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July/August 2003 Living Now
Ask Mariel
Meditation is Good for the Soul

Dear Mariel

With nice weather here I am inspired to begin a meditation practice outdoors. However, I have never meditated before. I have heard it is good for the soul. How do I get started? Would you share your own spiritual insight on meditating?

Sign me, Seeker of Inner Peace

 

Dear Seeker,

Thank you for your letter. Your earnest seeking can serve to inspire others who have the same question.

First, begin with an approach that there is no "right" or "wrong" way to meditate. Anything you do to quiet your mind is beneficial! Here are some simple steps that were taught to me by a spiritual master over 30 years ago.

1. Sit comfortably with your spine straight. You can sit on a pillow on the floor with your legs crossed. Or in a chair with your feet firmly planted flat on the ground. You can even sit in your car meditating as a "time-out". If possible meditate with your shoes removed. It is important your whole body breathes freely. How your body feels affects your state of mind.
2. Breath deeply and slowly. This will do a great deal to calm your mind. Your mind will continue to run its thoughts - this is natural. A common misconception from newcomers learning meditation is that their thoughts should somehow stop. Your thoughts will only stop when you stop living! With meditation, you are training your mind to slow its thinking. Intuitive insight, and inner peace, arrives between thoughts.
3. Breathing will assist your body in relaxing while slowing your thoughts. Exhale slowly to clear out excess. Breath as if the air you are taking in is coming up from the soles of your feet and then fully filling your lower belly (abdomen) and then your lungs and then up. Exhale slowly through your nose– feel as if you are exhaling out the top of your head. This is an advanced method for meditating.

It takes practice. Rewards are greater when you are consistent in your meditation – even if you start with only 5 minutes a day. Experience it as a spiritual practice that connects you with your higher self. For more lessons on meditation contact me and I will email you the schedule for my next class. It is good for the soul!

Mariel Martin is a Psychic Advisor with over 25 years experience in counseling. Mariel invites readers to e-mail their questions on career, health & love life to Mariel@invite2insight.com. Your identity is kept confidential. All letters will receive a response and one will be selected to share with readers in "Ask Mariel". For more information, visit Mariel’s website www.invite2insight.com ;or contact her at 515 NW Saltzman Road, #703, Portland,OR, 503-350-0705.