Meditation

Introduction to Meditation

Meditation is often viewed as something mystical but there is no need for it to be dressed up in esoteric robes or cloaked in mystery. It simply is what it is and can be used for whatever purpose the individual desires. A piece of paper is still a piece of paper regardless of what is written on it, whether it be the secrets of the ancients or the weekend shopping list. Meditation can be the gateway to a mystical or religious experience or it can just be a pleasant way to relax.

There are various forms of meditation, all of which follow different paths to reach a similar destination. From long experience and experimentation, I believe that guided visualisation is the form most suitable for the western mind.

Many words have been written and spoken about meditation - I don't wish to add significantly to that total. I will only say very briefly what it means to me: Meditation is a method (the best method I know) of taking your conscious mind to a quiet space deep within yourself. In that quiet, focussed state of mind a person is relaxed yet alert.

I aim to lead people there through different guided visualisations, so that they can rest in the silence for a while before gently returning to the here and now. The journeys are varied in order for extra experiences to be gained en route but the main destination is always the same.

How could it benefit you?

Meditation reduces stress and enables a person to handle everyday situations more calmly and effectively. It can change the way you think and react to whatever life drops in your path.

It is an aid to focussing the mind. It can improve health, lower blood pressure, take the strain off your heart and help you to heal faster. It often makes people feel better about themselves and happier within. It can improve the quality of life. And that's just for starters. A person can go as far as they wish in meditation. Using visualisation, you are producing, directing and starring in your own movie. You alone set the limits to what you can achieve.

I always tell new members of my meditation groups that my purpose is to lead them to this peaceful inner space but what they do when they get there is entirely up to each individual. For some, that's as far as they wish to go and they simply relax in that space, free for a while from the turbulence of everyday life. And there's nothing wrong with that - it's a nice place to be. Others want to use the quiet space as a meeting place where they hope to commune with their spirit guides. Some more prefer to seek guidance from a source closer to home - their aim is to establish closer and clearer communication between their conscious mind and the spirit within or the higher self (however you like to think of it). Others again seek to raise their awareness to higher levels and many practise meditation to enable their minds to achieve various personal goals.

Practise is a key word. Like any other activity or skill, meditation does require practice to achieve the best results. It can take several attempts before a person is able to really "tune in". Some people take to it easily and receive vivid visions in glorious technicolour almost immediately while others only see things in black and white. A small minority don't see anything at all but receive other benefits such as feeling a deep sense of peace (never to be sneezed at). We are all individuals and we all experience things in our own individual ways. Meditation is not just about having mind blowing visions anyway. The ideal meditation is experienced with all of the senses.

Another point worth mentioning is that the accepted laws of physics do not apply in meditation. Everything you experience is in a dimension of mind where you can go wherever you wish and do whatever you want. The only restrictions are those which you impose upon yourself. For instance, a visualisation might involve swimming but you think you don't know how to swim. However, you have seen other people swimming so you can picture yourself imitating their actions and move smoothly through the water like a champion swimmer. You have all the capabilities and expertise you can imagine. Another visualisation may require you to rise high in the sky although you have a fear of heights. Don't let your fears hold you back. There is NO DANGER of you falling and injuring yourself. Whatever happens, you CANNOT come to any harm.

Visualisations can be used to overcome fears and phobias by picturing yourself confronting whatever you are afraid of. This can be done in stages, if preferred. For example, a person with a fear of heights could visualise themselves standing near the bottom of a large flight of steps with a narrow handrail on one side. At their own pace, they could climb higher and higher, one step at a time. As they grow in confidence, the height of the steps could be extended mentally.

If you want to read more about visualisation and/or meditation, there are lots of good books available in your friendly new age shops but the best way to learn about it is to try it out for yourself.