Spirit

Meditation

Meditation is the mother of all remedial techniques. In fact it is the most powerful method known for enhancing the quality of life. Through the practice of meditation the karmic impressions which cause the person to feel limited, instead of free and happy, are released more quickly and without incurring new karmas. As a result, the mind expands and is able to express more creativity, joy and peace. Life seems much more easy and fulfilling when you meditate regularly.

When I am discussing the spiritual area of the horoscope with a client, the subject of meditation frequently comes up. Many clients tell me that they have tried to meditate in the past, but have not been very successful. Sometimes I find that the reason for this is simply that they are doing the wrong kind of meditation. Not every person is wired for the same kind of meditation. In fact for some people, their horoscope suggests that they should simply go for a long walk every day instead of closing their eyes to meditate. For most people, however, at least a little closed-eye, sitting meditation can be very helpful.

In this respect, the most common complaint is "I can't meditate because I have too many thoughts. I've tried to meditate, but my mind won't settle down no matter what I do." To this I always say, "Of course! This is exactly right. The mind is impossible to control. But this doesn't mean you can't meditate. It simply means you have never learned how to understand or deal with thoughts that come during meditation."

Meditation is probably the single most important thing you can do in life to produce greater energy, vitality and happiness. It is listed as the number one remedial technique for dealing with difficult astrological periods. Yet most people spend only token energy trying to learn how to meditate. They play a tape, read a book, and never really get serious instruction. On the other hand, think of how much time and energy you have spent trying to promote your career. Before you even apply for a job you complete 16-20 years of education costing thousands of dollars. Then when you finally embark on your career you still go back periodically for continuing education to stay current in your field. Over the years you put in countless hours and endure massive pressure and stress all in the pursuit of making a living. All of this effort, however, does not insure that you will be able to enjoy what you have achieved. The world is full of highly successful executives and professionals who suffer from anxiety and stress and are mildly or even severely depressed. They lead empty lives with little joy or passion.

Meditation is also the most effective method for releasing stress and promoting general well being. During meditation, the mind becomes habituated to experiencing a more refined, expanded, and joyful state of awareness. After meditation, this state of consciousness carries over into activity providing the foundation for enjoying the outer areas of life more fully.

During meditation, the mind and body become very rested. Many studies have been done on various types of meditation at places like Harvard Medical School and Stanford Research Institute. They found that meditation delivers a state of physiological rest that is much deeper than sleep. This means that when you meditate, your body is gaining deep rest. After meditation, you feel more refreshed, alert, and alive. The mind tends to feel happy for no reason. This is very similar to the experience that we all sometimes have when we get up in the morning after a very good night's sleep. We feel fresh, rested, and happy for no reason. During the day, everything goes better because our level of mental energy is high and the mind itself is more peaceful and joyful. This is a natural experience. Meditation does the same thing, only on a much more profound level. Because the level of rest that it delivers is much deeper than sleep, the level to which it revitalizes and freshens the mind and body is much greater. As a result of regular meditation, the level of background energy, creativity, and happiness increases in the mind. We then carry this with us to meet every experience and every activity with a fulfilled mind.