People often ask me about meditation. Meditation brings balance to thinking, removes anxiety, offers an experience for a closer relationship with wisdom, and allows full relaxation.
Relaxation, in itself, does not provide full nourishment although it may bring a peaceful state to the physical body and mind. Meditation is an addition to relaxation. It is a personal method for finding peace of mind and spiritual nourishment. Meditation is one method of receiving nourishment for the total self. It provides physical, spiritual and mental go-power. Freshness, a zeal for life, purpose, and other truths personified make it a necessity of life.
Relaxing mind and body can allow a releasing power and provide the ability for assurance to refill and feel enriched with favorable thoughts and traits.
A worthwhile method is to concentrate on a "word vitamin," an adjective that describes a happy, active and desired part of self, such as "loving, vibrant, caring," or any favorable trait.
A personal retreat for a weekend, or even a full week, provides a marvelous opportunity for meditation. It allows opportunity to get away from the demands of others and allows investigation and discovery of the inner self.
Request time alone from others who might otherwise be a part of your busy life. It may be the choice of simply sitting quietly; maybe deciding to keep notes of thoughts and ideas that come to mind; or it may be the choice to meditate or concentrate on one thought. More than one sitting a day may be preferable but it is important to allow at least 20 minutes each time. Just twenty minutes a day allows the body and mind time to accept the relaxing process. Just as physical exercise is required by the body, so is meditation or quiet time.
Introspection can give an entirely new view of life and can best be accomplished effectively by retiring to a quiet solitude with only the joys of nature surrounding you – maybe by simply finding a quiet scenic area (even your back yard?), or going on a camping trip.
Smelling the fresh air, watching little wildlife scurrying around, cooking and eating out-of-doors and sitting by a campfire at night can all stimulate and present a meditative peace of mind. It’s an opportunity to discover your special place in life.
Follow peace. Peace is not an end in itself but allows us to receive an obvious path to follow. If there does not seem to be an insight or special feeling, we can accept mentally that the answer is provided and continue in the direction we sense is right.
Sometimes, when I meditate, I do not get the direct answer right at the time. I have to put my mind in tune with recognizing the solution when it is put before me. I can then identify and make good use of it when it does appear. It may emerge through conversation with someone, through a book, or many other ways. Where the answer lies is not the issue; it is how the mind has been conditioned to receive it that counts.
Meditation, for some, can bring enlightenment and peace of mind concerning a matter that has become a troublesome thought. To another person, it may be a source of inspiration and strength. It is not in itself a source, but leads to the Source.
Listening to one's inner self can be a fun, exciting and challenging experience.