Posts Tagged ‘meditation’

Mapping the Inner Journey

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009

Art Journal Page by peregrine blueI recently started again to journal some thoughts and interesting, or pervasive mind chatter. Occasionally, I recall a dream upon waking.

Most often, I jump in when an “ah ha!” moment hits me, or something I’m listening to or reading stirs a memory, that in effect, brings to mind a realization, or clarification. Other times, I just need to unload some “stuff”, and it’s always an exercise in release, creating some space and energy to move forward in the moment.

I hadn’t considered it a form a meditation, but it makes sense. It is an energy release, a de-cluttering, and also a notepad to hash out thoughts or ideas. It’s a cleansing ritual, with the added benefit of potentially initiating something much larger. In addition to other healthful practices, journaling can be a powerful channel to stream thoughts and feelings, old hurts and new frustrations. Let the unsettled noise flow away, to free up your mind and spirit to return more easily to the now.

As for tools, I’ve been using The Journal, but I’m keen on having an online option, and found Penzu this evening. It has a nice feel to it, and you can’t beat the price. Their site provides a nice page on the benefits of journaling. Check it out! –tb

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Mapping the Inner Journey
Journaling as Meditation

Of the countless forms of meditation we can use, journaling offers its own unique benefits. Most meditations help empty the mind of concerns and bring positive ideas from our mental landscape, but journaling helps us anchor that experience in the material world. Not every person is attracted to meditating in seated silence, and journal meditation is a nice alternative as an active meditation. It allows us to trace our journey and see where we have grown and what lessons we may be repeating. By employing a different part of the brain than creative or inspired thought, writing or typing a journal can create a greater sense of connection and union with our physical selves and the world around us.

Read More…

Source: DailyOM.com
Image: “Art Journal Page” by peregrine blue


The Game

Sunday, September 6th, 2009
I’d like to examine the philosophy around what a lifetime, in human terms, can really mean…

The vast universe, seemingly beyond measurement, offers unlimited potential to any sort of organizing intent, with or without consciousness. We see this from within the tiniest of cells that bind and define our physical form, to the solar system within which we live, to the galaxy we know as “Milky Way” and beyond. Everything in the micro, is mirrored in the macro, in an uncanny interplay within an apparent perfect symmetry.

How do we really quantify what it means to “be born” into this shape that we are? If our existence is based on millions, and billions of years of making and remaking, evolving and emerging, then how does one human lifetime have any significance? I would say that it does, and doesn’t.

In a spiritual and emotional sense, it certainly matters, especially within the definition of family units, friends, and co-creators who exist during the lifetime that one soul chooses to be here for. In a metaphysical, or quantum physical sense, there isn’t really a “being born” at all, but rather a change in form and definition of energy and vibration that is ever-present, and ultimately inseparable. The purpose of this is for the “all” to experience an expansion or unfoldment in continuity with the larger ongoing expansion that apparently started with a “big bang”.

Given these conditions, why then, if a being such as we are, emerges from a source, or the everything, and is never truly disconnected, is “life so hard”? If we’re here to expand and evolve from those who came before us, why intentionally forget who and what we are? Spiritual growth is great and all, but it seems a curious form of self-imposed dysfunction, the purpose of which isn’t always clear to me.

The mystics and mentors have many methods with which to access and open the portals into this knowing. You have tarot, angels, past-life regression, hypnosis, meditation, astrology, numerology, etc., all with distinct, yet complementary vessels to gain understanding, or ultimately a remembrance of what lies beneath, and in between. There are others who believe that we are on this planet strictly for spiritual growth, and that forces far beyond our capabilities “protect” us, enabling the continuing existence of our fair Earth, as well as propagation of our species.

That, to me, seems rather demeaning in a way, and doesn’t resonate. It implies that we don’t really have any original omnipotent position and potential, whether in the physical, or not. It also presupposes that humanity is at a certain disadvantage at this point in time, and needs some form of guardianship and guidance as we work our way out of a supposed “falling from grace”. That idea seems far too primitive from my standpoint, and doesn’t calculate, given the vast field of intelligence from whence we came.

So, therein lies “the game” I interpret it to be. If it is our collective intention to grow, expand, evolve and become enlightened, what’s with all this ridiculous chaos and darkness, maligned ego and ignorance permeating our conscious experience? We have cultures and societies stuck in the distant past, while others are speeding toward the future. We have, what I observe to be, an underlying adolescence that keeps us at a near standstill, as far as embracing any true, unifying and universal potential is concerned. So what then is the real purpose of it all?

Is it impossible to evolve without a contrast with which to base a true desire or destination? Must there be a black, in order to know or differentiate the white? Apparently so. And if that is the case, then the answer to virtually all of our questions, at any given moment is simple… Yes!

Regardless of any choice, there will be an outcome and effect that you caused into existence simply by asking. Therefore, one could say there is no “right” and “wrong”, “good” or “bad”, ever! There is no better way, there is only another way. What’s better or worse gets defined within the parameters of a culture or societal understanding, and is dynamic, forever evolving and adapting to the collective demands of what is in the now.

Those in “powerful” positions must understand this and salivate at the chance to manipulate an audience of ignorant minds. But, now you are aware of this. The eye altering, alters all. Thus, every individual has the power to completely influence their existence and experience. Collectively, it is no different. The locus of original intent can gain momentum and shift all of reality along with it, if we can “get along” as it were. There, then, is the underlying grace and ease with which you can live your life.

You are not simply the superficial body and person you perceive yourself as, for the most part. You are intrinsically intertwined as a co-creator and co-publisher of this chapter in our collective existence. Your move.

Image: “I could get you the UNIVERSE” by Xanetia

Cultivating The Seed Within

Saturday, February 21st, 2009

There is a lot of noise that prevents us from being peaceful, or feeling at peace. Countless days, weeks, years of conditioning can erode the foundation within us for being able to sit in stillness and relax. To “let go” and find calm and serenity now requires work!

Some of this unrest developed from seeds, thoughts or ideas, planted in our minds years ago. We often don’t realize that we’ve cultivated a tree around that thought. A belief system sprouted when somebody told us the things we can, or can’t do. What we will, and will not achieve. What is and is not possible. Other seeds were sown by learning from examples set by those who have influenced our lives. Being at peace may not have been on that list of lessons learned thus far.

The great thing about our minds is that they’re expansive, limitless, so you can always create a new plot where the soil is rich for new seeds to take root. –tb


Cultivating The Seed Within
Peace

In our noisy world, we often find ourselves longing for peace and searching to find it somewhere else. While it’s true that there are places we can visit where we can experience peace, such as sacred sites or buildings, we do not need to wait until we get to one of these places to feel at peace. Instead, we can learn to locate the seed of peace inside ourselves and cultivate it so that it grows into a reliable source of serenity that we can always access, no matter where we are.

We experience peace when we are in a state of mental calm and serenity. It might surprise you to notice how infrequently you allow yourself to be free from anxiety. Realizing this is the first step to inner peace. If you wait until all the details of your life are taken care of to allow yourself to experience peace, you will never feel peaceful because there is always something that your mind can grab onto to create anxiety. It is important to consciously set aside your worries and make time to cultivate inner peace.

Ideally, you could schedule time each day to meditate on peace and experience what it feels like to be calm and serene. It takes practice to learn how to let go of your worries, so give yourself some time. Inhale deeply, and feel your worries dissolve with every exhale. Remind yourself that soon enough you will be able to take care of everything you need to, but right now you are taking a break. As the clutter of your thoughts and concerns clear away, you will start to feel more serene. Allow yourself to move deeper into this state with each inhale. Realize that you have the power to free yourself from anxiety simply by deciding to do so. The more you practice feeling peaceful, the easier it will be for you to feel at peace.

Source: DailyOM.com
Photo: “my tree at dusk” by joiseyshowaa
Song Suggestion: “In the Stillness” by Gypsy Butterfly