| The mind is like the flame on a log - it needs | | | | specifically healing, such as being on a deserted |
| something to burn or to do, and loves | | | | beach, floating in ocean waves, or walking in the |
| entertainment. Be giving it a specific activity, it | | | | countryside. Such images have a calming effect |
| gradually stops jumping all over the place and | | | | that release deep levels of stress and tension |
| begins to grow focused and quiet. This is | | | | within you. In the same way, affirmations, or |
| especially so if the activity we give it is a | | | | positive statements, can be used to release your |
| repetitive one, such as counting the breath or | | | | old self-images and to allow new ways of being to |
| repeating a mantra, which allows the mind to | | | | emerge. |
| focus on just one thing. It becomes one - pointed | | | | In order to develop concentration and awareness, |
| and thus calms down while developing greater | | | | use the breath. Watch it is in and out rhythm, or |
| balance and stability. | | | | count each breath, until you become focused. You |
| There are many forms of meditation, and each | | | | can also use a mantra - a repetitive soothing |
| one is useful in is own unique way. What is | | | | sound or phrase - to focus the mind. Alternatively, |
| important is to find technique that suits you best | | | | concentrate on a candle flame or image and then |
| as an individual. These various techniques may be | | | | close your eyes and visualize it mentally. To |
| roughly categorized as those which stimulate deep | | | | develop insight, simply learn to be present with |
| relaxation and ease; develop the mind in | | | | yourself. Observe your thoughts and sensations, |
| concentration, absorption, and stability; deepen | | | | watching how they come and go, until you see |
| insight and wisdom; open the heart by developing | | | | beneath thoughts to the innate wisdom within |
| loving kindness and forgiveness; and enable us to | | | | yourself. |
| go beyond ourselves through prayer and devotion. | | | | Developing qualities like loving kindness and |
| The common factors in all forms of meditation | | | | forgiveness means opening your heart to both |
| are the attention paid to breathing. The breath | | | | yourself and others. You can learn to slowly |
| connects you with your inner world, and through | | | | release your resistance to or dislike of others and |
| its rhythm, you immediately enter into a quiet | | | | to find a deeper level of understanding in which |
| space. Focusing on the breath, therefore, tends to | | | | you accept others and yourself with compassion. |
| begin each session of meditation. | | | | Through prayer and devotion you reach beyond |
| To encourage deep relaxation and ease, you | | | | yourself to connect with the divine. You go |
| involve the creative mind through using | | | | beyond your individual self to merge with that, |
| visualization exercise. Using the breath to relax | | | | which is greater. |
| and focus, you then create images that are | | | | |