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A Cornucopia of Meditation and
Spiritual Abundance
by Collette Cumella
Meditation is quieting the chatter of our minds to reach into the void of unthinking
and BE, to experience the oneness of the cosmos, to KNOW quiet and connection with
the universe. It is a simple practice with profound results.
There are many ways to meditate; each individual may choose a way that works for
them. My first introduction to meditation was Transcendental Meditation, the classic:
sit quiet for a time, repeat a mantra, when thoughts arise acknowledge them and return
to the mantra. This works well for many people. It gives a structure to the quest
for quiet mind. With practice, quiet is realized more and more.
Guided meditation and Hypnosis help when a specific opportunity is approached. For
a roving mind, an invitation to follow a soothing voice into images already stored
in your mind/body/spirit can be fun and refreshing. Guided imagery uses all the senses,
imagination and memory.
"Our bodies don't discriminate between sensory images and what we call reality,"
says Belleruth Naparstek in her book, Staying Well With Guided Imagery. "In
the altered state [state of relaxed focus] we are capable of more rapid and intense
healing, growth, learning and change."
A behavior can be examined, an illness can be explored, or maybe your inner child
will come out and play with you. You have access to your whole mind and wake up feeling
refreshed and rested.
Sumi-e is Asian Brush painting that evolved from Chinese Calligraphy. You don't need
to be an artist to enjoy the serene movement of the brush, loaded with black ink
touching rice paper. You may meditate on the strength and flexibility of the bamboo
as you paint it and imagine cultivating those qualities in your own life.
Drumming for men and women is being rediscovered as a powerful meditative tool. The
rhythmic pounding can lift you into a hypnotic state, weather you drum alone or in
a group. This eons old practice of drumming in a group binds people together today
as in the past.
Those who must move to meditate may enjoy T’ai Chi or Walking Meditation. It is an
ancient form of focused moving while moving "chi," or life energy. The
movement quiets the mind, the steps focus the body, so the body, mind and spirit
work together.
There are labyrinths that date back hundreds of years like the one in Chartres Cathedral
in France that lead a traveler in a meditative pilgrimage. You may walk on a path
that has twists and turns, not unlike that of our lives. There is a labyrinth, 77
feet in diameter, at the Carondelet Center, near the College of St. Catherine's in
St. Paul, Minn., and one at the Benedictine Center. Following this path is reminiscent
of the intricacy of Celtic Knots. Walk into the labyrinth with questions, and walk
out with insight.
Trance Dance may be the driving meditation for some. This may be done alone or in
a group. Terry Christiansen and Kathy Luther offer Trance Dance at the new Stonehenge
location in Minneapolis. They gently walk you through the steps: set intention, trust,
blindfold, Breath of Fire. They offer non-stop, intense music to blindfolded participants
and time later to confirm what happened for them.
"Our original ancestral relationship to dance was for the purpose of worship,
healing and insight. It's a moving meditation," Christiansen says. What various
experiences people have may go on to be processed for days. Terry urges people to
take what they learn while dancing and integrate it into every day life.
Brushing your dog, walking in nature or making stew for supper may all be done as
a sacred exercise when you do it in the sense of "Mindfulness Meditation,"
or "be here now."
There are so many ways in so many cultures to touch the face of God. What is the
result? Every time I set my intention to go within, I come back to this reality changed.
I come closer to realizing the wondrous creature I am, and begin to see vast vistas
of my potential life, Synchronicity is recognized and honored. In letting go in meditation,
I find I can also let go in moment-by-moment life. The outcomes are delightfully
surprising.
I believe that the simple act of meditating is infiltrating my life and filtering
out old sediment so my stream of consciousness runs a little clearer. If that isn't
enough, the simple act of taking a deep breath and consciously letting it out slowly
helps me to better drive my car. I can let an impatient driver go ahead of me, and
wish them well. I fervently believe in the line from the Christmas Carol: "Let
there be peace on Earth and let it begin with me." If I can stay centered during
rush hour traffic and get home safely, then, YES, I meditate and it works for me.
I pray for peace in our world. I begin by governing my own life, seeking God in various
ways and working for peace in my life one thought at a time.
Collette Cumella has a B.S. in Helping Services from St. Cloud State University,
a certificate in Holistic Healing Services from the College of St Catherine and practices
healing touch in the Twin City area. You may reach her at 612-722-5266 or online
at ritatweeter@aol.com
Copyright (c) 2003 Collette Cumella
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