MELINDA (The Miracle Forest): “About Inner Peace and How Anyone Can Master It”

People often tell me that sometimes they are still anxious, even after practicing peace for such a long time. They feel bad for it and want to eliminate it completely. But the truth is that anxiety, just like any other human feeling, cannot be eliminated completely. Because it is natural. And there’s nothing wrong with it, just like there’s nothing wrong with any other human feeling.

I have my own set of fears, just like everybody else does. Sometime I feel like my mind just picks a random worry off its big shelf of worries to bother me with. The shelf is never empty, it always has something to throw at me. I don’t think it will ever be empty. And that’s okay.

What I realized is that it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter that the shelf is full. It doesn’t matter what the mind throws at you. And I’m going one step further: It doesn’t even matter what life itself throws at you. Because there is only one thing that matters, one thing that determines life.

And that is how we react to it.

This was one of the very first reminders I’ve written in my meditation diary: “Life is determined by our reactions to it.” Because many things are out of our control, even our thoughts sometimes. But what will always remain in our control is our reactions. And through our reactions, we make life.

Let’s look at an example. Imagine a person who is scared of public speaking because of what people might think about her. That’s a very common fear. Now imagine that person going up to speak and messing up in the worst possible way. This is our main situation. There are two ways to go from there.

She either collapses mentally and scolds herself for being so stupid, never really getting over it, making it into one of her most horrible memories. Or she can shrug it off, accept with peace that it happened and move on. Will anyone in the audience care? No, everyone will forget after a short time. Of course they will, because it’s not a big deal. It’s nothing in the grand scheme of things.

Nothing is nearly as big of a deal as our minds make it out to be. It’s good to remember that, so when the time comes, we can choose to react with peace. What happens doesn’t matter as long as we choose to react to it with peace. Because whatever we react to in such a way will become a peaceful experience.

This is one of the most important things I’ve learned and I still remember what a freeing experience it has been to realize it. I don’t have to suffer. I don’t have to panic. I don’t have to worry. I can choose to react with peace. To anything. Inside and outside of me.

“Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional,” is one of my favorite quotes. Because it’s so true. Things will happen, everyone goes through pain, hardship, bad thoughts, uncomfortable feelings. But those don’t determine a life. What determines a life is how we react to all these things. Because that makes all the difference in the world.

KATE SUPINO: “How to Meditate, Part 2”

In “How to Meditate, Part 1,” we learned what how to get started with meditation, what meditation is, and isn’t, when to meditate and for how long. We also learned about Quantum Stones, and how they can help to open our Chakras, which are the energy centers of our bodies.Let’s continue the process of meditation with fine tuning the details.

The Place

You can meditate anyplace where you can experience peace and quiet. Many teachers suggest sitting facing a wall to reduce distractions. If you live near a coast, you could meditate facing the great expanse of the ocean. Your specific place of meditation is not as important as your ability to have access to it whenever you want to meditate, and your ability to avoid distraction in that location.

The Posture

In sitting meditation, which is what we are discussing today, there is a certain recommended posture. There are certain keys to that posture that are important to the meditative state:

• Keep your back straight; do not slouch.
• Sit atop a thick mat or rug.
• Position a flat pillow or folded blanket under your spine.
• Raise your chin ever so slightly to maximize air flow.
• Your knees should touch the mat beneath you.

Cross your legs so that your feet are resting on top of your thighs. Choose a point in space directly above you and up slightly. (This raises your chin slightly.) Allow your eyes to drop slightly until they are in a half-closed, relaxed position.

Rest your hands on your lap. Entwine your fingers and allow the tips of your thumbs to meet, so that the shape of your hands forms an oval opening at your abdomen.

This is one of the most common meditation postures. It is called the full Lotus posture.

Breathing Meditation

An easy way for beginners to get started with meditation is to practice breathing meditation.

As you breathe, focus on your breathing. When you focus on your breathing, you are focusing on the present. The intake, then the exhale. Try not to force your breath. Do not try to control your breathing. Just be aware of your own breathing. If you are having trouble concentrating, you can try counting your breath. One for the inhale, two for the exhale, three for the inhale, and so on. If the counting itself becomes a distraction, stop counting.

When we focus our attention on our breathing, we are focusing on simply being. We are in the here and now. We are not looking forward, nor are we looking backward. We are concentrating, but not concentrating, all our attention on our own existence; simply being aware of ourselves. Nothing more is required, nothing more is needed.

As you meditate in this way, you may experience one of two things. You may experience a heaviness coming from the core of your being, pulling you down onto the earth.  This is a positive experience because you are grounding. You are one with the earth, and you are completely inside yourself. It is a safe, secure feeling that is likely coming from the opening up of your first chakra, located at the base of your spine.

Alternately, you may experience a sensation of lightness, or floating. You may feel that you are floating in your sitting position, atop your mat, over the world, or even higher, into the social consciousness. This is likely an opening up of your seventh chakra, located on the top of your head. This is a positive experience that can feel a little bit like enlightenment. You may feel released from this earth, and its bounds of gravity on your human body. You may feel at one with your spirit.

There are so many different experiences that people have during and after a meditation session. You may only feel a sense of peace and contentment and that is reason enough to continue your meditation practice.

Remember always that there is no goal in meditation. Never try to achieve anything with your meditation. The main key is to experience your own glorious being. If you can do that, then you will know the happiness in the meditative state.

Here is a story to remember when you are thinking about what it is to meditate:

The Buddha sat under a fig tree as a stranger passed on the road. The stranger was so struck by the Buddha’s radiance that he was moved to ask, “Are you a god?”
“No,” the Buddha answered.
“What are you, then?” the man persisted.
The Buddha replied. “I am awake.”

So many of us are not awake in our own lives. We allow the distractions of the world to permeate our minds and swirl through our thoughts. Our emotions are not under our control, and we react unthinking to random events and occurrences that impact our lives. Whispers of thoughts flitter about in our brains like elusive butterflies that can never be caught. We are flotsam on a sea of discontent and confusion.

Meditation is the means and the method to allow us to transcend the minute details that suck up our life force. Through meditation, you can find solace in simply being you, whoever you are, and wherever you exist on this earth. You can connect with your inner life energy sources. You can be awake.

 

 

 

 

 

~via QuantumStones.com

MICHELLE DAWN: “What Happens When the Mind Looks at Itself”

In the absence of mindfulness, it is easy to get caught up in difficult situations without even realizing we’re caught up in them. Perhaps it is a difficult person, an obstacle in a relationship, or a financial struggle. It could be any type of burden upon the spirit. When we start investing more energy toward observing the burden than toward the cultivation of our self-awareness, we begin to experience suffering. We may even sometimes project the suffering onto other people. We may [unintentionally] judge someone when we are suffering in this way — especially if we perceive that person to be the cause of our suffering.

This is not compassion. 

This is not awareness.

In a past situation when I acknowledged that my lack of personal awareness was what was truly affecting me, I could see that I was putting too much effort in trying to be helpful (and getting nowhere in the process) which I believed was causing me to suffer. Implementing mindfulness allowed me to communicate calmly, openly, and honestly. I now have an entirely different view and a deeper understanding of things, as well as a clear view of my own path.

We can only move forward when we recognize what it is in ourselves that is allowing the suffering to occur. Perhaps we can find ways to grow in the situation, or perhaps we find that it really is time to move on from it in order to grow. Either way, choosing to stay in the situation without any hope for it to improve infects and disrupts the situation further.

“The human mind has the capacity to look at itself.” — Thay Phap Luu

I was deeply moved by a dharma talk by Thay Phap Luu “The Practice of Non-Fear” which helped clarify how, through mindfulness alone, we can embrace difficult, unexpected, and emotional situations.

The Steps to Mindfulness

Breath | Mindfulness. Practice of mindfulness begins by following the breath. Simply noticing the breath as it flows into and then back out of the body, the way the lungs expand when we inhale, and then contract again when we exhale.

Recognizing | Developing Concentration.   We cultivate our awareness as we learn to follow the breath all the way through the inhale, continuing all the way through the exhale. We notice when our attention comes away from the breath and must come back to the breath through our intention. Thay Phap Luu defines this as recognizing.

Embracing | Experiencing the Body. We can then begin to apply recognizing to other situations. For example, when we are able to recognize when our emotions are difficult, we can choose not to plant the seed of that emotion or allow those challenging feelings to turn into negativity. We can simply recognize them, choose to embrace them, and then more easily choose to let them go.

Soothing | Calming the Body. We create a larger capacity to soothe ourselves as we continue to train ourselves to recognize and accept who we are. Through this we are not only settling the mind, but also calming the body. This leads us to the threshold of creating the habits which can lead us to personal freedom.

Experiencing Joy. By continually choosing to care for ourselves in this way, we create conditions for joy to become possible. The experience of joy is a sign of freedom in the purest form.

While developing a mindfulness practice, it is important to remember that it is not something to be perfected, but rather something to be practiced. It is a continuum. The beauty of practicing is that we can and will learn from each experience, as we consciously guide ourselves to becoming more emotionally and spiritually mature.

KATE SUPINO: “How To Meditate, Part 1”

Getting Started with Meditation

There are a handful of ways to meditate, each of them derived from spiritual traditions. Within those traditions there are variations that are employed to suit the individual. But this all makes meditation sound more rigid and complicated than it is. For our purposes today, we will speak of classic Buddhist meditation.

To better understand how to meditate, it is best to achieve and understanding of what meditation is, and what it is not.

What is Meditation?

Meditation is a way for us to experience our own present being. It allows us to be quiet within ourselves. Meditation does not bring us anywhere. There is no goal to meditation. Do not meditate in order to achieve clarity of mind. The clarity will come to you. Do not meditate to rid yourself of stress. The stress will leave you.

Do not meditate to work out a problem, cure an ailment, or make a decision. When you do something in order to get something, you are metaphorically leaning forward. In meditation, you are sitting still. You are not thinking about the future, the past, or being distracted with what is happening to the sides of you. This is an important concept of meditation.

Though meditation requires discipline and perseverance, it does not require you to work to clear your mind. It requires you to allow. Allow your mind to clear. Allow the random thoughts to evaporate from your mind as you participate in the now. Simply stated, meditation is the art of being.

When to Meditate

The best time to meditate is when you are in a balanced state. These are recommendations, not dictates.

• Do not meditate when you have just eaten a heavy meal, or when you are very hungry.
• Do not meditate when you are very sleepy and thinking about going to bed.
• Do not mediate when you are aroused sexually.
• Do not meditate when you are in extreme pain.
• Do not meditate when you have somewhere you need to be.

Having said that, if those are the only times when you can meditate, you should do so. It is better to meditate at a poor time than to not meditate at all. The recommendations are suggestions for a balanced meditation. But again, some meditation is always better than none.

How Often and How Long

You should try to meditate at least three times a week, though when you delve into meditation, you may find that you enjoy practicing meditation every day. Three times a week represents a minimum goal that will give you enough practice to develop your meditation to a satisfying degree.

The length of time that you meditate will depend on your individual situation. You may have more or less time in your day to meditate. It will also depend on your physical condition. Assuming a meditative position for a longer period of time will be more difficult for a person with certain physical conditions.

Generally speaking, it is widely recommended that you try meditating for between 10 – 40 minutes each time you meditate. Less than ten minutes will make it harder to fully experience the meditative state. More than 40 may tire your body or make it develop aches or numbness from being in the same position, motionless, for so long.

You will develop your own comfortable time for your meditation. On some days you may meditate for longer or shorter. Whatever you do, you will know when it is the right length of time.

What to Wear

When you meditate, wear clothing that is not constricting. You should not be aware of a tight waistband around your midsection or sleeves that are squeezing your upper arms during your meditative state. Loose, freshly-laundered clothing is best. You should always be barefoot when meditating.

To Prepare

To begin your meditation, ready your mind and your body. Slow your actions and calm your mind. As you walk toward the place where you will meditate, be aware of yourself and your body. Begin meditating before you meditate.

Energy

When you meditate, your seven energy centers, called Chakras, will be stimulated. Many people experience additional benefits from the meditation practice when they incorporate Quantum Stones in their ritual. Quantum Stones are stones that have stored spiritual vibrations. These vibrations enhance the energy movement within our bodies. The vibrational energy of Quantum Stones can be measured scientifically and felt simply by touch. Wearing such a pendant can raise your energy by a factor of between 2 and 12 or higher. During meditation, the energy coming from these pendants is palpable.

In our next post, we’ll discuss where you should meditate, your posture, and your mental state of awareness. In the meantime, you can continue to prepare your thoughts, select your clothing and gather your Quantum Stones to help maximize energy movement.

Continued on Part 2

 

 

 

 

~via QuantumStones.com

INSPIRATION FOR THE DAY ~ Ajahn Chah: “A Mind That Lets Go”

 

L.J. DEVON: “Meditating For Just A Few Minutes Each Day Reduces Stress While Boosting Feelings Of Happiness”

We are constantly taking information in through our corporeal senses. Technology and social media are constantly streaming noise, beliefs, news and chatter into our hearts and minds. When we stop to meditate, all the noise dissipates. In this moment, we can now take a deep breath and listen.

In the stillness, in the quiet, everything changes. We are no longer dependent on information from our material world. When we stop, listen and breathe, we can begin to connect with ourselves on a much deeper level.

As we focus our attention inward, into imagination and visualization, relaxation ensues. The heart and the mind are put at ease. As breathing slows, as tension is released, blood pressure can normalize. In this state, our greatest fears and anxieties can be addressed.

Meditation benefits mind, body and spirit

In the January 2014 issue of JAMA Internal Medicine, researchers published a comprehensive review on the benefits of meditation. Not only is meditation observed and documented as a way to relieve anxiety, but it can also be used as a means to reduce pain and manage depression. These benefits are all possible because the sympathetic nervous system is engaged and regulated more effectively for important functions such as oxygen intake through deep breathing, a steadier heart rate and lowered blood pressure.

Burke Lennihan, a registered nurse who teaches meditation at the Harvard University Center for Wellness, says the benefits of meditation extend beyond just the physical. “True, it will help you lower your blood pressure, but so much more: it can help your creativity, your intuition, your connection with your inner self,” she says.

Various forms of meditation help people heal in different ways

Many people, not recognizing it, have engaged in forms of meditation throughout their lives to cope with big decisions and life changes. Walking meditation or prayerful meditation are two common examples where one tunes out of the material world and focuses the mind, heart or breath. The benefits of meditation are even more powerful when practiced regularly as a discipline.

Concentration mediation teaches one how to direct and focus the mind to achieve desired results. Mindfulness meditation helps one address the negative thoughts that enter the mind so they can be dealt with in a healthy manner. Heart-centered mediation helps one bring awareness to the powerful energy center in the chest, helping one manage emotions and relationship difficulties. In Tai chi and qigong, mediation is combined with physical exercise to enhance breathing and focus. In transcendental meditation, one repeats a mantra, whether it’s a word, phrase or sound, to quiet thoughts and to achieve greater awareness of oneself and the connection to all living things.

Burke Lennihan says that the most powerful experience is when two or more people gather to meditate. When a teacher is present, a verbal guided visualization can be initiated to stimulate the meditative experience of individuals and the group as a whole. Giving feedback after a group meditation, whether to the group as a whole or to a friend, is a powerful experience as well, as illusions and judgments of one another are shattered.

Lennihan says meditation doesn’t have to be complex. It can as simple as doing deep breathing exercises. Meditation can be a launching pad to connect with oneself, filter out negativity, deprogram from social conditioning, or connect with others on a deeper level.

Lennihan says that it’s great to start with 10 minutes of quiet time each day, and to set aside a safe, quiet place. “You’ll build up a special feeling there, making it easier to get into a meditative state more quickly,” she says. Symbols, photos, candles, herbs, crystals, essential oils and articles of nature are often used to surround a meditation practice to make the experience more personal, centered and meaningful for the individual.

The practice of meditation is an important healing art that can be a useful vehicle for finding inner calm and inner strength in the most stressful situations in life. These self-control techniques can help one manage stress more effectively, slow the aging process and create more positive interactions with others.

~via NaturalNews.com

TANAAZ (Forever Conscious): “Create the Life You Want Using These 5 Universal Laws”

The Universe is a mystery. As Deepak Chopra states, “the Universe is not made of stuff but of possibilities mysteriously turning into the experience of stuff.”

We are not in the Universe, we are part of the Universe and together the vibration of all of our beings creates the life we experience here on planet earth.

We are all co-creators in this Universe and we all have the power to create whatever life we want, as long as it is aligned with the laws of the Universe.

Here are 5 of the most important Universal laws to understand if you wish to create a blissful reality for yourself-

1. The Law of Potential

You are pure consciousness that has manifested into physical form. This consciousness that you are holds infinite potential and is responsible for all creations.

The best way to understand this law is to feel it. You have the power to feel the potential of your consciousness through meditation and other spiritual practices.

In fact, the more you can tune into your consciousness or soul, the more you will be able to understand your own potential.

How to Use it: Get to understand and feel the potential of your consciousness through meditation and creative activities.

2. The Law of Frequency and Reflection 

Everything in this Universe carries a frequency. This frequency is emitted from your entire being including your thoughts, emotions and actions.

This frequency then attracts experiences, people and circumstances back into your vibrational field. This means that your thoughts, feelings and actions create a vibration that then reflects back to you. What you put out into the world through your vibration and through your energy comes back.

If every experience that comes your way is a reflection of your inner state, that means that every experience is here to teach you a valuable lesson about who you truly are and what you can overcome.

How to Use it: work on raising your frequency or vibration by thinking positively and focusing on the many blessings in your life.

3. The Law of Attraction 

This is probably the most well known law of the Universe and dictates that you have the ability to attract things into your reality based on the energy that you are emitting.

The more you focus on something, the bigger it grows and the more you think about something, the more likely you are to notice it. Like attracts like, so the more you can align yourself with the vibration of what you want to attract, the more likely it is to manifest in your life.

When you start aligning with your potential or pure consciousness, you automatically start sending out a vibration that is aligned with your highest path. This vibration then attracts the perfect opportunities and circumstances into your reality.

How to Use it: visualise what you want to create for your life and believe in your potential to create it.

4. The Law of Karma

There are certain experiences that your soul has come here to learn. These experiences are determined from past lives and before you came into your physical body. These experiences are your karma or points of growth in this life that you are meant to experience.

The law of karma ensures that you are always learning and growing from your past, and moving forward to help expand the consciousness of this Universe. Without the expansion of the Universe, the Universe ceases to exist.

How to Use it: trust in the flow of the Universe and remember that every experience is a blessing and opportunity.

5. The Law of Oneness

We are all connected, which means that what we do to others we do to ourselves and vice versa. We are all one and we are all equal.

When we understand this, we also understand that there is no competition and that there is no need to fear not having enough or not being enough. We are all part of the grand web of life, and we all have an important role to play in how reality manifests.

How to Use it: understand we are all equally important and we all have a purpose and gifts to share in this life.

There are believed to be around 12 laws of the Universe, but these 5 stand out as being the most important if you really want to create a blissful and harmonious life.