The importance of meditation

Meditation, what is meditation?

Meditation is a way of consciously using the mind to achieve a certain effect, for example:

-          relaxing your body and mind

-          finding balance, peace and silence inside yourself

-          contacting your own Wise Self

-          finding inner answers

-          visualizing wishes

Primarily, meditation is an exercise in "becoming silent in your mind". Pure meditation doesn't do anything, doesn't think anything, doesn't have to do anything. It is only silence inside. It is a state of being which can be achieved when you bring your mind to rest and allow your body to relax. The only thing that you "do" when meditating is experiencing your inner world. 

When you have become comfortable doing this, you can extend this "pure meditation" by consciously starting to work with it. It sounds very easy when we say "relax your mind", but you'll notice that there is more to it. At first we want to ask you not to think in terms of "right" or "wrong" while reviewing the results of your meditation. It is not about the "result" as is often the case in the outside world. Inside you, everything is about the "way".

We are so used to performing in our outside world that we unconsciously slow ourselves down while practicing meditation just because of this urge to perform. The inner world cannot be hurried, the inner world is timeless. The inner lessons lie patiently waiting for years to be discovered by you. And when you start to practice your mind through meditation, this inner knowledge will unfold as a flower before you.

 Meditating, how can I do it?

 When you close your eyes and focus on your breathing, you consciously directed your attention from your outside to your inside. By directing your attention to your inside, your mind doesn't have to occupy itself anymore with all those things seeming so important in the outer world. But your mind will not release its grip on your thoughts so easily. At the very moment that you start to become quiet on the inside, it will start to get extra busy in your head. This is normal! Maybe this is the first time that you notice how busy it is inside your head. Most certainly in the beginning, you will encounter all different forms of resistance; you may notice thoughts that distract you, thoughts that discourage you, thoughts that, if they don't get what they want, will apply a new tactic. They will use your body in an ultimate effort to get your attention: feel the pain here, don't you feel the tickling in your nose, you're getting cold sitting like this etcetera. Yadayadayada.

It is important to act lovingly on that screaming voice. Treat these thoughts not by condemning them or fighting against them. Just observe the thought and let it go. Don't give any more attention to it than necessary. Just observe and let go. This is what you do consciously; observe and consciously choose not to give any more attention to it. When you are past all resistance of your body and mind, you will come to your inner core, your Wise Self. This process takes time. Start with just a couple of minutes a day and always end with a good feeling. Only the fact that you are trying is already good enough by itself.

Many people live on "autopilot"; we are seldom present in the moment. This is often because we are thinking. Our thinking is often restricted to the past or future, and only seldom to the present. For instance: when people go shopping, they do this automatically. You get in your car, drive to the shop, get a cart and start, following the usual pattern, passing the shelves and putting into your cart what you need. In the meanwhile, your mind is busy with lots of thoughts. BUT, did you ever pay attention to the following:

·         How does it feel to be in the car, on the street, in the shop, at the counter etc.?

·         What do you smell in the car, in the street, in the shop, at the counter etc.? 

·         What did you hear  in the car, in the street, in the shop, at the counter?

·         What were other people doing while you were driving, walking in the street, were in the shop or standing at the counter? 

·         And, if you did perceive this, did you notice how fast your mind analyzed the incoming information and stored it into your subconscious?

When you are shopping like this you are almost meditating. Learn to become more conscious, learn to be more in the present with your attention, that is what awareness is all about. Through this, you can achieve a more intense experience, wisdom and knowledge. Through this, you will be more aware of the messages of your Wise Self!

Being present in the moment

Start paying attention to how something smells, what it feels like, how it tastes, sounds and what it looks like. Thoughts will distract you. Let them go; don't give unnecessary attention to them. Go back and focus on the Now. Look at the world around you. Where are you? Who or what is with you? What are you/they doing?

Take a flower and look at the whole. Then look at the details.

How does it smell, how does it taste, what does it look like, what do you hear, how does it feel? 

Avoid analyzing, judging, categorizing. Let your body experience the moment through all its senses.

When you make a habit of this in your life, you will live more consciously. By doing so, you will know a lot better what you think about something. Not only in your head, but in your whole being!

Free meditations

In the category Products you will find two free guided meditations, spoken by Nathascha. Excellent for beginners. At this moment only available in the Dutch language, but we are working on the English versions. They are a Lightbeing meditation and a Relaxation meditation. Together they make a good beginning! And let us know if you like them.

If you want to experience more, you can choose from several interesting, inspiring, insightful and always loving meditations from our Meditation download shop. The price shouldn't stop you; they are available for € 3.50 to € 4.50. These are also only available in the Dutch language for now.