Turn inward through meditation: Slow down to speed up tip #1

May 20, 11:27 AMNew Thought ExaminerAlex Marcoux

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As spiritual beings we need to turn inward to connect with Spirit. We need to slow down to speed up because when we turn to Spirit we have the ability to manifest miracles. The most common practice to turn inward and connect is through meditation.

When we meditate we clear our mind of life’s distractions. We create a setting which allows us to gain a fresh perspective on how to handle the stress and problems of our everyday life. We also open ourselves to the gifts of creativity and inspiration.

Fitting meditation into our life isn’t always easy. This was the most difficult spiritual practice to fit into my busy life – and it is the most important one. Whatever it takes – do it – even if it is only five minutes a day! After any meditation, express gratitude no matter what the results are.

Most of my adult life I didn’t believe I meditated. But I routinely hiked alone in the foothills of Colorado, and it was during these hikes that I received inspiration for some of my novels. One day I took a friend on a hike and while I certainly enjoyed his company, the trek was very different than what I had become accustomed to. It wasn’t relaxing and my mind never quieted since we talked the entire hike. I realized that hiking had become my form of meditation.

Meditation isn’t only sitting in a dark quiet room, or having your body distorted in a position that hurts! Meditation is about quieting your mind, letting go and slowing down so you can speed up! Whatever brings you to the point where you are at peace will do, whether that is sitting quietly, performing yoga, chanting, walking or even hiking.

Create a special area in your home to meditate. Create your sanctuary. Have a plant, a lit candle, and water nearby. Burning incense can be soothing. When you meditate make sure your family knows this is your special time and you expect no interruptions. If you are new to meditation, consider setting up a CD or tape player so you can listen to guided meditations. Consider meditating to music or recorded natural sounds (rain, waterfall, heartbeat, ocean, or summer’s night).

A very common and effective meditation is the breathing meditation. With eyes partially or fully closed you simply breathe naturally, through your nostrils, and pay attention to the inhalation and exhalation and the motion of the diaphragm and abdomen. Maintain complete focus on the breath. Another meditation I enjoy is to silently affirm, ‘God is’ on the inhale, and ‘I am’ on the exhale. I encourage you to explore as many types of meditation as possible, until you find one that works for you.

Meditation brings wisdom; lack of mediation leaves ignorance.
Know well what leads you forward and what holds you back,
and choose the path that leads to wisdom."
- Buddha

The primary objective of meditation is inner peace. Meditation is only one practice you can use to turn inward. In the articles to follow I will share with you some other practices you can use to slow down to speed up your spiritual development and connect with Spirit.