In Meditation - Day 13 - 30 Day Haiku Challenge
In meditation
I am at one with my soul
pure contemplation
Cori MacNaughton
My mother introduced me to meditation when I was eighteen, when we took a class together on self-hypnosis taught by Gil Boyne, who was something of a legend in L.A. at the time. As part of the class, we were each given a cassette with two guided meditations, one for listening to upon arising for the day, and one for just before sleep. I was hooked.
I've been meditating ever since, and it has helped me through some of the toughest times in my life, kept me grounded, and made me a stronger and more resilient person. It has also helped me to keep a better perspective, and respond rather than react to whatever is going on around me. I joined a monthly meditation group in Florida in 1998, which is still going strong, and I join remotely via phone whenever possible.
The core members of that group are still among my closest friends today.
A Very beautiful piece
Thank you! Lovely of you to let me know.
Interesting backstory. I have been trying to get myself into meditation but I just can't seem to concentrate. Maybe I need to enter a yoga class or go somewhere peaceful.
Greetings, @brokemancode -
The simplest version is that you don't need to concentrate, or still your thoughts, or any of the rest of the stuff that "experts" tell you. A lot of people "try" way too hard, and are hard on themselves when they don't get it "right."
There is no "right." Everyone is different, and that's as it should be.
Just sitting quietly, in contemplation of a beautiful sunset, or watching birds, stars, or the fluttering of leaves, or listening to beautiful music that makes your soul sing, qualifies as meditation.
Just sitting on the grass or at the base of a tree does as well. Or even on your couch, as long as you can ignore whatever distractions present themselves, and just be.
For me, closing my eyes helps, but some people prefer not to, so do whatever resonates with you.
What I have found most useful, when my mind insists on control, is simply breathing in and out really slowly, and focusing on my breath. Again, there is no right or wrong, only what works for you.
I notice my thoughts, as the monkey brain still wants to be heard, but I give them no weight, and eventually they give up vying for my attention.
When I'm really deeply in meditation, I sometimes get a tingling or floating sensation, but I get the benefit whether that happens or not.
Good luck and enjoy!
I think you just solidified my decision to share some guided meditations here on Steemit. They might help people with similar dilemmas. A lot of people want to meditate but have never learned how - or how easy it can be.
Nice idea! Lots of people will benefit from your future posts about meditation. (Including me!)haha.
@originalworks