Meditation Journey
There are great meditation experiences
Meditation focusing on the breath in a sitting position on the floor has worked for me in the past. I have had several of my most memorable meditations in this simple yet effective style, at least for me. I have experienced the gap that Deepak Chopra has referenced in his teachings.
“The gap means the neutral unqualified mental space between two thoughts. So during meditation, when the thought of the mantra fades away and before another thought emerges, there is that gap where there is no mantra and no thought.”
What Are The 5 To Try?
I was trying different types of meditation in the past Transcendental, Mindfulness, Mantra, Third Eye, and Kundalini meditations, to name a few. In doing so, I feel I opened myself up to confusion in what works for me. I was searching for deeper meditation and thought perhaps I would find it in a new meditation style.
However, my search brought me back to what I already knew worked. I guess I was Dorothy in this scenario. On a quest to find something that wasn’t lost. In reality, I needed to go deeper to find this, but I had it all along.
Originally, I felt that I had lost the clear-mindedness I once had during the actual meditation itself. I was learning to quiet the mind faster than before but would lose the connection even quicker. I wanted to hurry and get back but could not. In actuality, I just added more chatter in my mind trying to focus on these other forms of meditation.
TYPES OF MEDITATION & MY EXPERIENCES
Transcendental
Created by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, a mantra is given to you by a teacher, recommended to practice for (2) 20 minutes sessions a day. This particular type of meditation offers paid classes to learn this method.
I’m not interested in paying for something I can do for free. But, you may be intrigued and able to pay for this type of class/course to learn this particular meditation technique.
If you’re interested in learning more about this meditation practice, check out this introduction video from Bob Roth. I learned a lot through this video, and you’ll get more in-depth instruction from him.
My Experience
I thought this was going to be a great meditation for me. Through researching this online, I found the guidelines for how the mantras are given to students and used the one that would have been assigned to me if I had paid for the classes.
The meditation seemed to distract my mind rather than calm it thus, preventing me from going deeper into meditation. Unfortunately, I did not find what I was looking for in this technique. So I moved on.
What is a Mantra?
Mantra – a word or sound repeated to assist in meditation.
Mindfulness
What does that mean? Being mindful of the present moment, feelings, thoughts, and acknowledging them and letting it go.
You also focus on your breath and release the thoughts or feelings simultaneously. I’ve heard a lot about this type of meditation, but honestly, I never quite got it.
I understand the concept but hearing it described this way didn’t click in my head. I even heard Oprah talk about this numerous times. Still, not even Oprah helped me to understand the acknowledging of thought better and letting it go.
UPDATE ON MINDFULNESS 3/17/2020
After delving into episodes on Gaia watching Rewired with Dr. Joe Dispenza and Missing Links season three with Gregg Braden, I better understand letting go of thought and being the observer.
This series goes into so much of the scientific explanation of these things, which I love, that it makes more sense. So if you’re having trouble understanding WTH people are talking about when they say things like the observer or releasing your thoughts, then these series are a must.
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My Experience
Ever persistent and searching for how to actually do this meditation, I returned to a book I read. The Untethered Soul by Michael Alan Singer.
“I am the one who sees. From back in here somewhere, I lookout, and I am aware of the events, thoughts, and emotions that pass before me.” “You are behind everything, just watching.”
He explained it in a way that I understood. Then and only then was I able to better understand this way. Without realizing it, this is the meditation I had practiced before.
Letting your thoughts go means that you step back deep into your Self and watch the movie that is your life. These are the events, thoughts, emotions, etc. You are watching it pass from deep within—the center.
You’re not necessarily stopping the thoughts running through your head but instead watching them and allowing them to pass by. The more you practice, you may find that these thoughts begin to lessen.
Mantra
Sometimes the mantra is recited; at other times, it is listened to. Sometimes it is repeated fast; at other times slow. Sometimes, it is repeated by itself, and at other times in connection to concentration on the breathing, certain feelings, chakras, visualizations, or abstract concepts.
How do you know how to recite the mantra, how fast or slow etc. Through practice, you’ll find the pace that suits you and feels right for your practice.
The most well-known mantra, Om, but there are many.
My Experience
Om is the mantra I have used, and I do like it. Its vibration resonates with me. I like that feeling which tells me it works for me. However, repeating this mantra brings more comfort, almost a warm hug for my soul. Rather than the deeper meditation I was really looking for. It feels lovely, though.
I will continue to do this when I need to raise my vibration and need that hug from the universe. 🙂
Do some research to find your mantra that resonates with your soul.
Third Eye
To meditate on the third eye, sit comfortably in a quiet place, close your eyes, and point your eyes toward the center of your forehead. Then, focus on your breathing, taking 3 seconds to breathe in and 3 seconds to breathe out.
The third eye is the 6th chakra, as in part of the seven chakras. It is the energy center within our bodies responsible for intuition, imagination, thought, and self-awareness. AKA your sixth sense. And no, you won’t be like the boy from the movie unless you have that ability already.
With the intent that Third Eye meditation will open this energy flow and harness your sixth sense.
My Experience
I enjoy this meditation and have had great experiences with it. I feel very connected to Spirit, or higher Self. It almost feels like more of a trance as my third eye is activated and scanning. It’s hard to describe, but it’s very active, at least for me. I’m not sure if this happens to everyone.
Over time you may find, as with all practices, that you can access this stillness and connectedness faster and faster. It won’t take as long to get into that space. Some days I can still myself and do a meaningful meditation within a few minutes.
Again, everyone is different, so don’t pressure yourself if it takes time to figure out how to get into that space quickly or, better said, easily.
Kundalini
In this meditation, I tried using Gabby Bernstein, love her, as my guide. She has YouTube & blog videos where she instructs you through the kundalini meditation.
What is it? It’s a breathing exercise that activates fire energy located at the base of the spine, aka root chakra. You utilize both mantras, mudra and breath.
My Experience
Kundalini has proven to be a little more challenging for me. I need a basic beginner class. It seems so cool to do, but I don’t feel that I am doing it right. I will continue to work on this. I felt a bit overwhelmed with trying to
Yoga is a great way to begin to incorporate meditation into your daily routine. Yoga allows you to be present and includes meditation. It’s a win-win. This is a great way to get started and find what works for you.
UPDATE AS OF 3/17/20
As mentioned above, I’ve been watching the Gaia series Rewired and Missing Links, which have helped me understand physically and mentally how these spiritual techniques are done. If you’re more analytical, it’s worth checking out the clear explanations and instructions on these episodes.
There are some episodes on both as to how to breathe and move this energy. They don’t directly reference Kundalini, but what they do discuss made this technique easier to understand. Once I have the exact episode, I will post it here.
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Don’t Give Up
Don’t give up if you don’t have the meditation practice you would like; keep trying, and you will find the right one for you. Practice, practice, practice, and then practice some more. You will only benefit from it.
As I like to reiterate, no two people are the same; therefore, no two experiences or meditation practices, in this case, are the same. I am simply reflecting on my journey in finding the best practice for me and sharing that experience so that you may have some guidance.
Upon reflection, I realized that I was focusing on the outcome rather than just being. This kept me from what I was seeking. Having learned this now, I’m sure I will have better experiences with these different types of meditation. Lesson learned, universe.
If you need help getting centered or enhancing your practice, you can read about automatic writing and getting centered.
UPDATE 11/3/21
Meditation is not always a sit-down, close your eyes, focus on your breathing type of practice. Learn more about the 6 Daily Meditations You’re Already Doing here. It’s about fitting in a moment or two of stillness and mindfulness. Of course, a 10-minute meditation is amazing but sometimes we have to find ways to incorporate these more time-dependent practices into small everyday bites.
How do you find stillness in your everyday life? Leave a recommendation based on your experiences in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear your ideas.
I wish you peace and guidance on your journey. Namaste and be well.
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