There are many ways to trigger a meditative state.
Some people will have issues with old traditional ways, but can use newer, more innovative ways to bring it about.
To this end, i wish to offer a newer way to both focus and let yourself go .
Zen garden meditation.
Things required:
A flat dish or bowl, the size is up to you, how ever practical . I use a round metal tray, which is perfect, It measures one foot across.
It needs to be a shallow container, preferably not glass, as sand will etch it.
Clean play sand.
Stones(optional)
a clean chop stick or your finger. (if you have a manicure, opt for the chop stick, sand will buff your paint right off )
So many believe that we must still all thoughts to meditate effectively.
Actually it is not a matter of stilling the mind, but of focusing and redirecting to where we need it to go .
WE must allow the little self, or our subconscious mind to come forward.
We do this by distracting the conscious mind.
This will allow your deeper thoughts to flow freely forward as your conscious mind is busy else where.
Zen Garden
assembly your Zen garden, laying your sand , spread flat and smooth. Keep it atleast one half inch below the rim of your container, as the sand is going to be moved around. Less mess !
I find some nice classical music does help to allow energy and thought to flow properly.
But use what ever you find pleasing and calming. Pass on the heavy metal for this type of mind working.
We are not trying to build energy, but to encourage flow.
I prefer no stones for this particular exercise. But it is totally up to you. you can actually use stones in your dish, but you will have to circle around them.
If i sit quietly, listening to my music, i relax and let the music caress my mind.
Before me is my blank zen garden. The sand is smooth, flat and un marred.
Breathing deeply, clear your mind of outside clutter.
let the days stressed pass. Allowing yourself quiet time. Let it all go and focus on nothing actually.
Let your thoughts tumble and move forward, like water over stones. All thoughts flowing forward.
With your power hand, as your music flows and your thoughts flow, allow your hand (chopstick) to flow as well.
Circling or moving randomly in your garden.
Listen to the music, as it ebbs and flows and allow your hand to do the same. What ever shapes comes to mind, allow your hand to make them in the sand.
Swirls, waves, spirals, curves, flowing outward, any shapes that come to your mind.
Most will find their shapes are curves, spirals or circles. As these shapes flow readily with the music.
When your garden is full, erase it slowly with your hand, and start over.
Allow your mind to sink into your actions, flowing with the music, flowing with your hand, as you move slowly thru the grains of sand.
As your thoughts move, feel the music, feel; the slight resistance the sand offers as you move slowly forward, curving, and circling with the flow of your music.
This is a very soothing and calming exercise.
If we allow ourselves the luxury of quiet time, and we free up our subconscious mind, our thoughts will flow with the music, ever forward.
Our bodies will relax.
our minds will expand and move outward.
We will sink into the sand, and our subconscious mind will surface to allow our deeper thoughts purchase, on this plane.
The flowing fingers thru sand is a very hypnotic and sensual feeling.
It takes practice, but this technique is unique, because the action coupled with music can trigger a slower mind flow.
I usually allow 20 minutes of sand playing.
Allowing mind mind to travel where it needs to go , i allow my mind to flow with the music, letting its beat carry me along.
Observe all random thoughts, but let them flow freely.
Don't stop to write any thing down, acknowledge the new thought, and store it for future work , after you are done.
You will remember, trust me.
opening yourself and allowing your mind to flow, is a wonderful way to direct your thoughts and at the same time, allow your inner voice out.
You might be surprised at what you hear.
Many blessings of the One,
Blue
