MEDITATION PRACTICE

For the past five weeks I have been taking a meditation class every Thursday night from 7-9 PM. It has been a wonderful opportunity to open my mind to the possibilities that exist and for a chance to become centered and relaxed. I have noticed that I am having less trouble falling asleep at night since practicing.

This tree shows the many types of practices that are available for everyone to choose from. Some people do more than one of these. Some of these I never considered "meditation" but since taking this class it has opened up my mind to the possibility that MANY things we do on a daily basis can be lumped into the category of meditation.

Activist Practices include working and volunteering.-- Stillness Practices include sitting in the silence. (This is the type we have been practicing on Thursdays.)-- Relational Practices include dialogue and deep listening. Did you ever consider this meditation? Do you know someone who could benefit from doing this type of meditation? I sure do. (including myself) --Another type is Contemplative Practice and art and journaling are part of this.-- Some people have started doing labyrinth walking. Here in our area there was just an article in the Auburn Journal regarding a new labyrinth that had been installed and is now being used. Walking meditation is also popular. Many people I follow daily do some sort of walking meditation. I'm sure you can think of many people who walk streams, rivers, creeks, woods, etc. picking up stones, thinking and generally clearing their minds. These are all part of Movement Practice.

Today, I spent the morning pulling weeds in the garden that has been established at the Independent Home Study Program where one of my daughters works. The garden had been neglected all summer so the weeds were thick and had taken over most of the raised beds. It was pretty darned hot out there too. But, I believe in service (Activist Practice) so I volunteered to do this and feel good that I accomplished what I did today. I, in no way, finished the entire garden. That would take either more people or more hours but I wouldn't mind going back another day to help complete the task.

Think of ways to help others and I'm sure that you will also see that it benefits you immensely. It is all part of meditating, growing, becoming a better individual in this lifetime, and generally just feeling darn good; about yourself AND others. It doesn't leave much room for hatred and jealousy. It does open your heart up. Give it a try. Most of you might already be doing meditation and never even knew it.

For more information about this you can go to the website listed above or: www.contemplativemind.org