He who is persistent will realize God. So try your best to make meditation a regular experience in your life. – Paramahansa Yogananda

Meditation helps with the training of our minds and brings about transformation on both a physical and spiritual level. Everyday Medical science is proving that it does wonders for our physical & mental health. And spiritually, through the cultivation of concentration, meditation quiets mental chatter which allows us to enter into silence.

Why is silence important?

Because silence allows us to get in touch with our spiritual senses. Transcending the mental chatter of conscious thought allows us to see that we are not our thoughts. We are the witness behind the thought. And this realization helps us come to know our inner essence, which some traditions call our Buddha-nature, Soul, God, etc…

We are told in the Biblical Book of Kings, that when God appeared to the prophet Elijah, He could not be found in the wind, an earthquake, or a fire; but instead, God was found in a “still small voice” or “a gentle whisper” (1Kings 19:11-12).

God is always speaking and calling out to us. But if things are too loud and chaotic around us, then the voice of our soul, inner self or the voice of God will be drowned out from our hearing. It is only when we are still and enter into silence that we may truly hear & know God.

“Be still; and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

Now, there are numerous types of meditation techniques and I’m not going to tell you that one type of meditation is better than any other. Everyone should practice and follow whatever they feel most comfortable with and gives them the best results. But, some of the more common types that you can look into are:

1. Transcendental Meditation (TM): This is a specific form of mediation in which a mantra (sound, syllable or word) is repeated to bring about a transformation or a change in consciousness. This method became very popular once the Beatles began practicing this form of meditation. And it is perhaps the most popular & well-recognized form of meditation here in the US.
2. Mindfulness Meditation: Mindfulness is a very broad category which encompasses a vast number of different techniques. But one of the most commonly practiced mindfulness methods is that in which our attention is focused on the inhalation and exhalation of the breath. We don;t try to control the breath – that would be a pranayama exercise. Instead, we allow the breath to be however it is in the moment and we just witness or observe the body breathing.
3. Guided Meditation: This is a technique in which you may listen to a pre-recorded CD or have a group leader guide you along during your meditation session.
4. Visualization Meditation: In this approach, you may envision yourself going on a journey, or meeting and speaking with a spiritual master, religious founder, or holy person. Used in many types of Shamanistic techniques or journeys. Some visualization techniques may even have you imagine yourself moving energy throughout your body or up & down your spine.
5. Focused (Object) Meditation: Here we focus our mind or our attention on a picture of spiritual significance or even on an object such as a candle flame, flower, etc…

Now, whichever you choose, the important requirement for all, is to have a quiet and comfortable place to practice. Some may want to add incense or low music to your meditation time, but this is totally at your own discretion. The whole idea is to just make this time as peaceful, enjoyable, and comfortable as you can.

Also, many think that when they hear the word meditation that it’s something difficult, but it isn’t once you learn and continually practice it. And many go into the practice with preconceived notions about what they are supposed to be experiencing, and when nothing seems to be happening they get frustrated & give up. Therefore, I encourage you not to start your meditation expecting anything. Just sit down, practice, and let things be. Just be aware of the thoughts that arise in your mind, but do not fight them. View them as an observer and let them go by.

You see every second our minds are filtering millions of bits of information, so all kinds of thoughts go racing through our heads. These thoughts affect our moods, health, etc…, because we react to them. We have not been properly taught how to be unattached from these thoughts which arise within us. And this is what meditation is really for. When we can be unattached to what comes our way, we have more peace & calmness in our lives.

Therefore, learn how to control your thoughts so that you may become a master of your mind. It does take practice and perseverance. If you want to be a master meditator you just have to – practice, practice, practice.

God bless you on your journey! And remember to – Always Heed the Spirit,

Anthony Profeta

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