I have to admit I was a little skeptical going in to this meditation simply because I didn't think I was ready. I've been meditating every day this week with the subtle mind meditation and loving it. Being able to concentrate on my breathing is much easier than visualization and imagery for me. However, I used my Dad as my focal point and went deep a few times. When my attention wandered, I was able to bring my focus back each time for just a few more moments. When I was done, I felt very connected to my father and the earth. (note: my Dad passed away in 2003.)
Each time I meditate or practice deep breathing, I feel a little more centered, clearer, and I always gain more confidence in myself. This confidence isn't about anything specific. It's just I get more of a sense that I'm doing exactly what I'm supposed to be doing right now. Each step I take, each activity I do, each thought I have just seems more right. I'm going to continue doing the things I do. I'm also going to start exploring the possibility of finding a mentor, a guide, to help me take my journey to another level. But, until then, I'm going to pay some closer attention to my assessment and start outlining more paths on this journey.
"One can not lead another where one has not gone him or herself," is another way of explaining how we, as healers, must fully experience our paths and our journeys to whole health and happiness (Schlitz, Amorok, & Micozzi, 2005). Although everyone is unique and their journey's will be equally different, we must commit ourselves to our own healing in order to guide others. I believe we do have a responsibility to our clients for our own development. This is to not say we won't have issues or experiences but we should be able to practice awareness and have the ability to address them in the appropriate manner. As I stated previously, I am going to continue meditating, working on and exploring my assessment, and begin looking for a mentor.
Be well everyone!
Reference
Schlitz, M., Amorok, T., Micozzi, M.S. (2005). Consciousness & healing: Integral approaches to mind-body medicine. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
Hello Ellen,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog. I'm glad you enjoyed the meditation exercise. My focal point was my mom. I could have done my dad, which would have been more meaningful since he passed away in 1995, but I don't have too many memories of him. I was still young when he passed away, but definitely haven't gotten over it yet. I think the mentor idea is great. Having a mentor to help and be there with you through the process is so beneficial and motivating. I think this would beneficial for me as well. Just having someone there advising me and pointing me in the right direction, is reassuring. Thanks for the idea. I may have to use it :)
Jamie Prince
I am so sorry to hear about your father, but happy to hear that you have been at a great place in meditation so that you can connect with that on such an emotional level. I agree that we must commit ourselves to be able to teach others these things. If we don't believe it then we will never be able to properly show someone else the importance of the practice. I also am going to continue with meditation and have found it incredibly worth it. I hope you are well and I send my love and thoughts of health to your sons baby and girlfriend. We are all here for you if you need to talk! Sara
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear about your father. It must have been comforting to be able to bring him to mind during this exercise. I find that guided visualizations are easier because you are focusing on what the guide is telling you to focus on. When I have to focus and concentrate on my own I get a lot of weird "pictures" come into my head. I have a strong Native American and Caribbean Indian background and I decided to make a dream catcher to help keep bad dreams and negative thoughts away. I don't live close to a gym or some place that has yoga or tai chi. I don't know of anyone in my area who can serve as a guide or a mentor. (most of them are witches and I wouldn't want to pick the wrong one) So, a dream catcher it is. I am going to delve into my Indian roots and use some of the rites and rituals to enhance my visions. You inspire me, Ellen! Thank you.
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