As a method of coping with the challenges of transition I can think of no better way than meditation. Without it my journey would have ended long ago. So this blog is a short look at meditation and how I got started along with several suggestions for you.
Since childhood I was fascinated by those who meditated, especially monks. I could see the benefits but when I tried my mind was too wild and difficult to tame. I fidgeted or fell asleep. I tried biofeedback as a way to calm my mind and to control it which did help a bit however I did not have the discipline necessary to really make it powerful. These things take constant daily practice with determination and confidence. I had neither.
What I did have was sports, not really by choice but by necessity. Basketball was forced down my throat and so this became my meditation. On retrospect my coach was helping me meditate whether we knew it or not! You see meditation is not simply sitting on a mat in the lotus position and putting your mind in a theta brainwave state. Although that is the end result desired. Brainwave amplitude and frequency are the key.
“The brain is an electrochemical organ using electromagnetic energy to function. Electrical activity emanating from the brain is displayed in the form of brainwaves emanating from the brain is displayed in the form of brainwaves. There are four categories of these brainwaves. They range from the high amplitude, low frequency delta to the low amplitude, high frequency beta.
BETA – 13-30 cycles per second – awaking awareness, extroversion, concentration, logical thinking – active conversation. A debater would be in high beta. A person making a speech, or a teacher, or a talk show host would all be in beta when they are engaged in their work.
ALPHA – 7-13 cycles per second – relaxation times, non-arousal, meditation, hypnosis
THETA – 4-7 cycles per second – day dreaming, dreaming, creativity, meditation, paranormal phenomena, out of body experiences, ESP, shamanic journeys.
DELTA – 1.5-4 or less cycles per second – deep dreamless sleep
During meditation brain waves alter. A person who is driving on a freeway, and discovers that they can’t recall the last five miles, is often in a theta state – induced by the process of freeway driving. This can also occur in the shower or tub or even while shaving or brushing your hair. It is a state where tasks become so automatic that you can mentally disengage from them. The ideation that can take place during the theta state is often free flow and occurs without censorship or guilt. It is typically a very positive mental state. (http://www.crystalinks.com/medbrain.html)
Now that you know what meditation is you know that it is hard not to meditate. We all do it every day so why not use this tool constructively. You can see if you go too far you slip into sleep, but I have learned that it is not a bad thing. Meditate anyway and with practice you can get what you need from the exercise. This is key – it is an intentional exercise that you do daily. Focus on some aspect of your life that you wish to change or need help with, focus is good, but try not to think too much. I start off with a situation or dilemma I am working with and then let my mind go. Ask a question and then relax. Allow your thoughts to flow. Don’t judge them or try to direct them, just observe.
One thing I do now days to help the process is binaural beat brain wave therapy. It is simple really and can be very effective. Lots of material is available on the internet now, so explore this further. I started with Centerpointe Research Institutes program of meditation recordings and was very pleased. I used them for about 3 years till they just got too cost prohibitive so I looked elsewhere. Be sure to use stereo headphones to get the full effect. I recommend doing your research on this because I don’t have the space to explain it all and this is important. Start with this link.
The important thing is that you consciously meditate every day! Read my free eBook Methods of Raising Our Energy for more techniques. And know that you cannot mess-up or even avoid mediation. It is a natural part of daily human life!
🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth
Oneness Ministry 
We have like minds! Thanks for who you are and all you share!!
I am glad that someone is getting some use out of this material. I read your article on meditation and copied it for future reference. We share the One Mind 😉