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One of the primary ways that I connect with Craig, my afterlife coach on the other side, is through meditation. I know that meditation is a scary word for many because they don’t know how to do it or are convinced they don’t have the time.
Three years ago I wrote a blog called “Meditation Made EZ.” I have included some excerpts from that article below. I am hoping this will “pave the way” for the following week’s blog about how I communicate with Craig through meditation. So, here it is:
Dr. Kildare (Richard Chamberlain) was my hero! I loved him and loved every role he ever starred in – including the movie Shogun that was filmed in 1980. All these many years later, there is still one thing that lingers in my mind from that classic film. It was an incident where the lovely young Japanese woman named Mariko, explained to Anjin-san (Richard Chamberlain), that even surrounded by chaos, confusion, and crowds; she was able to go within and be at peace. That was my first introduction to the concept of meditation and I wanted to know more.
Today, even little children know about meditation and yoga. They hear the words zen and bliss and have a basic understanding that they mean something soothing and relaxing. On Nov 20, 2012 the Dalai Lama was quoted, “If every 8-year old in the world is taught meditation, we will eliminate violence from the world within one generation.” Wow.
It must sound good to others, because I received eleven unsolicited emails just today from eleven different expert sources on all the myriad benefits of meditation (see below.) Even if you do not have a clue about how to mediate, in your core, I believe you know it to be a healthy practice. You may not understand exactly how the digestive system works, but a part of you knows an organic carrot is healthier than the carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. So…we are going to go with the premise that meditating is good for you, if for no other reason than it slows aging!
But how do you do it? If you think about young children, they appear to be born knowing how to operate an iPad. They seemingly adapt easily and effortlessly to new ideas and concepts – including meditation. But many of us struggled with, or are still struggling with, an iPad – in addition to trying to figure out how to meditate properly.
The good news is there is no right or wrong way to meditate. There is no “one size fits all.” You don’t have to sit in a lotus position on the hard floor with a strange pillow for half an hour and chant.
I tried that “half an hour on the floor” with a timer, focusing on my breath, like I was instructed to do in all the articles I read. I tried that on and off for about ten years and never mastered it. Good grief, I never even came close. Then one day…
I was “in the zone!” I was in my car – driving! I left my job, drove home, and had no recollection whatsoever of how I got there. I didn’t remember anything: not getting on the freeway, not the cars around me, not the traffic, not the noise, not the exit – nada. Eureka! If I could do that in the car, then I knew I could do it anywhere. And, of course, I decided it would be safer OUT of the car. I am sure you have had the exact same car experience. That means, you too, are capable of getting in the zone and meditating.
After my “car awakening” I started doing walking meditations in nature and around the neighborhood. Soon, I could easily get into what I called the “zone,” where I was totally at peace, relaxed, and seemingly other-worldly. I am proud to proclaim that for several years now I have not missed one single day of meditating for at least half an hour. It’s like brushing my teeth.
Living in the Palm Springs area is akin to having four seasons of summer, so a favorite place to meditate might be in the swimming pool with the waterfalls cascading in the background. There are mats or chairs that float in the pool (just leave the hole for the Margarita empty!). Start with 5 minutes. Research has proven that even 5 minutes a day is beneficial.
One “trick” that I discovered that helps me get in the zone and quiet my mind instantly is to actually physically try to look through where “my third eye” would be, with my physical eyes closed tightly shut. By concentrating on trying to look outward, I see vivid colors in my mind and feel like I am in a different state. For me, I am now so focused on visioning that I don’t hear anything around me. You might give it a try!
But what if I fall asleep? What if my husband thinks I’m crazy? What if I don’t have a swimming pool? It doesn’t matter. Just try. Don’t judge. I have taken 5-minute meditations in the ladies room or gone out to my car in the parking lot and taken 5-minutes there. Airplanes are great. Just put in your earbuds and get in the zone. I love guided meditations with music too. You can even download apps for your smart phone. I think you’ll be surprised just how easy it can be; and your body, mind, and spirit will benefit it the process!
I have had the honor to travel to Japan a half dozen times. The last time I was at Narita airport in Tokyo I had to wait to get pushed (literally) out the door to catch a taxi to get pushed onto the train by a professional pusher. In that crowded rush hour train I thought of Mariko (and Richard Chamberlain) and closed my eyes and went within.
Namaste. The spirit in me honors the spirit in you.
Proven Benefits of Meditation:
Reduces stress.
Improves concentration.
Encourages a healthy lifestyle.
Increases self-awareness.
Increases happiness.
Increases acceptance.
Slows aging.
Benefits cardiovascular and immune health.
Improves skin.
Lowers blood pressure.
Increases libido!
Stay tuned next week for more information on the “third eye” and “upside down meditation with Craig.” Please share your comments. Thanks!