Nature

Loving kindness Meditation

Sit comfortably and relax into a gentle pose. Think of your fingers relaxing, the muscles in your neck relaxing, breathe gently as you feel tensions leave your body.

As you relax think of a moment when you felt loving kindness. It may have been a time when you helped someone just for the sake of helping, it may be a time when you held a little baby in your arms, or a time spent with a little animal. Find that moment and feel it as deeply as you can and imagine the feeling of loving kindness anchored in your heart.

As the feeling deepens with each breath, imagine this feeling of loving kindness shining out of your heart to a place in front of you, creating a pink column of loving light. (If a group, then in the centre of the circle). Be in the moment as you create this column of loving light.

Think of someone you admire. The first person you think of is usually the image you need. It might be someone you know, or it might be someone you don’t know, or it might even be a figure of history. As vividly as you can, see the face of that person in the column of loving light. As you think of this person, think too of the qualities that you see in this person that you admire. What are those qualities?

As you think of those qualities, think too that you have these same qualities in you. Otherwise you wouldn’t be able to see these qualities. The person you have chosen is a mirror. Look to them and see the shared qualities and bring that understanding back into your heart while you vividly see them in the light.

As you look into their eyes, see also that this person is similar to you. They have their trials and tribulations, they have fears and feelings about life, they have their moments when they are unsure of their place in the world, they have their moments of strength, their moments of vulnerability, their moments of pain and sorrow, grief and broken dreams, as well as their moments of joy and love and hope. As you look into their face and realise they are just like you – trying to find their way in this world – know they are also your teacher. Thank them, wish them well and imagine them gently being absorbed into the pink light.

Feel loving kindness in your heart and again connect that feeling with the column of loving light and breathe the light for a moment of gentleness.

Now think of someone that you know that you are having problems with, someone that you may not like or you stay away from. The first image is usually the one you need to connect with. See that person as vividly in the light as you can. See them in the column of loving light. What are the qualities of that person that rub you up the wrong way or distress you. Name them to yourself. Then as you name those qualities, know that this person is a mirror of you and a teacher. The qualities you name are qualities you have.

Look into their eyes and see them as someone who is just like you – trying to make sense of the world. They are someone who has pain and suffering, they too have their obstacles and tribulations, and fears. They have dreams which may not happen, aspirations, joys and loves. They too have moments where they have no idea what is going on, or how to go ahead. They have their reasons for being as they are and if they could be different then they would be. Feel your loving kindness towards them to help them. Thank them for being in your life and showing you what you need to see. Thank them for being a teacher. Wish them well on their journey and allow them to dissolve into the column of light.

Feel your connection to loving kindness again and strengthen the bond of your heart and column connection. Take a few gentle deep breaths as you strengthen that connection.

Now think of someone who may be ill or who needs loving kindness right now. Imagine them in the light and send them healing and love and your loving thoughts. Just take a moment to see them as clearly as you can in the column of light. And allow them to gently dissolve into that column.

As you look at the column of light, imagine it slowly beginning to revolve and grow. And as it grows it begins to take in all around you, the room in which you sit, the house, the city, the state, the country and going out into the world. See the light of loving kindness surrounding the world and going out to all living beings and entities.

Sit and quietly imagine this light shining and helping everyone. Then when ready just bring yourself back to this room. Feel the seat beneath you, feel your body, feel the breath in your lungs. When ready, take a few deep breaths and gently open your eyes.

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Nature

Connecting with higher self

Sit comfortably in an area where you will not be disturbed by others or outside influences. Ensure your back is straight but not rigid and that you are comfortable in your pose. Close your eyes. Breathe gently and feel the chest expansions and contractions. If your mind wanders, just come back to feeling your breath.

Create a thought of willingness to connect with your Higher Self. Make an intention to listen and connect with that part of you which is all-knowing and connected to the Divine Principle of Life. Once you have made that intention, again sit quietly and breathe gently.

Imagine a stair case going down. Observe the stairs and what those steps are made from. Be as descriptive as you can to bring your focus to those stairs. There is a railing as well. What colour is it? What is it made of? Can you imagine feeling that railing? Again, focus your attention on the stairs and the railing, and imagine you are standing at the top step and feeling the railing.

You feel safe. And you want to descend. Imagine as vivdly as you can going down step by step. And with each step you feel more relaxed, more comfortable, more removed from your day to day life. Imagine just quietly and slowly descending. Feeling more and more relaxed with each step. Take your time. Enjoy the feeling of gentleness and relaxation which grows with each step down the stair case.

When you reach the bottom of the stair case, you will see a hallway. There are several doors in that hallway. Imagine the colour of the doors, and what they are made of. You will see one that says Highest Self. This is the door you have been wanting to find. Focus on the door. What colour is it? What is it made of? Where is the door knob? Imagine reaching out and taking hold of that door knob. What does it feel like? Be as descriptive as possible.

When you feel comfortable, open the door and enter into what is a beautiful, warm golden mist. * Remember your intention of willingness to listen to your Highest Self and go on the journey that is yours alone. Listen to the voice that comes, feel its tone, and love. Feel the strength. Feel the difference of this voice against any other voices that you sometimes hear.

When you have finished with your meeting, imagine entering the gold mist again, and finding your way to the door. Pass through the door into the hallway, being mindful of how you feel and what you sense. You see the stair case and move to it. You put your hand on the railing and feel it. Does it feel more real? Do you feel more sensitive? Is your description more vivid? What do you sense as you take the first step up the stair case?

You move gently up the stairs, feeling alive, strong, healthy and excited about your path ahead. You know you can connect with your Highest Self whenever you wish. You know you will hear the difference now of the voice you normally have in your head, and the voice of your Highest Self.

You know that you can have guidance for every part of your journey whenever you wish. With each step up the stair case, you still feel relaxed, however, you are feeling more awake with each upward movement.

When you reach the top of the stair case, take a deep gentle breath, and imagine yourself sitting comfortably again. You feel the seat underneath you, you feel your fingers and toes, and may even wiggle them as you feel your body. Feel your breath, touch your teeth with your tongue, feel the heaviness of your physical form, and in our own time, open your eyes.

* Sometimes when one opens the door, it is not to a golden mist, but can be waterfalls, forests, flower gardens, beds. Your Highest Self will actually lead you to a comfortable, safe place. Let your imagination take you where ever it is that you need to be. And enjoy the experience.

There will come a time when you will hear the voice of your Highest Self without needing to sit and connect in meditation. The more you listen to it, the louder it becomes. The choice will always be yours whether you heed the advice of the voice or the voice of ego. All choices are correct Just some choices lead us to a place with less struggle.

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