Path of the Mediator

Meditation is not a difficult or esoteric practice available only to those of us who are already in touch with our spirituality or psychic phenomena. Neither is it achievable with only a specific goal in mind. A mediators path is both endless and endlessly rewarding for its an experience of peace, not an act carried out to find peace.

I teach my students the essence of meditation. The essence of meditation is a natural experience of healing. The word "meditation" comes from the Latin word "mederi" which means to heal: the call of the spirit to the peace within. If youre an honest person and can look at your own life, youll recognize pain, suffering and darkness in certain areas. The deepest repair to your being is when meditation gives you its greatest gift: the realization of who you are. With this comes freedom. The ultimate destination of meditation is freedom for the spirit.

Spirit is distinct from mind, but yet, may recruit this faculty for its own purposes. Meditation draws these strands together in a unity of being. You are spirit, which is conscious and self aware, and the mind is your faculty of creation, the canvas which spirit paints its inspiration into a reality. Meditation is the road to self-realization. Along that road you need to cast aside all of your false identities. This is essential if youre going to create that internal space in which you can welcome back your inner peace you have lost along lifes way.

A common misconception about mediation is that if removes you from consciousness. You feel that you need to stop thinking. In fact, the opposite is true. Meditation teaches you to contemplate yourself using your own purest thoughts, such as "I am spirit and MY original and ete al nature is peace." Only thoughts unencumbered by rationalization can open the window onto self-knowledge and self-understanding.

As your spiritual self-awareness becomes stronger, so does your ability to move about in the world as a free and assured human being, with increasing calm amid lifes turbulence. Youll also gain a greater capacity for empathy and compassion towards others who are not at peace. Meditation gives you a sense of togethe ess with all things, the community of spirit. Youre able to appreciate each of your worldly experiences with a more focused vision of whats important.

When you first begin meditation, its best to find a quiet empty space with NO distractions, (ideally a room in your home or apartment thats rarely visited by others), so you can learn to focus your mind. Start out with ten or fifteen minutes per day. You can always lengthen this when it seems appropriate and only after your initial sessions. Soft lighting can help the atmosphere, to help you focus. When first learning to meditate, I suggest trying a guided commentary such as a recording by an experienced Meditator who can lead you into soul-consciousness. At the end of the session, reflect on your experience. Note how your mood has changed and how valuable the mediation has been.