Keeping it together
How do we keep it together? There are a lot of things in this world that don't work, never worked, and are silly beyond belief. Think about this: we are born on a planet that we need to pay to live on. Have you ever heard of anything as silly as this? Now somewhere in our history someone or some group came up with the idea that ownership of land was the way to go. Out of this idea came tax and a whole lot of other things.
It seems there are a lot of things that go on around us that make very little sense. This can make it difficult to remain authentic. For myself I gravitate to that which I resonate with. Everyone has their own path and their own way. What might feel right for some won't for others. So stay true to yourself and follow what makes you light up from the inside.
Now there is a belief that how we perceive our environment affects our health, not genes or family history, but how we perceive our environment. That being said it is also a good idea to look at what you believe. Sometimes we don't really know what our beliefs are. Ask your self a couple of questions. What kind of world do you live in? What do you think about people? How you answer these question will give you a clue to your beliefs. A good book to read on this is Spontaneous Evolution: Our Positive Future (and a Way to Get There from Here) by Bruce H. Lipton Ph.D. and Steve Bhaerman.
Meditation is probably the single most important self development tool, barr none, that we can all access free of change. Anyone can do it with a little practice. Some of the benefits are:
Reduction of anxiety attacks as it lowers the levels of blood lactate
Enhancement of energy, strength and vigor
Reduction of stress and tension.
Creates a state of deep relaxation and general feeling of well being.
I remember many years ago,one of the first times I had some success with meditating. I was sitting repeating a Traditional Tibetan Prayer I had read on a post card. I had gone through a time of not sleeping well and one night, I gave it a try. It took me awhile to repeat the words without looking at the card. Then something shifted I felt incredibly happy. I felt a deep connection to the planet and all beings; a feeling that everyone was right and everything was as it should be. I don't think you need to be spiritual or religious to meditate . The repeating of the prayer or mantra was a distraction for my busy mind. You can not make your mind be quiet. You trick it a little by focusing lightly on something else. You can also try paying attention to your breathing and repeating the words "in breath out breath". I think the key is not to get worked up about it. You must give up your control. I also think sitting is a good idea with eyes closed. Sitting because if you're laying down, you might fall asleep and having your eyes closed focuses energy inwards. I think if you tell yourself you will sit for meditation everyday you will be glad you did. It's important to keep the deal with yourself as you are establishing trust. It's important to trust yourself! You can try a couple of things I have found useful. Burn incense before you sit or light a candle. Create an atmosphere of ceremony that you will connect with your meditation. I have a bell that I ring once at the beginning and at the end as it helps get me in the mood.
David Lynch foundation has been teaching kids to meditate.
Check it out: http://www.davidlynchfoundation.org
I would love to see meditation become part of the school curriculum. One day maybe it will be.
If you are interested below is the (pray, mantra)I used.
May all beings have happiness and the cause of happiness.
May they be without suffering and the cause of suffering.
May they have genuine joy free from suffering.
Hope you enjoy and visit often!!!