2: Center and Connect - Meditation - Finding the Self
“So wise souls, leaving self behind
move forward,
and setting self aside
stay centered.
Why let the self go?
To keep what the soul needs.”
Reflection:
With all of the dings and pings of our world today and the fast pace of our life, sometimes we lose ourselves in the spin. On many levels, we have it much easier than our ancestors. For most of us, to wash clothes, we just throw them into the washer. We can be thankful for these tools that make our lives so much easier. However, I have noticed that with each step up in “convenience,” there is a loss we take. For example, if I walk to whatever destination I have in mind, my senses are awaked to more of the beauties of this world much more so than if I were to take my car. My body benefits from the exercise that walking provides, and I feel connected, and grounded, and alive. If I take the elevator, as I zoom to a higher level, I miss out on all of the exercise that talking the stairs would offer to me. I would get to the top quickly for sure, but all of that exercise that I would get by climbing the stairs that is so good for my lungs, and limbs, and heart would be by-passed. In the same strain, if I open a can and dump the prepared food on my plate, many of the nutrients have been lost which I would miss, and too - I would miss the joy of food preparation which is always a delight to the senses especially if you eat fresh, ripe, and raw fruits and vegetables like I do. And, as the packages have to be recycled or if not possible, tossed in a landfill, the Earth takes a loss here too.
As we move through our convenient day, the losses we take add up. We have accomplished so much, but how do we feel? When considering a CHARMED life, this is the first question to posit: How do I feel? Sometimes we are so numbed and so distracted that the answer is slow to arrive. That’s when we need to disconnect from the high speeds and reconnect with the self.
In all of my living, I have found that one of the most “convenient” methods to reconnect is meditation. Meditation is easy to do. All you need really is yourself. And this is one of the convivences that doesn’t come at a cost. The practice of taking the time and quieting the mind is so beneficial.
As we consider centering and connecting for the first time in this series, I think it is good to begin with the center - the self. It is not until we feel easy and at home with ourselves, that we can connect with others, the earth, or with the Divine. To live a CHARMED life, it is essential to know who we are on the inside. Cultivating an awareness of how we feel on a moment by moment basis is a good and benefiting practice. As we move within, to the core, we sift through thoughts and feeling and sensations of the body; but, more importantly, when we go within, we find a core - a light, an eternal energy that is linked to the Divine. Taping into that allows us to ground ourselves and then - we will be able to authentically express ourselves - Just as we breathe - the flow is the same - we gather inward and release outward in a rhythmic flow.
Centering Thought:
I am here; I am love; I am home.
Transcript for the Guided Meditation:
Note: To better ground yourself for this meditation, please find a quiet place and sit in a comfortable position with your feet crossed in front of you and your hands resting gently on your knees or in your lap. Smile, close your eyes, and begin to be aware of your breath.
Breathe.
Fill your lungs with oxygen. Pull inward and release. Breathe - Breathe. Let the air explore your body. Breathe in and breathe out - release.
Notice the floor or ground beneath you. You are grounded. You are safe. Settle into this safe place - settle into stillness. Inhale. Exhale. You are relaxed.
Notice your thoughts. Breathe in and acknowledge them. Breathe out - let them go. Inhale - Exhale - Release - your mind is clear.
Notice your skin. Notice how your skin feels encircling your body. Breathe in and breathe out. Move your attention to your heart. Hear the beats. It is keeping you alive. Notice your breathing and your heart beating. The sounds of you living. Breathe in. You are breath and blood circulating. Breathe out - release.
Inhale deeply into your nose and exhale slowly through your nose. Breath in - breathe out - relax - you are very still - you are at peace.
Place your attention on this intention - repeat it - and return to it as often as you like:
I am here; I am love; I am home.
I am here; I am love; I am home.
I am here; I am love; I am home.
And now silently in your mind.
I am here; I am love; I am home. Breathe in and breathe out. Move your body gently and open your eyes. Breathe in and release. Smile. Welcome home.
Questions:
What are the various ways that you connect with yourself?
When you look to yourself, what do you see?
How do you feel?
Do you feel at home with yourself?
When you listen to yourself, what do you hear?
Are you mindful about how you live your life?
Gratitude:
I am so thankful that I am aware of how I live. I am grateful that I have a CHARMED life. I am thankful for the results I have from living mindfully and expressively. I give thanks for my life and the time and space and energy and ideas I have to create this series for you.
Blessings
Thank you for joining me today. Thank yourself too - for taking the time out of your busy life to do something for yourself. As you move into the rest of today, remember that wherever you go, you will always be at home with yourself, and you are always welcomed, and you are always loved. I hope you have a beautiful day. Please subscribe and leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you. Namaste~