In response to our last article on meditation, we received a question from one of our readers.
Reader’s Question:
I would really like you to go more in-depth about meditation, John. I never know if I’m doing it “right.” The worst thing is I often fall asleep when meditating, and from what I’ve read, that’s not good. Could you describe a good way to practice it? Much appreciation, John.
My Response:
As I see it, there are no “right” or “wrong” ways to meditate. When I first started meditating many years ago, I would sometimes fall asleep. But I don’t think that’s a bad thing — it’s probably what we need in that moment. The intent is the important thing.
Spirit’s Response:
First of all, we commend you for your strong desire to meditate. As John said, there are no right or wrong ways to do it.
There are, however, many meditation methods taught today. If your choices seem confusing, simply pick the one that feels right to you. If you like, ask your higher self to guide you in making the right choice for you in that moment. Then trust what comes to you.
In our opinion, one of the simplest and most powerful ways to meditate is to concentrate on your breathing. Put your focus on each in-breath and then on each out-breath. Breathe deeply.
If your mind is busy (and it most likely will be) just note your thoughts and gently release them. You’re not doing anything wrong.
The more you practice, the easier it gets. And the easier it gets, the more powerful will your experience be.
Almost anything you do in your daily life can be turned into a meditation. John likes the term, “moving meditation,” because he enjoys jogging. If he’s focused on his body and breathing as he jogs, he often gets into a meditative state.
So do not get hung up on the “right” way to meditate. There is no “wrong” way.
The whole point of meditation, in our view, is to become more self-aware. To become fully aware of who you really are — this requires single-pointed focus. When you can focus on one thing only — your breathing, your body, music, whatever — and exclude all the distractions around you, you become more fully aware of, and aligned with, your true self. Your true self exists apart from your thoughts, your physical body, the world around you. Your true self is beyond time and space.
Therefore, the goal of meditation is to become your true self, to live as your true self with greater and greater awareness of that divine part of you that is forever free.
If you hold that as your intent when you begin each meditation, you’ll find it becomes easier and more powerful each time.
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What has been your experience with meditation? Please share with us below.
We welcome your comments and thoughtful opinions, whether you agree or disagree with us. Please keep your comments polite and relevant to the topic of this blog post. If needed, we’ll edit for clarity. Also, we’ll delete anything we consider inappropriate.
John Cali
After we published this article yesterday, I came across another article on the same subject, “6 Tips to Simplify Meditation” by Ed and Deb Shapiro. Here’s part of what they said:
“…meditation really just means being totally present, totally aware with whatever is happening. It is being with ourselves completely as we are. If the mind is thinking, then we are aware of the thinking; if the body is moving, then we are aware of the movement. Hence we have sitting meditation, sound meditation, walking meditation, even running meditation. It is not purposefully doing anything other than just being here and now.”
If you want to read the whole article, here it is:
“http://www.care2.com/greenliving/6-tips-to-simplify-meditation.html
John
Sarah Drury
Smashing article, John, thanks so much for bringing it to our attention. Hope everyone’s had a peaceful and happy day.
Hugs and smiles x
John Cali
Thank you, Sarah!
Hugs,
John
Joanne Pons
Thank you for your very interesting article, John. I love to meditate and through the years have learned there are many different ways to go about it. My favorite is the Zen method, which is as Spirit describes, simply sitting quietly and concentrating on one’s breathing. At least this is the way I learned it. Another way is the walking meditation which is simply concentrating on one’s breathing as one walks. Both methods have taught me to develop a inner awareness of the present moment, the here and now. Time becomes relative as we continue meditate; just the here and now counts. Everything else is forgotten in our concentration of the present moment. One can meditate anywhere, doing anything, even ironing clothes. I’ve come out of these meditation moments with a clear mind and a renewed interest in life around me. Like one’s life choices, meditation is personal, unique and different for everyone.
John Cali
Thanks very much, Joanne, for your comments and for sharing your experiences with meditation. As you said, meditation doesn’t have to be difficult or complicated. In fact, in my opinion, simpler is better. And, as you also said, there are many benefits to meditation, but it’s unique for each person.
Thanks again.
John Cali
Thank you, Sarah, for your comments and sharing.
Hugs,
John
Sarah Drury
Thanks for the inspiration!
At which point I bid you a happy, peaceful goodnight as I retire to my room for my nightly meditation!
Night John and everyone, sweet dreams and hugs x
Marlene
A few years ago I went through a period of time where I felt more in tune spiritually than I am now. One day, during that time period, I was walking along through a beautiful park, deep breathing, and feeling all “I am God, and so are you” and I had an amazing encounter with a dragonfly. I was awed by it’s beauty and as I reached out my hand to it I felt a pulsing in my palm and fingertips. I touched it’s translucent wing and it shuddered with an all over vibration but did not fly away. Instead it climbed onto my hand and let me hold it for a time. We stood there together, staring into each other’s eyes and I got the feeling that just as I was honoring the god in it, it was also honoring and acknowledging me as god. It was the most amazing and intense experience of my life. I still get goosebumps just thinking about it.
And that, brings me to what I want to say about meditation. I don’t practice it often, but if I want to get into that “zone” the fastest way to go there, for me, is to remember the feelings I had that day. I get all shivery and peaceful and can easily spend at least a few moments knowing that I am God.
John Cali
Thank you, Marlene, for your comments — and for sharing your beautifully touching experience.
Judith Anderson
What a beautiful experience. Thank you so much for sharing.
Becky
You know, Marlene,
I have heard many stories of communion with dragonflies – they are creatures of spirit and you are not alone in have a heart experience with one of these magical creatures. And, we don’t know as much about them as we do other members of the insect world – where and how they migrate for example. God Bless you – and dragonflies 😉
Jerry
I found that when I first learned about meditating… I, also, was not sure what the best way to do it. I no longer try the sitting and focus on breathing method, because I also fall asleep.
Like Spirit said about John’s ‘moving meditation, I did notice that when I washed dishes, or took a shower or driving my car where it was not busy, I was usually deep in thought and connected with myself in that manner. Feeling spirit within myself has become a daily ritual that ‘makes the crooked path straight and the rough places smooth.
When I remember the most important thing… ‘I am God’… and stick with that, then, “all is well” as Spirit says!
Love to all
Jerry
John Cali
Hi Jerry,
Thanks very much for your comments. Abraham once said that when you’re driving your car, that can be a deeply meditative state — but, as you said, when it’s not busy on the road.
Love,
John