Meditation

Spirituality is an important part of life. It doesn't matter what your beliefs are, what matters is getting in touch with them. Not just believing and having faith, but living and feeling your beliefs. Meditation is a skill that helps you get in touch with whatever higher power you believe in. It quietens the mind, heals the body and gives you energy. As you learn to let go of thoughts and look past the ego you'll have insights to questions, see the big picture and feel peaceful. Sounds simple enough, but harder to put into practice. I'm still a long way off achieving a quiet mind.


One of my favourite meditations is a white light meditaton. To begin you need to sit in a comfortable chair with you back straight, head back and chin slightly tucked in. Feet should be flat on the floor. Hands should be resting on the lap relaxed with palms facing up if possible. Take a deep breath and say in your head "I'm now going to meditate" this serves as a cue for your body to relax into meditation each time. I prefer to breathe in and out through my nose, though most guides would say in through the nose and out thorugh the mouth.


Close your eyes and take a deep centring breath. Breathe in for a count of 5. Breathe out. Breathe in for a count of 5. Breathe out. Breathe in for a count of 5. Breathe out, continue to breathe in and out normally. Imagine a beam of white light streaming down from above and landing on the very top of your head. This light is warm and relaxing. Imagine the beam of light slowly moving down your head, releasing any muscle tension along the way. As the light moves across your skin you feel a warming sensation. The light spreads down your forehead over your ears and down the back of your head, releasing any tension. The light moves down to your neck and you feel a warming sensation. You notice how relaxed you are. Slowly the light moves down your torso and your back, warming and releasing muscle tension. Next the white light moves down your arms to your fingertips. Feel the warmth in your fingers. The light moves down your body, over your buttocks and pelvis, releasing any tension. Feel the warming light move down your legs, releasing tension as it goes. Finally feel the light pass over your feet to your toes. Feel the warmth in your toes.


Notice how you feel totally relaxed and calm. Breathe slow long breaths. allow thoughts to come and go. Visualise the white light totally convering your whole body and notice how you feel warm, safe and relaxed. Keep breathing and visualising for several minutes, then gradually return your attention to the room.


I used this meditation once when I was driving across country and sleeping in the car. I had stopped at a particular over night camp and for some reason I was really scared because someother group were making some noise. It was most likely innocent and I have had high anxiety levels. I wsa petrified and I wasn't getting any sleep. So I did this mediation, surrounding myself in white light, and also the car. I visualised a bubble of white light that surrounded the car, creating a safe environment. I felt better instantly and went to sleep.