To assist with meditation, I began by using music to help me relax. Relaxation is the key to meditation. Many of my friends who have tried meditation have actively tried to clear thoughts from their minds. I understand what they are trying to do. I am sure I did the same thing when I began meditation. Every guru tells you to “empty” the mind. Well, I get it. But, think about this… if you are actively trying not to have that scrolling screen of thoughts racing through your mind you are defeating the purpose. You are THINKING about NOT THINKING. You are creating more thoughts.
Relax. If you have never experienced meditation let me be the first to tell you that it takes work and it takes time. By work, I don’t mean that you have to “get busy.” I mean it takes time for most of us to learn to relax.
Some time back I found the following video link on YouTube. It is peaceful and a hint of what kind of sound (music, in this case) lends itself to relaxation. I include the video only because the sounds are most relaxing.
I am thankful for daily meditation because it puts my life in balance. Meditation allows me to touch and be a part of my higher self. The meditation experience isn’t always the same. Many friends who know I have been meditating for longer than many of them have been alive have asked me how they will know when they have reached the point of deep meditation. I wish I had a definitive answer. I don’t. What I usually ask them is if they have ever had an orgasm. Most blush and say they have. Then, I ask them to describe it. They can’t describe it sufficiently to allow me to understand the exact feeling they experienced. And, that is my explanation of meditation to them. Meditation, much like an orgasm, is one of those experiences that can’t be adequately described, but when you get there, there is no mistaking it.
This morning I started my day with about 45 minutes of quiet meditation. I would not even suggest that anyone dare think that meditation requires 45 minutes or more. It doesn’t. I can be only a few minutes. Don’t worry about the time. This is one of those things where quality is more important than quantity. And, when you are well versed in the practice, hopefully you can enjoy the quality for longer periods of time.
Today I am thankful for my morning meditation.
