.png)
Meditation
The word meditation comes from the latin term, meditatum , which means 'to ponder'.
​
Meditation seems to be as ancient as humanity itself.
There is evidence that firegazing, shamanic guided meditations, and Buddhist and Taoist meditation has been practiced since the earliest of ages.
​
Meditation is the most powerful tool to help us connect with our thoughts from the conscious mind, to the hidden subconscious, to our higher self and soul.
​
By taking the time to tune in and still our minds, we can open ourselves up to new levels of awareness and understanding.
​
As you explore the depths of your inner world, you really can discover the magic within.
Spiritual Meditation
Spiritual meditation is a powerful way to connect with our souls and find inner wisdom.
Unlike other forms of meditation which helps bring your attention to the present moment and helps you quieten a noisy anxious mind, spiritual meditation is a unique practice that focuses on spiritual connection and soul growth.
If you find you do have anxious racing thoughts, learning to meditate and still these thoughts could be beneficial before you start to practice spiritual meditation.
​
Your meditation practice is designed to bring you closer to your higher self and awaken the connection with the spirit within. As you build a daily practice, you will deepen your spiritual understanding and become more in tune with your true self. I find this a crucial part of my practice, but just the same as I practise regular mindful meditation to keep a still, healthy mind.
​
There is also nothing wrong with incorporating the two, quietly stilling your mind beforehand, especially if you choose to meditate in the evening and you have a busy days energy to shift! Early morning meditation is great, but it can be a real luxury if you have a busy homelife and/or work schedule. I can’t imagine meditating with small children around needing attention, you would definitely only have one ear in the game, so if you need to meditate at two in the afternoon, or ten in the evening, so be it – it's your individual practice.
Techniques for
Spiritual Meditation
To get started with meditation, find a quiet space where you won't be disturbed, this may be at one of your sacred spaces, it might be sitting in the locked car on your drive if that’s the only place you can find to be undisturbed. As long as you are undisturbed, it doesn't matter.
​
If you have created a space for meditation, you may have included candles, incense and crystals. Just take a moment to relax and be at one with yourself.
​
Before you begin your meditation it’s important to set a clear and positive intention. It could be to deepen your connection with your higher self, gain clarity on a specific question you’re pondering in your life, or invite spiritual guidance.
​
When you're ready in a position where you are relaxed but not likely to fall asleep, begin to take deep breaths. Focus on the sensation of your breath moving in and out of your body, your stomach rising and falling with each breath.
​
When you find your rhythm, start to visualise a beautiful, positivity-filled white light sitting above your head (your crown chakra), let this beautiful light filter around you and enter your body as you inhale. Hold this for a couple of seconds if this is comfortable, visualise the bright white light reaching the very tips of your toes to the top of your head, out to both sides and surrounding you with its protective glow. You are warm, safe and ready to surrender.
​
Slowly begin to exhale, as though you are blowing out a candle or inflating a balloon. A long, slow stream of air. Let any tension or negativity flow out with this breath. Feel it leaving you, allowing all your cells to be filled only with the positive white loving light. Let the negativity be lost within the gentle light all around you. Let it be blown away on the wind of your breath, ready to be lost into the atmosphere and cleansed by the light.
​
Do this with each breath and feel any negativity that you do hold melt away until you’re filled with peace and loving energy. If your mind drifts, and it inevitably will, keep gently bringing it back to your breath.
​
You are practicing mindfulness by bringing your full attention to the present moment. Keep observing your thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations without judgment. Keep that sense of presence by focusing on your breath, the sounds around you, or the feeling of your body against the surface you’re sitting or lying on.
You could also try a guided meditation – there are so many online, I use the app Insight Timer, there are some really good ones on there which you can set a time for as we don’t all have an hour spare to meditate.
Mantras and
Affirmations
You can also use affirmations. I firmly believe affirmations and mantras are powerful tools that can help us connect inwards and to the spiritual world by raising our vibrations. Here are some good ones to try:
​
"I am connected in every way to the universe around me."
​
"I am held, loved and supported."
​
"I am surrounded by forces of good."
​
"I am capable of achieving everything I want to achieve."
​
"I am guided, I am loved, I am safe."
​
Exiting your meditation
As you feel ready to wind down your meditation, remember the importance of gratitude in deepening your connection. Take a moment to express thanks for the experience and insights you've received during your meditation. Acknowledge the wisdom and guidance received from your higher self. As you do so, feel your spirit uplifted, connected, and transformed.
​
It might help to do some or all of these steps when you are bringing yourself round from whichever method of meditation you have used.
Change your focus from inward to outward. Begin to feel your body, view the room, see other beings, hear the sounds.
​
Breathe deeply a few times – long inhales and exhales.
Gently move your upper body – shoulders, arms, head, neck, do a seated twist of some kind.
Gently move your lower body – legs, ankles, feet, toes. This is especially important if the legs have fallen asleep or have generated discomfort from sitting in meditation. Rub your hands together to create a tingling sensation.
Once your eyes are open, just sit for a few more breaths.
​
Have a drink of water or put the kettle on a have a hot drink – maybe watch the caffeine straight after a meditation, you may be experiencing a very calm, relaxed, even euphoric state, then raising your heart rate with a big shot of coffee might not do you any favours. Some say it enhances the experience, it really is your choice. Just grounding yourself with a cup of tea and a biscuit will definitely help you bring yourself back to earth.
​
Take some time to contemplate your experience, the best way to track your soul journey is to have a special notebook to record the insights that come up in your meditations. This is especially useful as you start journeying to meet your spirit guides.