Dear Joshua,
I've been meditating on and off for years now, and since I've been asking you questions it has been a daily practice (it was part of the deal with Gary, which I think is good, because often I'll be inconsistent). Does becoming more aware of our inner guidance happen automatically thanks to meditation, or is there something I would need to add during the meditation (such as asking my inner being for something like connection)? I'm curious about getting to more efficient practices or being ok enough with what I'm doing and is there a goal other than coming back to the present and quieting the mind as much as possible for a while?
Kate
Dear Kate,
That is an excellent question. When we ask you to practice meditation, it is just that; a practice. You cannot get it wrong because by simply practicing meditation you are thinking about the range and quality of your thoughts and this is a good thing. Don't be concerned about doing it right, just think about why you're doing it in the first place.
Meditation has several benefits. The first is the ability to gain control over the thoughts that arise within you. This takes time and patience. When you slow your thoughts, you become aware of them. When you try to quiet the mind and you see each thought and then choose to release the thought, you are moving in a direction that will lead to your ability to consciously think thoughts that align with who you are and what you want.
Another benefit of meditation is your awareness of an inner world. When you spend time in meditation, you make your five physical senses less intrusive. The senses are dulled. You move your attention from the outer world to your inner world. You might even become aware of your inner self. You might even attempt to communicate with your inner self. You might communicate with us or with anyone in the nonphysical. This ability to communicate with those in the nonphysical is available to all who want it.
The third benefit of meditation is to become present. In meditation, you feel the present moment. When you suspend thought, you cannot think of the past or the future. Only the present exists. You are never in the past or the future, you are in the now. However, you are often unaware of the present because your mind is thinking so many thoughts about the worrisome possibilities of the future and the regretful aspects of the past. Meditation brings you into the present.
If you have a specific issue, you may meditate about it and see what happens. If you can bring something to meditation that is not too serious and you are not to attached to any specific solution, you can pay attention to the thoughts that come while you are thinking about the issue. If you are in an easy place, you will receive ideas and insights automatically. You will receive "ah-ha's" and inspiration. The ideas and thoughts will feel good to you.
There is nothing to accomplish in meditation. There is no right way or wrong way to do it. Just set an intention to become aware of individual thoughts, to slow thought and to receive inspiration. Relax and feel easy about it. Think of meditation as an enjoyable component of your busy day, but try not to attach yourself to any particular outcome. It should be easy and fun.
Love
Joshua
