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*Note* Meditations are mind and mood altering exercises, and will have more impact, and promote better visualization if the meditations are accompanied by music. It is therefore recommended that this meditation be accompanied by:
What is the "Unquiet Void"? It is a place within the Self where we can
reflect on the goings on of our minds, and those thoughts which pass
through and out of it. The void is the inner place where chaos rules, and
peace is sought after. To progress through the void, you first have to
fully experience it, and allow yourself to know it exists, and that you
are a part of it. Enjoy the "road" rather than looking for "signposts".
Or, as some would say "life is a journey, not a destination, so enjoy
the ride". Along the path, many obstacles are put in our way. Some may
choose to experience what those obstacles represent/hold as a personal
choice, yet for others, "searching" is an unnecessary sequence. Rather
allow life to happen and take each experience as it comes instead of
attempting to interfere with it, or manipulate, and change the course of
fate. The experience is unique in that it is a different perspective for
each individual. Whatever makes life worthwhile may quiet the unquiet
void. Each "path" chosen is a stepping stone in the spiritual growth of
the individual, and as such, each experience will be uniquely
individual. Walking through life wondering "what if" is a hindrance. Find and
choose ideas and beliefs to be content with in the NOW as opposed to in
the future.
What lies within your personal void? Ask yourself this question, and
answer it honestly. Now decide how can each issue be dealt with
effectively, and begin to work on letting go of it. This won't happen
immediately - it will happen gradually over time. It doesn't matter what it is,
and you may find some things that you thought were previously laid to
rest that come to the surface again. Whatever comes, let it come. Let it
be like a rolling river - constantly moving, yet it doesn't have to
remain constant within us. See yourself becoming like that same river,
moving away from stagnation. Remaining stagnant prohibits us from growing,
and from moving on. A little chaos now and then keeps us fluid. It
throws things in our lives into a whirlwind, and allows us to purge
ourselves of pent up energies and other frustrations that we simply no longer
have need for.
Now before we go any further, may I suggest that you put on some
appropriate music? This will help you to calm and center your mind so you may
begin working with yourself. If it's at night that you're doing this, I
would also suggest that you dim the lights, or you may prefer to use an
alternative light source, such as several lit candles. It bears
mentioning that this exercise should really be done while you are totally on
your own. The last thing one needs is a disturbance of any kind while
meditating.
Now sit somewhere comfortable and close your eyes. Begin rhythmic
breathing exercises to the count of 4/8 ratio. This means count slowly to 4
as you inhale, and a bit quicker to 8 on the exhale. Continue doing
this for as long as you need to. Your thoughts will come automatically.
The mind is a chaotic place much of the time, and you'll find that many
different thoughts will come floating to the surface. Some will go on
their merry way without you paying much attention to them. This is fine.
Allow them to go. Maybe one or two of substance will come to the
surface that require more of your attention. Give this. Let the void which
started as a river become like a great maelstrom within you, and ride the
wild current in its fervor! Feel yourself going round and round as you
ride the chaotic currents of your mind, like a whirlpool. Feel the
currents pulling you far into the depths. Keep one small part of your
awareness in calm mode so it doesn't totally overwhelm you.
Allow whatever is in the vast expanses of your mind to play out. See
those images over and over. If you come to a point where you are no
longer able to watch, make some kind of noise to break that connection. A
bell is good. You may even choose to shout. Again, this is fine. This is
what it's all about, letting go. Then begin again. Go back to that
place and go straight through the center of it. We get through life's
problems by dealing with them head on, rather than side stepping around
them. A moment of pain is far better than continuous lifelong pain. Think
of as many reasons as you can about how you can get through this issue,
and you CAN get through it. There IS light at the end of this tunnel,
believe it or not. You may even get to the point where you think it
can't be gotten through. Trust yourself enough to know this is very
possible. It is very possible to bring order to the void. When you have
thought of several reasons, make a mental note of them. Try a different one
each
day.
One very good way is to list these things down on paper. Putting things
in written form affirms them, and allows you to have better clarity
over your personal situation. You may also choose to list the negative
attributes as well, and as you begin to heal the Self and let them go, you
might consider burning this paper, and releasing the ashes to a good
strong wind outside. As they are blown away, envision the problem going
with it. Let it be finally laid to rest. Excess baggage in life only
hinders us. If you don't understand how this is possible, try carrying
around several heavy sacks for a half an hour and envision the contents of
the sacks as problems you have buried within yourself, and tried to
forget about, hoping they'd simply go away and never bother you again.
Would you rather carry that weight around? Or let it go, and be at peace?
Answer this honestly, and decide a course of action.
The mind, while a place of immense chaos, is also a place of deep peace
and healing. Each of us has the tools within us to heal the Self of
life's burdens. We can pay counselors to listen to us, and get an
outsider's point of view, but within us we each have the means of taking care
of business quite effectively without the need for outside resources.
Utilize what you have inside of you to do this. Once you have dealt with
your problems to the best of your ability, you can begin to make room
for forgiveness. Although this may sound unreasonable, again, it allows
you to move on instead of dragging it around with you forever and ever
amen.
Try this exercise once a week and make a note of your progress. At the
end of each week, re-evaluate your progress and you will begin to see
changes. Some may come on in leaps and bounds, depending on the issue at
hand, and some may seem slow in coming. Change will take place. At the
end of each meditative state you go into, go back to the rhythmic
breathing exercises until you become fully coherent. After this, you may
find a nice calming bath with essential oils is helpful to restore a sense
of peace to you. Do whatever you feel is necessary to restore balance
to the void. It all comes down to love in the end. Love of Self, and
love of others. We all have our own place. Find your own unique space and
claim it as yours. Then you can be one with the void.
No person is your friend who demands your silence, or denies your right
to grow. ~Alice Walker
Copyright ~ Silver Rainbolt 2006 ~ All Rights Reserved
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