WHAT IS MEDITATION?

The definition of Meditation is a mental activity that aims to achieve a different state of consciousness through relaxed concentration.

Meditation Circles involve communication with God as our spiritual ‘leader’, and might be considered synonymous with prayer, but whereas with prayer we are active, in meditation we are contemplative, passive, silent, and wait for His answer. He will meet us on common ground, here in the physical.

The purpose of meditation is to draw closer to God. It is not for the self, that's a blessing, but it is incidental. It involves stilling the mind and focusing it on the spirit of God within. The energy of the spirit can then flow through the mind and body and express itself in every aspect of our lives, put simply - from Spirit to Spirit.

The mind becomes more effective as the energies become more active at channelling this energy from spirit constructively, so the physical body is a better instrument for expressing Divine Love.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MEDITATION AND PRAYER

It differs from prayer in that prayer is a request, asking for some particular help, guidance or forgiveness; meditation is contemplation on the subject.

FORMS OF MEDITATION

There are many forms of meditation and many different techniques to achieve this altered state of consciousness. At one extreme it can be an attempt to concentrate on the idea of nothing by trying to get rid of thought out of mind, though complete eradication of conscious thought is impossible. At the other extreme it is an attempt to concentrate on a selected theme or a train of thoughts on a subject.

PRE-REQUISITES for meditation It is an art acquired only by practice and a determined effort, which when undertaken regularly and with control leads to a disciplined well-trained mind.

ESSENTIALS for meditation are: The complete relaxation of the physical body. Unless this can achieved it is impossible to exercise control over the mind and, therefore, to meditate. The stilling of the mind. The purpose is to stop the ceaseless flow of thoughts, to rise above the problems of daily life to achieve a state of inner serenity and peace. To achieve these essentials require self-discipline and sustained concentration

THE PURPOSE OF MEDITATION 

Meditation is used in many religions and for many aims and purposes.

GENERAL AIMS

The general aims of meditation are:-
To strengthen self-awareness.
To help achieve both spiritual and material goals.
To solve problems and get answers to prayers.
To listen the inner soul
To try to reach the subconscious and super-conscious mind
To attain peace

SPIRITUALIST AIMS are:

To gain knowledge, understanding and mental awareness of the spirit world.
To assist in developing the skill of mediumship.

Specific Personal Aims of meditation may be: To achieve a balance in one’s daily life: To ask for healing: To ask for guidance: To ask for forgiveness: To say I love you to someone who has passed into spirit.

THE RESULTS OF MEDITATION

By using meditation daily or regularly, it can help you become a more relaxed and spiritual person. By turning inwards you are more able to deal with the ups and downs of daily life and not get so emotional and upset by problems that beset you and surround you, to listen to the god inside and give you clarity of vision. Psychologically it creates a calm and serenity. Physiologically it develops deeper breathing and lowers metabolic rate.

WAYS OF MEDITATING

GROUP MEDITATION For the beginner, group meditation is advantageous where it is guided in its visual direction. The advantages of group meditation are that:
- it helps the beginner learn how to meditate
- the group create stronger energies than is possible with one individual

When a group meets the energies should afterwards be directed to where they can be of help. This may be given healing to individuals or groups of people, aimed at peace for certain areas of the world or at sorting out other problems that need to be resolved.

INDIVIDUAL MEDITATION

The meditation can be carried out in several ways:- In complete silence - with music - with the leader talking through the meditation and suggesting actions and images. – Regression.

CONCENTRATING ON AN OBJECT Some meditations can involve concentrating deeply on something, for example an abstract thing such as a flower, a picture, a candle flame, a spiritual quality such as love, faith, commitment or a mental concept such as the meaning of life.

CONCENTRATING ON NOTHING

It is not possible to completely empty the mind and meditate on nothing, yet the closer you can get to this state the more likely you are to move to higher realms of experience in your meditation.

LENGTH OF MEDITATION

It is best in the early stages for the meditation to be no longer than 20 minutes. Afterwards each participant should be given the opportunity to relate what he/she had experienced, an explanation should be given by the leader where possible and there should be group discussion if necessary.

PREPARING FOR THE MEDITATION

A meditation can be greatly improved by ensuring that the physical and mental conditions are suitable.

REGULARITY Choose a set time or times and stick to the schedule. If this is not possible however, do not forgo a meditation.

TIME OF DAY

You can meditate at any time of day, but certain times seem to offer just the right occasion. Early morning meditation helps to prepare you for the day; early evening before sunset provides a calming meditation. Whatever time you choose make it a time when will be no interruptions. Tell family and friends that you wish to spend some time meditating. If you are unable to tell them the purpose, make any excuse to ensure that you are not disturbed.

THE PLACE AND SURROUNDINGS ROOM

If possible you should a pleasant room and may even make a special place which can become your own little sanctuary. You must feel comfortable with the environment.

TEMPERATURE

The room should have an even temperature, not too hot, not too cold, adequately ventilated yet free from draughts.

SOUND

Try to make sure you choose a time and place where you have quiet. It may not be possible to have complete silence and you will have to learn to ignore noise, but you will eventually be able to mediate even in noisy conditions. You can however, take a few simple steps to reduce noise -turn off the radio or television, disconnect the telephone, send the children out, close the windows and shut the curtains. Don't forget the cat, seriously, I psyched into a cat in one meditation, and imagine being deep calm and peaceful and your beloved jumps on your lap.

LIGHTING

You can meditate in bright light or in complete darkness but the most conducive situation is dim lighting. This can be by natural lighting for instance as dawn is breaking or the sun is setting, by electric lighting or what many prefer, a candle which helps to create an atmosphere of spirituality.

BODY

Do not meditate after a meal. You may wish to wash your hands, face or even a shower before the meditation to create a feeling of cleanliness and purity. Go to the toilet beforehand if necessary.

COMFORT

Wear comfortable clothing that is not too tight.

POSTURE

Whichever position you choose in which to meditate, you should always keep your spine straight. The best way is to sit upright in a chair with a straight back - not a lounge chair. Alternatively you could sit on the floor with your back against the wall. You could choose to lie down, either on the floor or a bed, but there is a possibility that in this position you could fall asleep. Some people like to meditate in the yoga position, kneeling or sitting back on the heels. The back must still be kept straight and unless you are used to these positions you may find some degree of discomfort, which may interfere with your mediation.

LIMBS

You need to be as comfortable as possible. Sit upright (if that is the position you have chosen), do not cross your legs as this can cause circulation problems which can become uncomfortable during the meditation.

THE MEDITATION

How to meditate? In order to meditate effectively you must be able to relax both physically and mentally; this is an art in itself, not difficult, but it takes a bit of practice. First the ...FRAME OF MIND

You should be in the right frame of mind for a change in brain 'vibrations'. Thought is magnetic and like attracts like - alm attracts calm, anger attracts anger. Consider this when you think what you want to achieve. The aim is to reach a passive frame of mind whilst still remaining alert to the information reaching you. You cannot have an empty mind, therefore you have to direct your thoughts to begin with.

EYES

Your eyes should be closed during the meditation. It helps to avoid distractions and also enables you to go deeper into yourself

PRAYER It is useful to start the meditation with a short prayer an ask for protection

BREATHING

You need to slow your breathing and increase the depth of it. Start by taking a few slow deep breaths, breathing in through the nose and exhale through the mouth, noisily if possible, so you can listen to yourself and be more aware of what you are doing at first. Then continue your breathing at the same speed and depth but more quietly and inhaling and exhaling through the nose.

RELAXATION OF THE MIND

After getting the breathing correctly started, you should try to relax the mind. This done by quietening the mind, trying to get rid of emotions and setting aside the problems and worries of everyday living. For the brief period of the meditation you should try to let everything else go, this is done by ... 

CONCENTRATION Depending on the type of meditation you are carrying out you should concentrate fully. If you are being led by a spoken meditation, try to follow the person, however if you cannot, then move to your own thoughts. Exercises of visualisations are good to start with. [See Visualisation in the articles Clairvoyance section also.]

WISHING TO CEASE THE SESSION?

When you first start meditating you may find that you have a desire to stop, feeling that you cannot go on. Try to overcome this desire and you will be able to develop greater strength and resilience.

ENDING THE MEDITATION

If you opened your chakras at the beginning you should close them at the end. You should take your time to bring your awareness back to the room and the place where you are sitting. In your own time you should gradually open your eyes.

A SUGGESTED MEDITATION

Having relaxed physically by deliberate application, you need to relax mentally. So gather all the daily problems, irritations. etc. and bring them into mind. Realise that for the moment you cannot deal with them. Visually wrap them into a parcel and put them into a corner of the room until after the exercise.

Now take your mind on a thought/visual journey of your choice, deliberately going through a door or gate to start with. Continue on your journey to find peace, knowledge and understanding, aiming to reach and recognise any spirit influences around you.  

Reach the focal point of your journey and remain there for a while, enjoying the peace and being aware of all sensations. When you feel ready, begin re-tracing your journey, remembering to return through the door/gate and closing it behind you.

For example walking in a garden or on a beach, feel the ground / sand beneath your feet. Hear the birds singing; hold your head up to the sunshine etc… use your imagination as much as possible.

At this time perhaps for you the focal point is re-charging your energies, so you could use the metaphor of a hose pipe into the 'main supply pool' of love and light energy, or whatever comes to mind. Again, feel the connection, Picture a big pool of coloured energy, feel the energy's strength, feel the flow of light, see it going into you, enjoy the building up of this new store of energy, and so on...

At first, make your journeys short because your concentration will wander. Lengthen each adventure to suit your own personal application. Recommended period of time: 10 minutes daily, building up as needed.

Problems - Blockages? Go to the last article on this list for some helpful advice.