Practicing meditation over time creates a felling of calm and helps us cultivate a peaceful state of mind. It frees us from stress, helps us to heal and let go of mindless chatter. Meditation can be done while moving or sitting still. It helps us to learn to be in the moment and not rushing ahead of ourselves. Meditation techniques can teach us to be focused and in the now. There are several different types of meditation. The key is to find the one that works best for you.
A walking meditation is refreshing when done out in a park, near a lake, or even out in your own backyard, somewhere that connects you to Mother Nature. Pick a location where there is fresh air and quiet surroundings. For beginners while walking stay focused on your breath or a tone such as ohm. If you decide to focus on a tone you can say it aloud or quietly to yourself. At first if you decide to focus on your breathing inhale through the nose and exhale out the mouth. Try to keep a steady pace between your breathing and your steps. Walk slowly try to keep your focus on the present moment. If you decide to use a tone to help you stay focused pick one that resonates best with you and your body. Walk slowly and try to feel the earth under your feet. Try to push out any judgments or mindless chatter that may come into your thoughts. While walking you can focus on a prayer or chant if you like. Walking prayer meditations done as a group is a very powerful form of healing energy for each of the participants as well as the whole of the Universe.
You can meditate while focusing your attention on a picture or figure of a saint, Jesus, Mother Mary, choose a soul you honor and respect. Sit with this image in front of you and keep your attention focused on them. Try to bring your breath into a rhythmic motion. Stair at this image and try to push any thoughts aside that may enter into your consciousness. The object is to try to quiet your mind and stay focused on one thing for 15 to 20 minutes. This gives your body, mind and soul time to relax and let go of stress. This is a good form of meditation for those who are not able to keep their eyes closed for any stretch of time because deep fears begin to take over or this type of meditation is for those who will fall asleep if they shut their eyes. Start out doing this meditation for five to ten minutes. After you are comfortable and can tolerate ten minutes extend your meditation time to twenty minutes.
If you are able to sit still but need something to focus your attention on visualize a point of white light between your index fingers and thumbs as they touch each other tip to tip. Sometimes this works better for those trying to master meditation in complete silence.
Another type of meditation I really enjoy is focusing on a mantra. A sacred word or phrase you repeat over and over again out loud or quietly. Try to focus on the tone of your voice and your breath. This type of meditation shifts your vibration to a higher frequency. It allows us to open to higher realms of Universal wisdom. I enjoy listening to the chants and mantras of Krishna Das. Pilgram Heart, The Greatest Hits of the Kali Yuga, and Krishna Das Live on Earth (for a Limited Time Only) are my absolute favorite CDs. I can't seem to get enough of his work.
Color meditation is a relaxing way to release and let go of stress as well. Choose a solid color that feels good to you. If you want to do this meditation with your eyes open choose a color that feels right for you at this time. Then find a piece of paper or fabric that has the right shade of the color you feel you need to achieve your goals for your meditation. Focus your attention on this color as you continue to breath. Try to push any thoughts that may try to enter into your consciousness aside. Be careful of the color you choose because some colors can be stimulating, like red, orange and yellow. If you are trying to relax you don't want something to make you feel restless. But on the other hand if you need to open your root, sacral, or solar plesus chakras and this feelsrightto you then by all means use that particular color. After focusing on your chosen color for a few minutes visualize breathing in this color. See it circulating throughout your body. Push it out into your energy. Allow yourself to resonate with this color and its energy. It should bring a relaxed state of mind, a relaxed state of being.
If you prefer to visualize a color through your mind's eye that is another way to achieve a relaxed state of consciousness. Begin by choosing a color that feels approprate for you at this time. Next close your eyes and begin to focus your attention on this color. Once you are able to see it through your brow chakra try to pay attention to your breathing. When the breath is flowing in rhythmic form the body is better able to make use of the energy that color resonates. The breath helps move the color energy in and around your body creating a feeling of relaxation and healing on many levels.
During the meditation class I will teach you how to do several different types of meditation practices. Then you will be able to see what kind works for you and your body.
With daily practice here are some things you could experience over time; * a peaceful mind * overall sense of calm * creativity expands * intuition will open up * can lower your blood pressure * increased immune function * improved concentration and focus * a closer connection with nature * a conscious connection to everthing around you * perception will become clearer * change the way people relate to you, and the way you relate to them ~ impoving relationships * change the way you look at the world and everthing in it * have a deeper understanding of all that is * notice the synchronizities that the Universe brings to you every day
You must register in advance for all workshop and classes. If you would like to sign up for any of the Meditation classes, I am offering or if you need more information, you can call me Sandra Richardson at 484.686.1411 or you can reach me by e-mail at[email protected]
Meditation Class ScheduleLocation: New London Township PA Wednesday June 6, from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday June 20, from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday July 11 , from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday July 25, from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday August 8, from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday August 22, from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Meditation Class ScheduleLocation: West Chester Wellness Center Monday June 11, from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Monday July 9, from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Monday August 13, from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Monday September 10, from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.