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How to Meditate
Meditation has the greatest spiritual influence of all spiritual practices because it’s the one most likely to get us in touch with the peace, joy, love, and wisdom that is part of our divine nature as a soul. Normally our energy is restlessly flowing outward. Meditation reverses that process, allowing subtler spiritual perceptions and realizations.
The recommended times to meditate are in the morning just after awaking, and in the evening just before going to bed. Of course, any other time you are free to do so is acceptable, preferably when your stomach is empty.
Sit still with the spine straight, away from the back of the chair ideally, your head upright, and your hands on your thighs or in your lap with the palms up. Your muscles should be relaxed.
In this posture, close your eyes and raise them gently, without straining or crossing them, to the “horizon” of the eyebrows. You will get the idea if you try this with eyes open initially. The eyes will probably be fidgety at first, so be patient. With practice they will eventually become still.
Keep your attention at the point between the eyebrows. The point between the eyebrows is a high spiritual center in the body—the seat of the spiritual eye or third eye—and gazing there promotes spiritual perception and a higher state of consciousness. It’s the point where the eyes naturally go when a person is in superconsciousness.
Energy flows outward when there is movement, so keeping the body still and relaxed during meditation enables the energy to flow inward and up the spine toward the point of concentration between the eyebrows. A straight spine promotes this inward flow as well, and the upturned position of the eyes helps you tap into superconsciousness, which is the soul’s natural state of consciousness.
To prepare for meditation, breathe in, hold your breath, and breathe out, each for the same count. Repeat several times. Then tense the entire body while breathing in; hold for a few seconds; relax and breathe out. Repeat several times.
This breathing exercise, and the tensing and relaxing, not only energizes and relaxes the body, but provides an effective transition from ordinary restless thoughts to a calmer consciousness in meditation.
Watching the Breath
Exhale, and then watch the flow of the incoming and outgoing breath without controlling it. In order to avoid controlling the breath, you need to be detached from it, as if you were watching someone else breathe. If you want, you can mentally repeat a short prayer, affirmation, or mantra to coincide with the breath. For example, inhale to “I am” and exhale to “Peace.” Bring the mind back to your concentration on the breath whenever it wanders. Practice this as long as desired.
The breath and heartbeat naturally slow down as you watch the breath in a detached manner. The longer you practice correctly, the calmer and more concentrated you become and the more intuitively receptive you are to divine consciousness.
After practicing, spend time feeling God’s presence in whatever way the divine is manifesting to you, such as peace, joy, or love. Realize that God is there whether you’re feeling anything or not.
Repeat the affirmation or prayer you have chosen, for at least a few minutes, or any one you feel inspired to repeat in the moment. You can also ask God the questions you want answered. Be sure to “listen” for an intuitive response. (See the articles How to Affirm and How to Pray for further instructions.)
If you have time, close your meditation period by studying the quote you have chosen. (See How to Practice the Meditative Method of Spiritual Study for further instructions.)
Meditation is the best way to experience your soul’s natural attunement and union with God, the ultimate Truth. Considering the creative variety and intelligence evident in the outer world, we can assume that God will be no less creative when it comes to the inner world of consciousness, the realm of thought from which all creation has sprung.
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