when my meditation was finished I felt great. Rosy cheeks – bright eyes – a spring in my step and a thankful smile (For I felt thankful to the little bee, who gave me the opportunity for this new experience).

In Practice

You can have fun with this one. Ensure you won’t be disturbed – so the universe knows ‘this time is yours’. I suggest laying or sitting to start with, (but if it works for you a few times, try it walking, gardening or washing the dishes).
 
Have some ambient relaxation music in the background. This meditation will work best without a guide, as the journey will be unique to you.
 
Take a few full breaths and then find a natural and relaxed rhythm, slow and deep. Scan your body from tip to toe to let go of muscle tension and physical stress.
 
Say something similar to, “I use this time to appreciate the joy in my life. I give thanks for the people, places and things that make me smile.” Then, if you haven’t already, gently turn up the corners of your mouth.
 
It should feel natural. If it feels forced, back off and wait for thoughts and joyful feelings to energize it before you continue.
 
Don’t ‘hunt down’ things you ‘think’ should make you happy, or that you ’should’ be thankful for. Relax, let go, sink into the intent you set, and see what comes. Let Go of needing to have control.
 
Think of your thoughts as clouds. In a massive sky full of clouds, gently let your gaze focus on one. Look at it, feel it, draw from it, but don’t connect so much that the other clouds in the sky disappear. Don’t crave attachment to it. Just know that as one cloud passes, another will arrive, and another.
 
The arrival and departure of your thoughts in meditation should be effortless. No expectation – or hanging on.
 
And as these clouds continue to pass by, connect to the Energy of your Smile. Feel it. Experience it. Be it. And then see what happens
 
I suggest that 10 to 20 minutes would be enough for this one… Unless you get really good – then All Day – Every Day! Ha-ha.

The Sign Off

Cheese!

At that is my Smile Meditation. Scientists have proven it’s chemically beneficial and I’m sure you can draw from experience of your own. Smiling is good for you. Why not try to connect with your smile while in a meditative state?
 
I hope you enjoy the practice and receive the many Smiley benefits.
 
Share your experience with other like minded souls below.

Did the Smile Meditation Brighten Your Day?
 
In Love and Light, We Explore! Nigel Coates

Basking in Nature

I recently had the opportunity to ‘get away’. Some people think I’m crazy when I tell them, but yes, I went camping by myself. No I didn’t get bored, I wasn’t scared and I wasn’t worried about the many things that could have gone wrong. It was 4 days and three nights of bliss.

I love my computer and the many wonderful things it can do, but no achievement by man has come close to the efforts of Mother Nature. She combines a million factors in balance and no where is the cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth more apparent.

For some of you the perfect holiday may be sitting beside a pool on a deck chair ordering a few fancy drinks. And don’t get me wrong – that would be lovely too, but let me tell you quickly about the Bunya Mountains.

The Bunya Pine tree is huge. The pine cones are as big as a football and way 10kg / 22lbs. It’s wise to take notice of the signs that say, ‘Do Not Loiter between December and March’ because they will do serious damage.

And as I walked through the ever-changing foliage that a sub-tropical rainforest provides, I sat for lunch overlooking the pastures that ran to the horizon and read the back of the back of the National Park map. The Bunya Pine was a favorite food of the Dinosaurs!

As I sat in meditation that fact sank in. These trees had covered these lands for over two million years. Now when man first walked the earth is debatable – but to put it in perspective, we only started counting 2009 years ago. Just think what we have done to the earth in just 0.001% of the time that these trees have been here. But then I read further. The dinosaurs loved to munch on the Pine Cones, but the trees were here before them. Try… 20 million years before!

When the tectonic plate under Australia joined South East Asia, China and Russia, the Bunya Pine was one of the most prolific forms of foliage covering the Earth. For 20 million years they stood tall and proud – helping to create the balanced environment we enjoy today. Then the dinosaurs came and went, and then man came…

The Bunya Mountains National Park in South East Queensland, Australia, is the last refuge of this amazing tree. As the early settlers made inroads into the new frontier… (Australia was discovered by the English in 1788 – though Native Aboriginals had lived here for over 40,000 years in relative harmony with nature) …The Bunya Pine was an excellent source of quality timber. Entire forests were flattened in the name of progress, and sheep and cattle were left to graze where mighty rainforests once stood. With reckless abandon and no thought of preservation, the landscape and wildlife habitat was decimated. The only concerns of the times were the basics of having shelter and food.

On my third day I did a 22 km walk. The trail transversed and scouted a plateau. The vegetation was continually changing to suit the conditions of the available light and moisture. I would duck my head under a branch and look up to a new forest. It was continually amazing… Until I rounded one bend to the unfiltered bright light above. The trail popped out of the damp, lush forest, into a baron sun-burnt paddock. My heart sank. A little tear glistened in the corner of my eye.

What had we done! How could a paddock with a hand full of cows be more important than a thriving rainforest!? I looked to the horizon and realized that at one stage not long ago, the rainforest would have stretched farther than I could see. The Bunya Pines, which had been prolific for 22 million years, were now just a few scarce specimens clinging to the top of a rocky outcrop.

nearly at Meditation Paradise

My meditations were indeed insightful on my vacation. Some gave thoughts of the perspective of existence and the fragility of our planet. I thought a lot about time… comparing 20 million years to my lifetime (not even a breath). But with 4 days without disturbance or chore, gave me the opportunity to look deep within. Sometimes I meditated to connect with the energy of nature, and then to ponder the marvel of live, human development, and of course, to clear my mind. It was an amazing experience I had to share with you.

On the way back home I stopped at a community run museum. It housed antiques and equipment from yesteryear. I met a 90 year old lady who was just a toddler in the photos on the wall. Her father was a pioneer. I could tell how proud she was of his efforts. It gave me the opposite perspective of what had happened to the forest. The early settlers were ingenuitive and determined, resourceful and skilled. They created lives for themselves and futures for the generations to follow.

Environmental conservation did not get a mention when discussing the quest for survival in a wilderness. I love nature, but also love human passion. I actually drove past the museum, and was prompted to go back. I didn’t know why at the time, but that stop over gave me a different perspective on my recent meditations and revelations, and was a balance that was needed for me to find peace within. Let’s live for today and tomorrow, having learnt from the past.

The Bunya Mountains will be in my heart forever. It was a magical spot that gave me an amazing experience. If you would like to contribute to the community, leave a short note below telling us about a place in the world that has changed your life.

All the Best, Nigel.

Using a meditation cushion when you meditate can be a great way to enhance your practice.

Meditation Cushion

Sarah Neil is a mentor and friend who runs a weekly spiritual development circle. It starts with a bite to eat and general conversation, moves into specific discussion and psychic exercises, and we finish with a meditation. When the lights dim and she says, ‘get ready’, we all scamper to assume the position that suits us best.

The members of this circle cover all ages and body shapes. The position that best suits one is no good for the next. Some sit on the couch propped up by pillows – as this is how they can be the most comfortable for the time. Others choose the dining table chairs because if they get too comfortable they may fall asleep. One lays flat on the floor, while others lay flat on cushions. And a few of us use our meditation cushions.

It is a relaxed environment without pretence – and the saying, ‘each to their own’, is very applicable. There is nothing worse than struggling with physical discomfort when you are striving for mental discipline and spiritual connection. Pins and needles play on your mind and draw you back into the room. We know we will be in meditation from anywhere between 30 and 50 minutes and comfort and practicality is paramount.

I like the meditation cushion firstly for the physical effects. It lifts my sitting bones off the floor so that my pelvis can tilt forward. This allows my spine to rest in its natural position. Others wise I am likely to slouch, which creates muscular tension in my neck and shoulders and reduces the free movement of my rib cage. Sitting strait and tall is the most ergonomic position for me, and allows for easy breathing.

The meditation cushion also allows for the correct alignment of my 7 chakras. I feel a greater free flow of energy when sitting in this fashion.

Again, this is what works best for me, but striving for physical comfort is the priority.

If you have never used a meditation cushion I suggest trying one to see what it does to your practice.

Click the link above to read more on the styles of cushion available and why a normal couch cushion won’t do.

Leave a short note below to share which positions suit you best.

Namaste, Nigel

To explain Meditation we should start with the Definition.
But even that is not as easy as it sounds.
 
Because Meditation has been around for thousands of years, and is interwoven throughout the different cultures and religions of the world, one definition to keep everyone happy is a task indeed!
 
But we have to make a start, so; Meditation is ‘A mental discipline by which one attempts to get beyond
the reflexive ‘thinking’ mind – into a deeper state of relaxation.’

The above statement is the desire – or process of Meditation.

The benefits have been ‘felt’ for thousands of years, but now science has evolved to ‘prove’ what is actually happening.

The Science of Meditation
It has long been known that meditation slows breathing, heart rate and blood pressure.

As a relaxation tool alone, meditation is a very effective method to combat stress.

But recent scientific breakthroughs have given a different insight.
 
Your brain, which is a continual hive of electrical signals, alternates between four different states.

The frequency of the electrical impulses are continually changing to match your worldly experience.

Think of the different intensities, or focus needed for driving in traffic or reading under a tree; taking a bath or having an arguement. Every sitution you encounter requires different brain function.
 
You experience Beta brain-wave patterns for engaging activities. Driving, working, planning…
The top end of this Beta range is reached during periods of stress or anxiety.

The chemicals released from the brain when in this state are necessary for us to function, but prolonged, repeated or continual
exposure has dire health effects. Beta is necessary – but small bursts are preffered.
 
Alpha brain wave patterns are produced when you are relaxed and your brain activity has slowed. You are most likely in an Alpha state when watching television, reading a book, or just before falling asleep.
 
Theta brain waves are most commonly encountered within dreams, but are also related to moments of deep insight or revelation.
 
The Delta state is the slowest brain wave pattern. It occurs in deep, or dreamless sleep. It is only in this state when the brain releases many beneficial hormones (such as Human Growth Hormone) which helps to heal the body.
 
Children spend more time than adults in this Delta State. It is necessary for their bodies to grow and to handle great physical changes.

As we age, we work longer, have more demands on our time, and usually sleep less.

The result is that we spend far less time in this Delta state.

Without reaching the Delta state, our body does not give itself the care it needs. This has the effect of speeding the aging process, and can lead to a decline in our health.
 
But as I said at the start – science has caught up. They realised that we also enter the Delta state while in Meditation.
 
All people who have meditated throughout history have ‘felt’ these benefits, but those of you currently meditating, or are about to try, be assured science also agrees that meditation is an excellent tool to tune your mind and body.

Independent of religion or belief, or even the method used to enter a meditative state; the benefits to the mind and body are universal.
 
But more than that; Meditation also provides an opportunity to connect with your true self, your spiritual purpose and what is known as the universal knowledge. It is common to experience great insights or think of a solution to a problem – without even trying.

So the benefits of Meditation are multi-pronged. It helps the Body, Mind, Emotion and Spirit.
 
Meditation is the act, or practice, of moving beyond conscious thought, into a greater state of relaxation.

Please leave a comment below – or email me directly.

To experience guided meditation, visit the Explore Meditation website.

Nigel Coates

We live in a busy world. There is never enough time!

Our priority lists start with the necessities such as family, work, cleaning and eating, and only when we juggle or sacrifice do we find the time for hobbies, personal development and dare I say it, Relaxation. And by relaxation I don’t mean sitting on the couch mindlessly flicking the remote.

Physical and Mental relaxation is vital to a balanced and healthy life. Effective relaxation must be one of your priorities!

But you are busy, I know, I know. So lets focus on a solution. How to relax, in a busy world.

Let me introduce you to Guided Meditation. And don’t shy away on reading the word ‘meditation’ drawing from your pre-conceived ideas. You don’t need to sit still for hours, and you don’t need to completely silence your mind.

Guided meditation is easy, and the benefits are Instant!

Children love hearing stories before bed. They are all consumed by the words and enter the created world and leave all other concerns behind. And then they relax and fall into a deep sleep. And in principal, Guided Meditation for adults is the same.

The author (or guide) reads a story to you, and you just go along for the ride and reap the rewards.

Reduced stress, increased mental clarity, connection to your true life’s path, increased passion, joy and energy… The benefits are as diverse as the stories to choose from. And they are yours, Instantly!

There is no ‘learning process’. Everyone can follow a Guided Meditation on the first go. There is no waiting for the results. Everyone can receive the instant benefits.

So how does it actually work? Well the meditations usually start with an awareness of your breath. You consciously watch your breath as it becomes deeper and slower. You are then asked to scan your body for areas of tension. Your eyes, jaw, or shoulders are often held tight without your knowing. And this instruction is all given to you step by step. Anybody can do it. In just a few short minutes you will be feeling balanced, aware and complete. Forms of the breath awareness and body scan start most guided meditations.

But then the stories get more interesting. You are taken on a journey into your imagination. And as your conscious mind follows the words and creates the pictures, the ‘chatter’ of your mind naturally falls away. Concerns of the real world are not a priority. The ties and anchors are released, so that when you do return, you view your current situation with greater clarity and perspective.

What was a massive problem may seem smaller, and creative solutions often present themselves right away, so your concern may be nothing more than a hurdle, which you can now skip over with zest.

And just as a child can choose from a library of books, you too can choose from a variety of Guided Meditations. Skim the titles and see what grabs your interest.

It is best for beginners to start with meditations that ‘balance’ your energy, and reduce physical, mental, and emotional stress. If you are unsure of your abilities, be assured each Guided Mediation walks you through the process step by step.

When you are comfortable with the basics, you can choose titles that will introduce you to more complex themes, such as meeting your higher self, your inner child, your spirit guide or even regress to see who you were in a past life. It is all safe, it is all easy, and you are in complete control.

Most Guided Meditations go for 15 to 30 minutes. For the benefits you will receive it is worth making time in your busy life, for if you do, the rest of your life will flow better.

Regular meditation is an investment in you own happiness and prosperity.

Peace within Meditation

I have recently uploaded a free Guided Meditation on YouTube.
If you would like to help spread the love, please click the link and have a look.
www.youtube.com/Guided-Meditation.
I encourage you to;
Rate the video out of 5 stars / Post a comment / And Subscribe to the Explore Meditation channel.
Then you will be the first to know when more videos are added – and helping our YouTube profile!
Thanks and Enjoy Nigel

Oh, You are also welcome to include this video from your website, article or blog.

Just cut and paste the HTML code below and hey presto!

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