Learn to Meditate
Decide on a Method: Secular or Spiritual? Discursive or Centering? Know the difference!
(Refer to Modes of Thinking)
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Clinically Standardized Meditation (CSM) Dr. Patricia Carrington http://www.medmind.co.uk/index.htm)
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Relaxation Response Dr. Herbert Benson, M.D.
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Mindfulness Meditation Course Stanford Center For Integrative Medicine http://www.stanfordhospital.com
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"Centering Prayer" Christian Approach Also known as Contemplative Prayer, Centering Meditation, "The Jesus Prayer" and "Prayer of the Heart". Experience the silence, using "Centering Prayer" meditation for transcending to enter silence of Divine Presence.
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Learn to Meditate
PMC Syllabus: (click here)
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MEDITATION METHODS & TECHNIQUES:
The secular methods referenced here are widely used. Whether one uses a secular (non-religious) method for meditation or a spiritual approach, either method can provide significant benefits and help improve the quality of life. Some people prefer to enter into silence and to experience the fruits without any religious and/or spiritual connotations, simply for the physical and health benefits, for relaxation, inner peace, for stress management, or for better decision making and honing their skills for problem solving. The secular (non-religious) methods referenced here are widely used.
For those who choose to have a more spiritual experience using a similar process for quieting the mind and transcending, see "Peace Shield Meditation", "Prayer of the Heart" and "Centering Prayer" (also known as "The Jesus Prayer") See "The Value of Silence" and other meditation approached.
All use different approaches of meditation to experience the silence and for transcending mental activity. Whether one uses a secular approach or a spiritual approach, either method can provide significant benefits and can help improve the quality of your life, physically and spiritually (shown by clinical studies and research).
Simple and Easy to Learn
"Meditation is a state of rest, a time of resting the mind, body & spirit"
Learning to meditate (being in silence) does not require a lot of study. Meditation is simple and easy to learn. You do not have to belong to a particular religion, church, organization or group, to learn or do meditation. Some people prefer using religious initiations, ceremonies or rituals, however, the PMC does not advocate such practices as a necessary prerequisite or requirement for effective meditation. (see also PMC disclaimer).
The only requirement is that one finds a quiet place, get comfortable, sit down in a chair (or lie down), close the eyes and relax. You can use or repeat a spiritual word, a short phrase like Jesus, Adonai, Lord have mercy etc. or use a secular word, e.g. peace, love or joy etc.. Or if you prefer not to use sacred language or to use any words at all, just sit quietly in contemplation. However, using a word in repetition often helps to still the mind and calm wondering thoughts. No matter what your choice, just relax the mind and allow the thoughts to come and flow while using your word without focus or trying.
Wondering thoughts, images, or pictures that often come during meditation, can be interpreted symbolically to represent what is going on in ones daily life (similar to dream interpretation), or may be just thoughts that have no particular meaning that are being released from the subconscious mind (a releasing, a clearing or working through the thoughts that come up). If an unwanted or negative thought or imagel should appear (which is normal), acknowledge it, let it go and after meditation analyze the symbolism as to how it relates to your life. In this regard meditation can be a valuable tool. Meditation can sometimes be likened to dreaming in an awakened state. So you might have thoughts and pictures come up in meditation just like when you dream at night. People are often not told about this normal aspect of meditation and sometimes become fearful, when there is no need to be fearful.
The biggest problem with doing meditation is that it is often hard for people to discipline themselves to do it for 10 to 20 minutes a day.
People may sometimes feel agitated, uncomfortable, and think of every reason to stop their meditation, because they think the meditation is not working. The meditation is working, but what may be happening is release of dis-stress. This is one of the best reasons to continue to meditate, because it is working as it should. In a sense meditation is like working muscles during exercise. The more you do it, and understand the process, the more you will see what happens and experience the positive results that you can attain in your life.
(For more on meditation and silence see SYLLABUS , Ed's Articles , Centering Prayer Christian Meditation Approach and Other Spiritual and Religious Meditation Approaches
"Meditation is a state of rest, a time of resting the mind, body and spirit"
* Ed and his wife Loretta believe meditation is a gift from God, used as a process for communion with Him and is a spiritual practice that should be taught and instruction given freely, whenever possible. For the past 10 years Ed has graciously lectured and/or taught classes to groups, churches, government or individuals free of charge.