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Post by loveisadoughnut on Nov 16, 2009 17:35:03 GMT -5
Please post all questions, comments, and assistance to others regarding spiritual practices in this thread. Examples of spiritual practices are meditation, prayer, yoga, conscious living, Reiki, healing work, spiritual development techniques, Shamanism, to name a few.
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Post by MaryAnn Layton on Nov 17, 2009 2:59:03 GMT -5
About meditation, it's something I've been doing for many years and I didn't even know it  Many years ago, I had a terrible time trying to fall asleep at nite, just like Michael did. My mind would be racing, jumping from one thing to the next, or if I was worried about the next day, or remembering things I needed to do, or whatever. Then I read somewhere a technique to train yourself to shut your mind down, so that you could relax and easily fall asleep. So once I was in bed, I would concentrate on a field of flowers, or a beach coastline, or somewhere quiet and peaceful. It was somewhere that I didn't need to think, just enjoy my surroundings and take it all in. It wasn't easy at first and took practice, but it's so easy for me to do now that I haven't had a problem with insomnia since! Hope this helps! |
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Post by mirror4change on Nov 17, 2009 5:20:01 GMT -5
Very cool Mal abd yeppers- definitely a form of meditation. Like everything- it takes practive and can be difficult at first- but becomes easier over time when we do the work- meaning practice Very cool When I first started meditation and found it difficult- I did what resonates with me. Again, I didn't realize what I was doing was a form of meditation I would go for walks. Go out in nature and just get lost in the beauty and simplicity and complexity of life all around us. I would release everything and just fill my mind with nature. I later learned there is a whole process called walking meditation that I had instinctively done not realizing. Now I do it as often as I can- almost daily LOL its been especially helpful while trying to quit smoking! |
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Post by mirror4change on Nov 17, 2009 7:29:16 GMT -5
Oh, a bit more on walking meditation- I used to find meditation and focusing my mind to be difficult. Once I realized and learned more about the techniques of walking meditation- I found this was something I could do. It is basically a meditation in action which is why it helped me because I could focus on the action and the rest of the 'noise' in my head would float away as I concentrated on the walking action. So the one main difference beween walking and sitting meditation is one is motion or action and you obviously don't keep your eyes closed <grins> That difference implies other changes in the way we do the practice. We are not withdrawing our attention from the outside world to the same extent that we do when we are doing the sitting or breathing or other types of meditation. and there are many other things outside of ourselves that we will be more aware of than when we are doing sitting – especially if we sit inside. These include the wind, the sun, and the rain; and the sounds of nature and of humans and machines. But one of the biggest differences is that it’s easier, for most people, to be more intensely and more easily aware of their bodies while doing walking meditation, compared to sitting forms of the practice. When your body is in motion, it is generally easier to be aware of it compared to when you are sitting still. When we’re sitting still in meditation the sensations that arise in the body are much more subtle and harder to pay attention to than those that arise while we’re walking, This can make walking meditation an intense experience. You can experience your body very intensely, and you can also find intense enjoyment from this practice. The practice of walking meditation can also be fitted in to the gaps in our lives quite easily. Even walking from the car into the store- or walking around a mall can be an opportunity for a minute’s walking meditation. Here is a poem by Thich Nhat Hanh that I've used and found helpful Breathing in, I know I am breathing in. Breathing out, I know I am breathing out. In/Out. Breathing in, I see myself as a flower. Breathing out, I feel fresh. Flower/Fresh. Breathing in, I see myself as a mountain. Breathing out, I feel solid. Mountain/Solid. Breathing in, I see myself as still water. Breathing out, I reflect things as they are. Water/Reflecting. Breathing in, I see myself as space. Breathing out, I feel free. Space/Free. Here is how I use the poem- "Breathing in, I know I am breathing in" As you begin your walk say this to yourself with every breath you take in. Breathing out, I know I am breathing out. Say this to yourself with every breath you release. Start to focus on your body movements at the same time with your breaths. Feel your footsteps on the ground as you walk along. Feel the air enter your lungs. Focus on as much of your body as you can until it becomes natural. You will notice that you are relaxing and your not stomping your feet. Your breaths will slow down as well. See if you can walk additional steps between breaths comfortably. Find your pace all the time focusing on breathing in & breathing out. As you breathe in feel your energy increase. As you exhale feel relieved of stress and issues. Note the natural rhythm of your body, your heart beating in rhythm with your movements. Your movements will now feel more fluid and flowing. Now when you feel comfortable start saying to your self the next line in the poem. Breathing in, I see myself as a flower. Breathing out, I feel fresh. Flower/Fresh. Use the images that come to you. Do not force yourself to see something. What type of flower are you? What part of you feels fresh? If a thought about something else enters your mind let it flow through. And keep saying to yourself the same thing with each breath, Flower/Fresh. I some times will just stay with one phrase of the poem as I walk. Maybe at night I will use Space/Free or if I’m walking uphill I’ll use Mountain/Solid. What ever feels right at the time is right. But the trick is not to force anything or an image because its all about relaxing When you are finished walking, you will find a greater peace. This will help you to concentrate on the issues you had before the walk with a clearer mind. If you are a spiritual person this can help you to quiet the mind so you can hear what Spirit has to say. This is also a great way to practice the discipline of mindfulness. This is also something you can do at any time. You do not have to make time for it, we all have to walk somewhere through out the day Personally, I do prefer to do it outside in the yard. Its like I feel I can touch nature more intensely But the key is to focus on your breathing and the sensations you feel with your body at first which is why I use that poem |
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Post by loveisadoughnut on Nov 17, 2009 10:36:16 GMT -5
Awesome meditation practice!
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Post by karencanada on Nov 17, 2009 16:33:00 GMT -5
Mirror thank you for the reminder of walking meditation! I also find walking/movement to be a natural meditation for me and Thich Nhat Hanh is amazing, he radiates pure joy and peace! |
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Post by GiveInToMe on Nov 17, 2009 19:32:16 GMT -5
thanks Mal and Mirror, I'll try everything until I learn to focus and quiet my busy mind |
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Post by mirror4change on Nov 18, 2009 1:12:32 GMT -5
Karen, he definitely does radiate a pure joy and peace- great way to describe it GiveIn, do try this. Now there are many ways to do walking meditation. This just happens to be one that I've found helps me to focus or have a more intense experience. I do also use other techniques depending on my mood Also know that you do not have to place alot into the actual techniques with walking meditation- kind of like prayer- there really is no wrong or right way so long as you're are mindful of your body and breathing. You can also feel free to change up the poem wording in this exercise. In other words, if you find a certain phrase to bother you or not resonate with you- find something that does. I will go into some detail on chanting that Karen and I touched on in that other thread- (HINT or maybe Karen would like to also offer some info on chanting) But my point here is that I also use a chanting method when I walk meditate which you may also like to try. But I will say that if you practice this- it should really work to help you focus etc. As Karen said, many find it to be a very natural way to meditate and focus etc their mind Also you can use certain crystals to help you with this as well which I can go into more in detail on the crystal and gemstone thread if any one is interested |
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Post by GiveInToMe on Nov 18, 2009 8:48:39 GMT -5
Thank you Mirror, I'll definitely try it and let you know how it goes.... |
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Post by jacque on Nov 19, 2009 1:01:06 GMT -5
Thanks, Mirror, for the tips about walking meditation! I'm with GiveIn, I'll try anything to help me focus and quiet my mind! |
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Post by mirror4change on Dec 2, 2009 10:44:27 GMT -5
Just some thoughts With all inspiration, creation, thought, or progress, some form of change must be a precursor. Things do not just happen on their own, contrary to what some say or think  There's an old scientific principle that stated that 'energy cannot be created, only transformed.' However, with all the recent studies of quantum physics, that theory has been shown to be wrong. Energy can be created- but so far no one has been able to destroy energy once it is created- only transform it- and yes it can be transformed It's peoples nature to resist change, usually because of fear. They do not want to become less than they are- less useful or what have you. But in truth, the exact opposite occurs most often with change. Embracing change is often the secret to success. If you over ride your first instinctive reaction to run the other way or do nothing- you'll be amazed at what can happen Adopt an open mind and view the change, not as a threat to your current situation, but as an opportunity to learn and grow In order to continue Mike's work, this is something we all must do. We need to transform the energy of the world- people's energy. Spiritual work is all about doing this, its all about transforming energy and embracing change within ourselves so we can send it out to the world |
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Post by GiveInToMe on Dec 2, 2009 17:22:47 GMT -5
Adopt an open mind and view the change, not as a threat to your current situation, but as an opportunity to learn and grow In order to continue Mike's work, this is something we all must do. We need to transform the energy of the world- people's energy. Spiritual work is all about doing this, its all about transforming energy and embracing change within ourselves so we can send it out to the world Totally agree Thanks for your thoughts Mirror |
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Post by karencanada on Dec 2, 2009 17:45:25 GMT -5
Mirror, thank you. Just 30 minutes ago I was out walking and stopped again at my little stream for a moment of thanks and prayer. I talked to God and Michael, and asked them both to help me, that I am feeling the strong energy of these last few months dissipate, and I am afraid of falling back into the same habits and patterns of the past because I don;t feel that intense openness to the world's ( and Michael's) energy these days. I asked for help to avoid falling back into complacency and to keep changing, and to help the world and especially children of the world. Somehow ( hmm maybe we know how) your words turned up as soon as I got home to remind me that the energy is still there, waiting to be transformed, and that it cannot be destroyed but it is up to me to embrace change and make the necessary effort. Thank you God, Michael, and Mirror  |
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Post by loveisadoughnut on Dec 3, 2009 12:57:13 GMT -5
Mirror is out of town for the day, but when I talk to her, I'll pass your comments on to her. I know she'll be happy to hear them |
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Post by Ann on Dec 4, 2009 10:26:43 GMT -5
Thanks Mirror for the 'walking meditation' part. I have never got to know about this before. Will practice next time I walk.
Lots of love to you all,
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Post by mirror4change on Dec 9, 2009 10:30:04 GMT -5
Karen, I'm so glad the words helped It never ceases to amaze me how the universe works like that- just when we seem to need some reminder or what have you- there it is- if we keep an open mind and actually look Billie, I find it is one of the easiest forms of meditation one can do Hope it works for you |
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Many years ago, I had a terrible time trying to fall asleep at nite, just like Michael did. My mind would be racing, jumping from one thing to the next, or if I was worried about the next day, or remembering things I needed to do, or whatever.
There's an old scientific principle that stated that 'energy cannot be created, only transformed.' However, with all the recent studies of quantum physics, that theory has been shown to be wrong. Energy can be created- but so far no one has been able to destroy energy once it is created- only transform it- and yes it can be transformed 