Chapter on Meditation
Meditation is one of the most important things that you can do each day. Even if you just spend five or ten minutes in the morning, it can be the most crucial time of your day. It connects you with your inner self and God.
Christ told us to go within and find God. In the closet, within is the sacred space to spend time with God in silence and meditate. By being in this place of peace, we can get the guidance and answers we need for our prayers.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama said:
As human beings, we all want to be happy to avoid suffering. In my limited experience, if we are to achieve this, it is immensely valuable to cultivate and maintain a positive state of mind. In the Buddhist tradition to which I belong, one of the most effective means of doing so is to engage in meditation. Meditation can sometimes mean sitting in a formal posture and stilling the mind, but primarily in continuously familiarizing ourselves with positive thoughts.
Our prayers and affirmations are the foundation we use to have a deep connection to God. When we sit quietly in a safe space, we can stop thinking. When we meditate, we do not harm and just experience our true nature. We can just be with God. By being in meditation, we become more aware of our true essence and our soul's inner presence.
Prayers are invocative and meditation is more contemplative, which creates a quiet mind. In this busy society, we can easily have our minds be overwhelmed with input and distractions. When we meditate, we reduce stress and let go of outer distractions.
With more and more busyness created by smartphones, we are almost trained to respond to calls, texts, and messages immediately. When we meditate, we just set that aside.
There are many forms of meditation. Guided meditations have become popular because they give us a way to let go and just listen to directions spoken. It can be very soothing and relaxing.
Many practice with a mantra. This is a way to focus our busy minds on one phrase or word. It is very different than just going into silence to meditate.
When you go into the silence, many things will arise from your subconscious mind, and you may feel uncomfortable seeing what emerges. However, by being aware of what is being brought to your attention, you can experience and release any issues that have been buried within you. In Zen sitting, you are face-to-face with all aspects of yourself and nothing. It is a way to experience short-circuiting the mind into enlightenment. There are many forms of Buddhist meditation that are based on insight and awareness.
Meditation does not require that you just use one way of meditating. I use an app called Insight timer. There are hundreds of guided meditations being used by people worldwide at any given time. What is important is that you feel comfortable and committed to meditation daily or at least a regular basis.
Here's a secret key: We can amplify God by being with God. Jesus said The Father and I are one. We can experience this oneness, for we are this oneness with all life. Yes, we are each unique expressions of God in human form. By combining the gifts of affirmations, prayers, and meditation, we can amplify God.
This is where meditation comes in. With meditation, we can be with God. Just be. We can become aware of that living energy of creation that is God. We can leave an opening for the light and love of God to come in.
Thought directs energy, and energy holds the light. To plant a fertile seed to manifest, you can use the sacred tools of right intent of your affirmation, prayer, and meditation. You need to know how to concentrate so you can control your thoughts. When you learn to control your thoughts in a concentrated, focused manner with intent, you can open up new ways to travel through your various levels of consciousness.
In meditation, you need to hold a single focus on the point of light. If you have an intention to go to the soul level, you can give your mind direction to go to the soul, then concentrate on that intent and believe you can go there. Once at the soul level, you can direct the mind to practice the exercises outlined in this book. The mind likes to follow directions, but the more challenging part comes when you ask the mind to still do nothing.
Concentration can hold the mind steady in the light and allow the soul to be present in your awareness. It is necessary to be aware that thoughts will come and go, but you can bring the mind back to your point of focus with a concentrated focus. The more you make friends with your internal dialogue, the easier it is to direct it.
There are as many kinds of meditation today as there are kinds of yoga. You must find the right type of meditation for you. Meditation is a very personal thing. It is an intimate experience you should look forward to.
In western culture, many people think of meditation as just transcendental meditation. Zen meditation has been practiced in China and Japan for centuries but started gaining attention in America in the 1960s in the San Francisco Bay area. Lately, mindfulness meditation has become very popular. It was started in 1979 and uses body scans and breath awareness to help with stress reduction. It is easy to do and allows you to bring awareness to your inner workings while learning more about how you can put that to work in your life. In Buddhism, there are many kinds of meditation. Sound meditation uses a mantra to concentrate on. For those with a more metaphysical approach, mystical meditation has provided a way to make direct contact with God.
The best time to meditate is early in the morning when there are fewer distractions. It is far easier to concentrate when you don't have outside interruptions. It also helps to give your mind not only a point to focus on, but a sound or word or subject matter. If you participate in a meditation retreat, you might find it an excellent way to concentrate on the light within because a group setting can make it a more conducive atmosphere for contemplation and inner growth.
It is beneficial to do a nightly review. Give thanks for your day and reflect on any lessons you have learned. Then give thanks for all the great things and even not so great things that happened during the day.
Meditation is one of the most valuable tools you can ever use. It offers enormous benefits and insight that can truly change your life. Meditation helps with relaxation and will bring you inspiration. It brings clarity, peace, and focus into your life. Once you make time to meditate, you will find it is one of the most important times of your day.
While sitting in meditation, do not try too hard to concentrate. A light touch and clear focus can get you to where you want better than creating a battle zone. And once you have reached a peaceful state, allow yourself to just be there in that space and dwell in the peace within. You can be with your soul and merge with the inner light once you have established your space.
You can practice concentration by following these steps:
• Light a candle.
• Concentrate on the flame.
• Do deep breaths.
• Watch the inhale and exhale of your breath and relax.
• Let the outer world go and close your eyes and go into a state of meditation.
• Concentrate lightly on the third eye, above the center of the eyebrows, and notice any light changes.
• Direct yourself to go to the soul. The inner spirit is your connection to Spirit.
• Feel the presence of Spirit. Let that presence just be in your awareness.
• Allow yourself to be still in the light.
• Follow your breath and find one word or subject to concentrate on.
• Then let go and just experience nothing. Just be. Be with God.
• Hold your concentration. Do not worry if your mind drifts. This is very common. Just be aware that your mind is thinking or drifting. Let it go and return to the inner connection you have with your soul's energy.
• Be aware of how you feel
• Thank God and close your meditation.
• Write down any thoughts, messages, or ideas that may have come while in meditation.
Know that you can achieve that inner connection to Spirit. The more you practice, the better you become at navigating the inner realms. Meditation is the key to attaining the keys to the kingdom of heaven within. It will give you an all-access pass to the light and love of God. Embrace and welcome meditation into your life and discover how it can change your life.
In the heart of perfect peace
There is the love of God within
The simple breath of being
The I am that I am Herein
I am that breath
I am that love
I am that light it brings
and I am that peace of being
I am that Peace
that dwells in this now moment
and I listen to the love that speaks
and the happiness that brings
I celebrate the blessings of being
that fragrance of the blossoming of creation
with thanks to God for this meditation
that embraces life with no limitations
for that presence of peace
Is in every single heartbeat
and in every soul’s pure light
there is the gift of that I am that I am
Let me know your language
let me know your language Lord
let me be your instrument I pray
and carry the songs so eternal
the stars sing in their own way
let me know your spirit Lord
let me be inspired to receive
the fire that birthed the cosmos
that from the silence speaks
for yours is the eternal song
you hold the purpose I seek
and in the time that’s given here
may I serve your loving energy
that makes all of life complete
let me know your language Lord
let me be your instrument I pray
and carry the songs so eternal
that the stars sing if I may
Infinite Circle
We are all part of God's
Infinite circle of life,
Living reflections of the one light,
Spirits here in bodies
that live for a little while
And then return home to another life.
Christ came to be an example
That showed us how we can be,
Transformers of this form and receive
The transforming power
Loves of pure energy.
Bodies of matter delivered first
o earth by the Mother's Love,
Then to be able to express
The blessings of life by Spirit's dove.
And we are created from stardust
And we are spinning through space,
And so often we can't remember
The reason we came to this place.
For we are all pure energy
Here in form for a while to express,
The gifts of love's creation we are blessed
With light through infinite mirrors we see.
'Til we find the eternal salvation,
Giving back with our trans form ation,
The form transformed to spirit making
A cycle of God's great creation.
And Christ asked us to believe
We could live eternally
If we have faith we can see,
How with God's Love we can be freed.
A BREATH OF HOPE
a breath of hope
from a presence divine
a moment of truth
that opens the heart
to that greater love to final breath of being
dark and light
giving and taking
merged in this life
it holds this magic
it holds this mystery
it holds the way
all is perceived
it reaches across all walls
it breaks down all doors
you crave it in the depths
as it touches your soul
it is the answer
it is the question
it is you it is me
it is the breath of God
that reveals this moment
that reveals who you are
the unknown to know
DON’T GIVE UP
All the fallen angels and butterflies on high
the souls who have taken flight
Some way too soon
Have given up the fight
All those sweet waves of good bye
But gone too soon there’s no denying
there’s more much more to find in life
All those who can’t face
the souls dark night
I pray can awaken
And see the light
there’s more
So much more to life
If you turn the page
And see the good it will be alright
Don’t give up
Please don’t give up on life
Open yourself the a greater grace
There s more for you to embrace
Don’t give up
Please don’t give up on life
COMING BACK ROUND
coming back round
to find the higher ground
the core that can be found
alive and present in the silent sound
there’s this soul at the center
an ancient intent on the light
what really matters
beyond the distractions of life
there’s a power to find
what’s really going on
and it’s present behind
the reason your around
no matter how far
you wander away
you come back to you
at the end of each day
back to the core
the center of the Source
and what’s really important
and what you live for
THE LIFELINE
how many souls have set forth
on the path to do what’s right
but get burdened down and lost
and then give up the fight
but if we can reach out
and help others with their goals
it can then be possible
for others to follow and grow
this world is evolving
with each passing day
the old ways are fading
and we’re finding a new way
each person can see
the light of the new torch
and pass it along
as we keep venturing forth
and there is a lifeline that’s given
to all those on the path
and with understanding we pray
that we will awaken in time
to love one fine day
FACING LIFE
in this facing of our life
this racing mind that chooses
when to decide
the options of what’s really right
still surrendering to a higher force
can help us to be
part of a better understanding
of what it takes to succeed
but is it ever enough to reach
the point where we’ll be free
to say yes to who we are
and be happy in how we relate
to whatever this life gives and takes
in this facing of our life and humanity
this looking at what is reflected
and what it's all about
to say yes with some gratitude
as we accept this life and all that’s found
I
CONNECT
in this infinite field of space
is a need for more love in this place
to fill the emptiness we face
cause in a breath life can be erased
find that connection deep inside
that gives us the power to be
a channel for Gods love eternally
and let that love be your guide
don’t run from life or hide
just open up your heart
and trust in God to do her part
follow this path to the light
and know love will make things alright
learn from the teacher who reveals
the highest sacrament that heals
and finds what you really need
is the love inside that you seek
THE FODDER
oh to welcome all that is
to taste the nectar of life’s sweet kiss
that brings such a taste of bliss
as the dream fulfilled that is
and to learn that even hard stuff
has a place that lives
as fodder that will give
more lessons to how we exist
oh the ying and yang of living
and learning every day
on this wild creative energy field
where we set our minds to play
and bless what comes our way
and welcomes all this is
while with the dreamer we co-exist
til we awaken from this dream
and with Gods love are redeemed
NO LIMITATIONS
oh we go
to the limits of what we know
til we break free of our shell
and ask ourselves just how
we can go farther still
until we find there no limitations
except our fear
and as we look for answers to appear
and some guidance we might use
we find it all still come backs to you
and what you wish to really choose
yet it’s all just a learning game
this place we go
to the limits of what we know
til we break free of our shell
and ask ourselves just how
we can go farther still
until we find there no limitations
except our fear
and as we look for answers to appear
and some guidance we might use
we find it all still come backs to you
and what you wish to really choose
yet it’s all just a learning game
this planet that will always change
while it turns round and round in space
giving us this miraculous energy
that reflects Creations face
and if we can stop for a moment
and breathe in the magic of each day
we can find the souls embrace
giving us the courage to hope
and share our cares
with others who may need it here
and there is really no escape
and so everyday I pray
we find nothing holding us back
as we try our best along the way
how to love and live with the human race