ALTERED STATES
The subjects here may span anything from meditation fundamentals to spiritual exercises and from past-life information-gathering methods to the effective use of music baths.
Whatever the subject, the intent is to experiment with various, drug-free, methods of achieving extraordinary states of increasingly ‘higher’ consciousness.
If you've learned about or invented an interesting way of reaching an altered state, please share it here.
Got 20 Minutes?
Go Somewhere Exotic
An inner sanctuary is a imaginary place, that you create in your mind, to serve as a freebie retreat. Regardless of the circumstances in the outer world, your sanctuary, if visited on a regular basis, can provide a surprisingly refreshing getaway. Your subconscious mind doesn't know the difference between real and pretend. And so, a 20 minute 'trip' to your special place, once you develop the skill, can be as effective as a week at your dream vacation spot.
To be most effective in relieving stress, becoming centered and connecting to the flow of energy that is best for You, an inner sanctuary ought to be personalized.
Sit or lie down in a quiet space where you won't be disturbed. Take 3 deep breaths very slowly. Take a few minutes to allow each part of your body to relax. |
Now begin to create the setting the way you want it. Are you in a forest? on a mountain? on a tropical island? near a brook? What temperature is it? Is it breezy? Is it nighttime? Are there any animals? What do you smell?
What do you see? How does your sanctuary make you feel? What colours are around you? What sounds are you enjoying? water? birds? crickets? Get the idea?
Stay there long enough to truly inhale the rejuvenating benefits.
Gently return to 'reality' when you are ready.
Visiting your customized santuary on a regular basis will condition your system to be increasingly more responsive.
Worry Release –
Blow Them Away
Choose a quiet space where you can be alone for 20 minutes. Turn off all electronics including the phone, radio, tv, music …
Get comfortable according to your preferences – dim the lights; sit or lie down; keep your eyes open or close them.
Settle into your position. Take 3 (or more) long, slow deep breaths to relax into a meditative state.
Mentally, blow up one balloon at a time, then place one worry inside each balloon. Allow your worries to float away in the balloons.
With practice this exercise, which is particularly gratifying at bedtime, becomes easier to do and more effective. |
