Blackrock Wellness MEDITATION
-William Shakespeare Richard III, Act 3, Scene 7“My lord: he doth entreat your grace; To visit him to-morrow or next day: He is within, with two right reverend fathers, Divinely bent to meditation; And no worldly suit would he be moved, To draw him from his holy exercise..”
In the July, 2003 issue of Time Magazine, the front cover said, “Meditation: New Age Mumbo Jumbo? Not for millions of Americans who meditate for health and wellbeing.” The article continues with the author’s experiences trying meditation, and states how it is getting increasingly hard to avoid the concept of meditation, as it is offered in hospitals, schools, offices, and prisons. It is being recommended to help a mother deal with the pains of labor, or to reduce chronic pain from cancer and AIDS. Scientific tests even suggest that it resets the brain, changing a point at which a hectic situation can become a cardiac explosion. Read the article here.
For people who have never tried meditation, images of a cross-legged individual chanting “om” come to mind. Though this is a well-rooted discipline of meditation, the practice can have many forms, depending on religion, culture, and personal preference. The intent, however, is universal: relaxing the body, calming the mind, and centering the spirit.
David O. McKay, past president of the LDS church, said, “I think we pay too little attention to the value of meditation, a principle of devotion… Meditation is the language of the soul. It is defined as ‘a form of private devotion or spiritual exercise, consisting in deep, continued reflection on some religious theme.’ Meditation is a form of prayer… Meditation is one of the most secret, most sacred doors through which we pass into the presence of the Lord.”
In the King James version of the New Testament, 1 Timothy 4:15 says, “Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.”
The 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet said, “Let us take a moment to review how progress toward a meaningful life enfolds. First comes morality, then concentrated meditation, then wisdom. Wisdom relies on the single-mindedness of meditation, and meditation deepens upon the self-awareness of morality.” In another quote, he said, “It seems to me that all religions could benefit from Buddhist meditation techniques- single-minded concentration could be applied usefully in many situations. In all walks of life, we can benefit from focusing the mind and increasing memory.”
How do you meditate? Should you follow someone else’s form of meditation or should you find your own way?
My first experience with meditation was in the dojo, learning Ninjutsu. We sat cross-legged, with our hands over our haras, completing the “nine breaths.” Though I found this method to be a very stimulating form of meditation, it didn’t really fit who I was, and I did not continue it after I moved from that city. Years later, my husband and I attended a class offered by the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation and, though the class didn’t fit as well within our personal belief systems as we had hoped, we still adopted the concept of passage recitation. I received other training, whether it involved the final relaxation stage at the end of a yoga session, or just sitting and pondering in church. Eventually, I began meditating in my own way, acknowledging those things sacred to me.
My husband meditates much the same way I do. He begins by sitting in a comfortable position and concentrating his breath. He’ll add in a prayer to our Heavenly Father. Then he’ll begin passive thought, which includes calming and centralizing his mind. Finally, he’ll move to active thought, which can be recitation of a passage of scripture or text, or pondering on doctrine or principles.
My friend Jamie, a yogini and practicing Buddhist, begins each day with a 30-minute meditation session. If she misses a session, she is not the mother she feels she needs to be that day.
A fellow student of massage certification begins massages with a brief meditation session, that he may perform the massage with the best intent and best outcome.
And, often, I find myself in spontaneous meditation. While walking in the woods, I can’t help but give thanks for everything around me and for everything I have, and ponder on the creation process.
If you are searching for direction in how to meditate, you may attend a yoga class and focus on the instructions during the final relaxation stage at the end of class. Or you may visit the places which are holy to you and sit and ponder. If you would like to read links regarding meditation techniques, you may like a few of these:
Meditation Techniques for Teens Walking Meditation Walking Meditation with Nancy J. Napier "Walking by Henry David Thoreau Standing Meditation Chi Kung Standing Meditation Standing Meditation for Tai Chi Sitting Meditation "A Sitting Meditation" by Jack Kornfield A Comparison of Christian and Zen Sitting Practice Lying Meditation Lying Down to Meditate Final Relaxation Stage of Yoga