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Oct
25
Written by:
Alice Smith
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Today’s answer to “the” query came through – “Meditation.” So what is that all about for this day?!
I meditated far into the night; I communed with mine own heart; I have examined my soul. (Psalms 77:6)
One of the key accesses to the soul, or the experience of one’s connection with Christ-consciousness, Cosmic Consciousness or Union with God, is through meditation. The act of relaxing and then stilling the chatter of the mind allows for the possibility of a contemplative experience. The goal of all meditation practices is the same – quiet the mind to transcend its chatter so that an experience of the inner mind, or Self, is available. This Self is the connection with God, God within, Oneness, The All, and thus the spiritual or soul of us, or, according to Carl Jung, the Collective Unconscious. It is the source of the experience of oneness with all there is in the universe, inner peace, joy, bliss, enlightenment. There is general agreement that the purpose of meditation is to enable a practioners to gain the access to Self.
There are many ways to meditate. Sitting quietly, free from worldly distractions, is one of the most commonly known ways. For some Western society folks, this way causes anxiety or stress rather than reducing it. Why? It is because Western society, or culture, is focused on being productive. “Idle hands are the Devil’s workshop” is a folk saying that epitomizes the cultural goal of being productive. Consequently, there are seekers who sincerely want to meditate as a means of gaining its benefits and advancing their own spiritual growth, but who cannot or will not practice the tradition sitting still in a quiet place.
Besides seated, contemplative and meditation practices, there are movement types of meditative practices. Chinese martial arts, for example, are considered mediation in body movements. Another mediation technique using body movement, or walking, is labyrinth walking. This form of meditation may appeal to those of traditional Christian background. Since medieval times the practice of walking the labyrinth has been associated in Christianity with holy pilgrimage and unmediated spirituality, or one’s direct access to God. Labyrinth walking is currently being promoted world-wide by churches, hospitals and healers as a way to reduce anxiety, aid healing, and get in touch with one’s spiritual Self. The ancient archetypical hardscapes of outdoor labyrinths are now considered tools, and in some cases sacred spaces, for individual seekers to escape from the stress and anxiety of the twenty-first century and to get in touch with their inner being.
St. Augustine wrote that “all problems can be solved by a walk.”
It looks like wherever you go, there You are - try it [meditation], you'll like it...and for some of us, keep on keeping on. OMB
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5 comment(s) so far...
Re: MEDITATION
St. Augustine quote, “all problems can be solved by a walk,” sounds like a full meal deal to me. ONe activity that is good for the body and the soul. I try to walk every day -- religiously. I recommend it to every one.
By Phil on
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
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Re: MEDITATION
I meditate daily, and it has been extremely helpful to me.... almost as helpful as your wondrous blog posts. Thank you for your generosity. You rock.
By Seeker on
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
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Re: MEDITATION
This is great wisdom. Meditation allows access to Source. Remember, you are Source and Source is you. You are connected to All - unless you think you are separate. Meditation can include movement so don't limit yourself.
By Alberta on
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
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Re: MEDITATION
To be in meditation is to be in service to Self. This is the finest "service" that there is.
By Francis on
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
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Re: MEDITATION
Meditation is for personal benefit and for spiritual growth. It is the most valuable tool I’ve found for spiritual growth. Regular meditation practice helps elicit clear states of consciousness and facilitates progressive, authentic spiritual growth.
By Guided Meditation Download on
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
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