I’ve lost count of the number of times a caller has said “meditation just doesn’t work for me!” I just laugh, and tell them they’ve come to the right place, because quieting my overactive mind has always been a big challenge.
And since the silence, space and peace which only meditation can bring are key to psychic ability, expanded awareness and inner peace, I’ve put a lot of effort into developing meditation forms which help me get my busy, busy mind to settle down and shut up!
The key for me is to wrestle the focus of my being out of my head and into some other part of my body or energy field. Focusing on the brow/Third Eye point, or trying to empty my thoughts just don’t get me far enough away from my brain. Instead, I use either moving meditations, or visualizations which use conscious, controlled breathing to redirect and then hold my energy, my focus… anywhere but my brain!
And in all of this, breath is the key. Breath is life force, and if you consciously breathe in that sacred essence, and then exhale with focused intent, you can send the life force energy anywhere.
The most effective moving meditations are ones which include directed breathing and tight focus on either chakras or body points. Yoga, t’ai chi and chi gung are excellent, but so are some forms of sacred dance, and, of course, running.
And then there’s my favorite, which is mindful walking. I prefer early morning, when the air is fresh and full of nature’s sweetness, birds are singing and the rest of the world is only just waking. As I walk in silence I cycle my attention again and again through each of my senses, observing what I hear, see, feel, smell and taste, all the while breathing deeply and steadily. I don’t analyze. Just experience. The observation and conscious breathing require all my attention and – presto! – my mind ceases its chatter and slides into a state of awe.
Of the visualizations I use, the one which is the most effective in times of stress is very simple. I sit or lie down, begin breathing steadily and deeply, and imagine with each in-breath that I am drawing my energy and focus out of my brain and into my heart chakra. With each out-breath I expand the activated heart chakra energy out into the rest of my being.
I use the heart chakra because it is the balance point of the chakra system, and the seat of unconditional love. From the heart chakra’s calm center you naturally, as you breathe in, draw on both physical and spiritual energies, and blend them into a healing brew which you can then exhale out into your whole being. And as you steadily and mindfully breathe, the mind’s monkey chatter is silenced and you slip effortlessly into peaceful centeredness and silence.
What are your favorite methods to calm the mind?
7 thoughts on “How to Cheat at Meditation”
hi darcy
how are you? where can I find that CD? I am interested…Sounds good.
Thanks,
Miss Krystal
Hi, Verbena!
Thanks for the great tips. I find that I get a little AD/HD while trying to meditate, so I can use all the pointers you’ve got! I’m sure that if I did it more often, I might not have such a problem with focusing.
One trick that I use to keep myself focused is to listen to music. I put on the ear phones and pick a song that can become just background noise after awhile. I give myself a few minutes to listen to the song and think about whatever comes swirling into my head. I’ve found that it only takes a few minutes before I’m no longer really paying attention to the words (if it even has words) or to my random thoughts. I then focus on just the rhythm of the music. Once I get to that point, I can usually successfully meditate.
I have no idea why this works for me…it just does!
Happy Meditation,
Duck 🙂
Hi Verbena,
As for me, counting each breath inhaled and exhaled helps the monkey mind to focus. Simply count 1 to 10 for every breath inhaled and exhaled and repeat the process until the mind is able to focus. When the mind is able to concentrate, just drop the counting. I think this is helpful for beginners, but it’s easy to lose count even before 10!
Regards, Lwee.
Verbena,
Very nice article. I use walking meditation everyday. I put all my senses into nature this cleanses, clears and recharges me from my readings not to mention keeps my body happy with movement. Gina Rose mentions hypnotherapy techniques, being a hypnotherapist the techniques of using the senses is a form of going into hypnosis and meditation is a form of self hypnosis. The mind is a vast computer with unlimited storage. Just like computers we need to protect it, defrag it and do regular maintance for it to thrive. Like Miss Krystal I use a sea salt bath I call it a spiritual bath with candles, music and a nice glass of Pinot Noir or a Pino Gregio and give my stress & worries to God, the angels, guides and the divine now that is just heavenly ~
Many Blessings & Cyber Hugs
~Abigail~
HI Verbena-thanks for the great & informative article…Always a delight to read your work & totally enjoy reading your spirit guide answers….
In response to this article-I am very sensitive to sound-and light….I try to always make my lighting very dim….I like to have a water fountain on and burn incense that smells like the ocean/harp music is another…This does the trick, everytime…
I also take herbal/salt baths…..Sometimes a short cut is better than doing nothing. However, I have had the mindset of doing a quick meditation, that ONLY ended up being long lol
Go figure. You are the best. Happy 4th of July!
Huggies,
Miss Krystal
Hi, Verbena,
Thanks for a great article on meditation. It truly spoke to me, as I have a very “busy” mind as well. As you mentioned, I have found, too, that long beach walks wherein I am not thinking of anything at all but watching the waves, the sunsets, and hearing the sounds of the water…….all of a sudden I get a mental flash which is the answer to something I have been concerned about or thinking about. My feet are still moving on the sand, but I do feel that my mind and heart go into a very serene, still place.
Thanks again for another great article from you. I’m excited to see what methods others use and post here.
Sincerely,
Maryanne
X9146
Hi Verbena,
Excellent tips for meditation !!!!!
I use hypnotherapy techniques to meditate myself.
They need to put aside the time and make it part of their daily routine too……
Blessed Be )O(
Gina Rose ext.9500