"Meditate to Elevate: The Benefits of Quieting the Mind"

Do you meditate? Have you tried it? Let me tell you about my first experience. I was invited by my partner to join him in a guided meditation, in a group setting with people I had never met. Not knowing what meditation was, was nerve wrecking enough and now he wants me to meet new people? I didn't really want to go but that year I was going thru a rough patch in life and I needed something to help me cope. I was willing to try just about anything.

We arrive at the place, it was in an office building. We knocked at the door, walked in...I felt instant comfort. I did not know what to expect, but the smell of incense that filled the room made me feel as if I had been in a place like this before. Have I been here before? Where do I recognize this smell from? As I type this for you I am literally feeling goosebumps because its as if I can feel it all over again. In one word, the only way to describe it was, COMFORT!

I was introduced to those attending, we all proceeded to sit in a circle and the meditation began. During the entire guided meditation (with my eyes closed) I kept wondering 'what am I supposed to be doing here? Am I supposed to be thinking something?'. When the session was over, everyone had a chance to share their experience and for those like myself ( I was the only one), I had nothing to share because I really just didn't, I had no clue what I was doing.

So, what is guided meditation?

Meditation is a type of meditation that involves listening to a recorded voice or live instruction that guides you through the meditation process. This can include instructions on how to focus on your breath, a word or phrase, or an image, as well as guidance on how to release tension and relax the body. Guided meditations can also include imagery, such as a guided visualization of a peaceful setting, or an affirmation or positive statement that is repeated during the meditation.

Guided meditations can be helpful for individuals who are new to meditation, as the instructions and guidance can make it easier to focus and relax. They can also be useful for those who have trouble quieting their mind on their own, as the voice of the guide can provide a focal point for the mind to follow. Additionally, guided meditations can be tailored to specific purposes, such as reducing stress, improving sleep, or increasing self-confidence.

I myself still prefer the guided meditation as my mind has a tendency to wander. Take it from me, if you haven't tried it...you really should. It gives you a sense of calmness. In conclusion, how did it help me? Well, that first initial session obviously did not help me but, I became curious about it and tried it again. My second experience was also with people I had never met before and, get this...it was around a bonfire in someone's backyard. The smell of the bonfire was just soul catching. I love bonfires, they help me feel at ease and I felt it was time to go all in. After the meditation everyone had the chance to share, of course I didn't want to share because I felt very emotional. During the session I cried. I was sitting on a park bench having a conversation with myself as a child. It was intense and I knew then that it was time to move on and not hold on to hurt that others had inflicting upon me. I felt that what was weighing me down was not my doing. It was a journey I had to go thru in order to grow in this world. INTENSE!!!

We at Foot & Soul Temple do offer meditation guided by our Reiki Master, Max.