Meditation

Meditation is a universal practice in the East and is known by other names in the West: Contemplation, Mindfulness, Quiet Time. The benefits of meditation include improving the immune system, lowering stress levels, and increasing good health. If you haven’t tried meditation, now is the time to get started as part of your daily spiritual practice. You will be amazed at the benefits you will receive, and it is easy to do.

Two 20-minute sessions a day are recommended, morning and evening. However, any time spent in meditation is beneficial. It is best to meditate sitting in a chair that will hold you comfortably straight. Put your chair in a quiet and peaceful place. Turn off your cell phone. Light a candle if you choose. Close your eyes and begin breathing deeply and easily. Let your body set the rhythm. When you are calm and at peace, begin your chosen meditation practice for the day or use one of the following.

Basic Meditation Practice: Follow the breath. As you become quiet and relaxed, let your mind clear, and your emotions calm. Become mindful only of your breath. Take deep regular breaths letting your body set the rhythm. Begin counting your outbreath from 1-10. Then start over again. If you lose count because your mind wanders, simply bring your attention back to your breath and start the count over. Gently use your five senses to experience the peace that your breath brings. When your meditation time is over, give thanks to your Inner Self for helping you gain peace and to your Higher Self for inspiration and healing.

New July Meditation (Standing in the Light of Forgiveness): Find your serene place and go to your Center of Peace. In this sacred place, envision a ray of Golden Light shining down from heaven to form a circle of Light in front of you. Bring to mind and envision a person you want to forgive stepping into the circle of Light. Breathe in Light and breathe out Forgiveness and Love to this person. Breathe in Light and breathe out Forgiveness and Peace to this person. Continue to breathe and radiate Love and Peace and Forgiveness. When you feel forgiveness in your Heart for this person, release the image and let it go. Take a deep breath and be at peace. Then return to the present time. (You may do this for as many people at a time as you wish to forgive.)

New August Meditation (Lifting Your Vibration): Got to your meditative place. Breathe in Light and breath out Love. The Law of Attraction says that your vibration must rise to meet the vibration of what you wish to attract. Set your Intention to rise to Love or Peace or Prosperity. Feel your vibration uplifting. Hold that new vibration in your Heart and Mind and let a feeling of gratitude flow over you. Hold this feeling and thought as long as you desire. Then release yourself into this new vibration and sit in the Silence for a while longer feeling changed and wonderful. End your meditation in gratitude.

New September Meditation (I am the Peace): Go to your Center of Peace. Feel your spiritual self glowing with a soft radiance of peace. During this entire meditation, continue to breathe in Light and breathe out Peace. As you breathe out Peace, envision it flowing out to all the dark places in the world that need Peace now. I am the Peace. You are the Peace. We are the Peace. End your meditation when you are ready. Practice this meditation every day this month and practice being the Peace in every thought, word, and deed.

Bonus Meditation (Walking Meditation): Find a safe and level path to walk on. Walk slowly along the path, one step at a time. (Go fast enough so as not to be off balance, but slower than your usual walk. Breathe deeply as you walk slowly along. Say a mantra or a chant or say this new one from Rev. Arlyn. “Calmly, and calmly, and calmly I go, Peaceful and Quiet, Serene.” Repeat as you walk.