Hi Everyone,
I hope your week is off to a great start. Mine is moving right along...always interesting, that's for sure. One new development for me is the start of my "Tom K's Wednesday Meditation Group." We start tomorrow in Phoenix, AZ at 1:30 pm. It's for everyone from beginners to expert and everyone in between (fee is a $10 love offering).
So I wanted to go back to the blog and discuss meditation a little more. What is meditation? At it's core - its relaxing very very deeply. It's going inside, quieting the mind, relaxing body and mind - slowing everything down. It's a power nap - can be 10 minutes to an hour (or whatever you like). It's not necessarily a religious practice, however, just about every religious tradition has some form of meditation associated with their religious practice.
Some benefits of regular meditation practice: For me, it's the ultimate reboot. It's the reset button for my body and mind and kind of puts me back out there, everything reset and feeling good. It brings more balance in my life. It helps to lower stress levels, blood pressure and brings about better overall health. Peacefulness - feeling more mellow and relaxed on a regular basis. Better sleep at night. Quiets the mind chatter and junk going around in your head. Basically - all of these things are related...better health; physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
What kinds of meditations are there? That's a question that can be as varied as each individual out there. You can relax...deep relaxation with some soft music and steady relaxed rhythmic breathing; kind of the more commonly known form of meditation. After 30+ years of meditating, that's what I like best. However there's many other methods; Transcendental, yoga, yoga nidra, walking meditation (sometimes walking a labyrinth). There's chanting, toning, meditating on a scriptural or spiritual reading. There's also guided meditation or very similar; hypnosis. Of course, self-hypnosis is a form of meditation. You can make a meditation out of doing the dishes or doing any task, (by doing them in a very mindful way, staying in present moment). There's many, many more - these are just some off the top of my head.
So one of the things we'll go over in the group/class are the basics. What are some basics to get going? Number one - get comfortable. Sit in a nice comfy chair, lie down, however you want. Protect yourself - say a prayer of protection or whatever works for you. Now - breathe. Take a few slow deep breaths, letting them out slowly and then get into a very conscious rhythmic breathing pattern. Relax your body - mentally, piece by piece. Relax your mind - let go of the mind chatter and thoughts of the day. Bring yourself into the present moment - in gratitude - letting go of the past and staying out of the future. Stay right in the now - focusing on your nice rhythmic breathing. When your mind wanders, just gently bring yourself back to right now - and focus on your breathing again....letting go....
That's it. It's a basic meditation.
Week by week we'll explore other forms of meditation. The key is to be consistent and to do what works for you. Be kind to yourself though. If you find it difficult at first, be gentle with yourself but don't give up. It's almost like a muscle - it takes time to develop. Most of us go thru life in a fast paced rat race these days, with cell phones, traffic, and media and information coming at us from every direction. We didn't get all stressed out overnight and you won't be a master of meditation overnight. It's going to take practice. But let me tell you...it's worth it. You'll feel better in ways you've never thought you could. You may find yourself requiring less trips to the doctor or pharmacy...who knows. The bottom line is, it's good to slow down and relax. Its a part of basic self care.
However you like to slow down and meditate - do it. Be good to yourself - everyone around you will be better off, and thank you for it. Take care and be nice to each other out there too. and have a great week.
Blessings,
Tom
Here's the Facebook invitation. It's at Beyond Today Co., 11223 N. 28th Drive, Suite F101, Phoenix, AZ. Phone: 602-633-8051. The group is on Wednesdays from 1:30-3ish. https://www.facebook.com/events/631361706914457/
Hope to see you there - it'll be fun.
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