Questions and Clarification Needed

[cameron]

Hello, I am 17 years old and new member of this community. I am fairly new to the concepts of the 1-11th insights. Currently I am beginning to integrate these concepts into my life and have noticed a difference already. I would greatly appreciate if I could receive some insight on some things that I am working on.
First, I have just started to meditate and I maintain "nothingness" in my mind for a short time so far. The process I use to meditate first starts out with me finding the most comfortable place in the most common meditation position. From there I relax my body and breathe in the most tranquil and natural manor I can. After I am done focusing on breathing I can "look back" to the state of mind I had when I was focusing on my breathing. This is the state of mind I attempt to maintain, however I am not completely proficient at keeping the thoughts out of my mind yet. I have also heard that some people let these thoughts enter as they should be explored and clarified. It would be great if some of you willing to help and who have the time to explain their process of meditation in detail so I can improve on my meditation.
My Other questions will be posted later as they do not belong to this category nor do I have the time at the moment. So any help and insight on this matter would be great.
Thanks,
Cameron
*Note I was unable to format the paragraphs so I apologize about the word mess.

[GeneHrsy]

Hello Cameron,

Meditation is one of the most personal and individual endeavors we can undertake. There is no one right way that will work for all individuals, so whatever feels best for you.
When the mind is silent, thoughts may still pass there. But when silence/awareness is achieved the thoughts pass like fish in a stream. They do not act on you and you do not act on them. You become more of an observer of your thoughts than the active participant.
This is perhaps the difference between prayer and meditation. In meditation, the mind is simply cleared of encumbering thoughts and channels are opened to the free flow of Chi. In prayer, we find silence/awareness but we carry with us the questions or thanks that we seek to share. Then, in silence again, the answers come; or our life takes on new meaning and we find what we are seeking there. Realizing the intelligence of creation and the force of Love that is the essence of All Being will show you the truest guide you can ever find.
Meditation becomes fruitful in life when we begin to see that Creator/Intelligence in everything that touches our life. Then everything and everybody we come in contact with becomes the Voice of the Teacher and the Lessons of Love, and allowing the Force to flow through without hindrance.

Namaste
Gene
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It Just Keeps Getting Better
Time is the measurement of humanity's Awakening to the True nature of Now.
Ever wonder what would happen if the whole world farted, then smiled at the same time??

[cameron]

Thank you for the information.

[Ziggy]

Hey Gene, great responce and Love ya, Cameron, I am always so blown away at how many young people are finding there way to a very deep place early in their lives, having an empty mind while meditating is not easy and sometimes those thoughts that enter while we are doing it are a road map to silence. Just trust that whatever is going on at that moment is exactly what should be. As time goes by you will start to hear the silence and see the nothingness of life and you will smile.
Love ya and welcome to this special place.
Z
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Attach to Nothing
Shaman Ziggy
C.E.O. (Concerned Environmental Officer)
H.E.A.L. (Heal Earth and Life)

[GeneHrsy]

Cameron,

It took me a while, but i remembered a couple of other things that i used to do that helped me learn to silence the racket in my head.

I used a transcendental technique where you find a spot on the wall or on the ceiling and just keep your focus on that spot. Soon you will begin to see the aura that surrounds everything. Then you may feel yourself come out of your body and see your body where it is in the world. You will return there again when your lesson/gift is accepted. Sometime it is only a moment to the world though it may seem like a long time to you, and you may learn so much in that moment that you will spend the rest of your life reflecting on it ... or not.

Another technique is to imagine something totally nonsensical (word) to the world we've grown in, like 'a purple fish with lead boots flying in the air.' (you can make up your own too) Concentrate on it. See it. Take no action on it, nor try to communicate with it. Just imagine it, and soon enough, the mind quiets.

The thing about all of this, however, is that to each his own ... in other words ... some people find this Presence while walking, or while writing, or while making music, or while building a building; while escaping the soldiers (CP reference ) it may come to you in your sleep. The most thing is that you continue to seek truth and love, compassion and healing. Everything will open to you.

Thank You
Namaste, fellow sage,
Gene
_________________
It Just Keeps Getting Better
Time is the measurement of humanity's Awakening to the True nature of Now.
Ever wonder what would happen if the whole world farted, then smiled at the same time??

[cameron]

I also tend to use music for my meditation. Is that a poor tool to use?

[GeneHrsy]

I guess it depends on the music, and if it works for you. I found that the music didn't last as long as the meditation and I'd always end up in silence. But that was in the days of LP's ... ha ha ... MP3 players may end the ending before the meditation.

These days, I find silence the best tool for quieting the mind.
_________________
It Just Keeps Getting Better
Time is the measurement of humanity's Awakening to the True nature of Now.
Ever wonder what would happen if the whole world farted, then smiled at the same time??

[cameron]

Silence works the best for me only if I am outside in the woods. For some reason when I am inside I can not meditate to my fullest potentail. Perhaps I just need to practice silent inside more often?? When I am inside I found a website that has music for deep meditation that is a half an hour.

[Theressa]

Hi Cameron,

If you concentrate on your in breath and out breath it will help you meditate. Some say peace on the in breath and calm on the out.

Some take some deep breaths and feel each body part relax.

I like to visualise a beautiful place. I see my on a country path and go through some mist and then see a country gate and enter it. (this helps me change consciousness) then I see myself in a meadow with the sun above and clear sky. I then go over to a stream. I walk along the bank of the stream. I see first a red flower and I breath its beauty and then I pick it and toss it into the stream. I do the same with the next flower which is orange, then yellow flower, then a pink flower, light blue, dark blue and finally purple. Then I see a beautiful white light all around me.

Then I set off back along the stream seeing the flower of all the colours floating. and then I go back through the meadow and country gate and mist and back on to the country lane.

Or use crystals on each chakra point which are red, orange, yellow, pink, light blue, dark blue, purple/white.

Or watch a candle flame.

Carmen all these things are just ways/tools to access your inner calmness and connection.

You can also buy guided meditations on CD that are similar to the one I describe with the flowers.

Love and light
Theressa

[cameron]

Thank you very much. I was taught the more "active color" to "calm color" technique as a young child. However, i was taught to visualize the colors as no item or no object, just as a color. I thank you for your input, this approach seems like it would benefit me much more. Although I think I must learn to slowly create my own method by making a combination of what approaches work best for me. I assume this is what others do to maximize the efficiency of their meditation.

[GeneHrsy]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gpjJUbPfzY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMxKffswZ1Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1UEXBXNyyQ

Cameron,

You are on the right track, as far as we can tell. It is so good that you are allowing yourself to do this.
The links above are to three videos that are very helpful in imaging what Theressa is talking about. There are many other valuable lessons, taught via video, on the YouTube site as well. Some demonstrate the power of the Chi energy ... I was taught to only use this energy for healing and protection ... that decision is yours. I hope this helps too.

Namaste
Gene
_________________
It Just Keeps Getting Better
Time is the measurement of humanity's Awakening to the True nature of Now.
Ever wonder what would happen if the whole world farted, then smiled at the same time??

[cameron]

Thank you for your help Gene.

I know use that chakra colors in my meditation by not the points. For those who meditate and picture themselves somewhere; Do you observe yourself or do you see as you would normally see in day to day life? I am still trying to improve my 3rd eye vividness and strength which is proving to be difficult.

[sister goshe]

I appreciate this thread - after so many years I'm finally finding a deep need to meditate. Its so helpful for staying in the moment... grateful for all the posts friends!
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Sister G0$he