posted by Mark Rainer
A state of Grace...
To start with what I share here is something which worked for me. Will it work for you, I don't know, but it may help you to find what does. Throughout all the reading and the people I have met with, who offer to show you how to meditate, then I give thanks to an American lady who showed me how and it worked.
Now, guided meditations are known to work while some prefer to have complete silence in order to reach that state of being at peace with oneself and the world at that particular moment. It's whatever works for you. But the important concept throughout all this when you are trying to learn to meditate, is the need to focus upon the breath.
Yes, and no doubt you have read this before, but it is crucial to do so while you seek to learn and that you focus upon the breath. Now I'm sure there are those of you reading this which are thinking I don't need to do this I can relax and enter my space without the need to focus on breath. Well you don't need me then, go and put it into practice what you are able to achieve. I'm wanting to help those who seek to find the way into a state of relaxation and may have problems doing so.
One thing I also want to share with you is that while you enter into this state, let your own inner light from the heart centre radiate outward. This is not about allowing an outside light in, we are not giving over our power, our essence, to something outside of ourselves. Once you are able to enter a meditative state with yourself, then allow your own inner light to shine within and allow it to radiate out. More about your inner light later in another article.
So, find some space. No distractions. Get yourself comfortable, lying down or sitting whatever suits you. Take a moment to prepare yourself and the room if you have need. Then begin, close your eyes and just be aware of your breath drawing in and out. Don't think of anything that will cause mental chatter in the mind, just keep attention on the breath. That's all for the moment, learn to do that. Learn to do it for as long as you want. Remember to keep focusing on the breath to avoid being distracted by mental chatter. No need to force the breath in a deliberate way, just continue normally, no need to think of the mechanics of breathing, just be aware of your breath. Try it, just a short moment to start with, and build up to what feels a right amount of time for you. If you feel a lot calmer, peaceful, somewhat rested and still with yourself, well done. Now start to put it into practice. I'll be interested to hear how you are getting on.
