I began the discussion on meditation in the Sept. 20th blog. I only, briefly, discussed the topic. There have been a number of books written outlining and instructing on the methods and types of meditation. My intent is not to instruct or to outline the ways of meditation. If any of the blog articles I have written on the ego and the need to control the ego resonates with you, then you may want to begin the process of quieting the ego’s relentless chatter.

Initially, I found meditation to be difficult to schedule and difficult to manitain enough focus to gain many, in the way of, positive results. Zen Buddhists call the chatter a result of the “monkey mind”.  This comes from observing the actions of monkeys. They tend to jump from one thing to another and they loose focus quite easily. Our minds act in a similar fashion at the beginning of meditation. Because of this “monkey mind” we can become discouraged and frustrated by a lack of apparent results.

Due to this possibility, I am suggesting a slower start to meditation. The beginning is not a structured method or time. It does require that you shut down TV, cell phone, radio or any other form of distraction. I find that a walk in the city park or the wilderness works just as well for finding the quiet time necessary to begin. There is a calming effect of being in Nature rather than within four walls. Initially, I ask you to just begin to be aware of the”other” voice. Observe the dialogue that is occuring. Who is talking? What is being said? What is the subject? This is more in keeping with contemplation rather than meditation. You can do this anytime you are alone or in a quiet setting. Do not try and stop the dialogue, just be aware what is being said. If you are driving and somone does something which angers you or frightens you, do not stop the emotion. Let it go until it subsides on its own. When you calm down ask why you became angry. What was done that “pissed you off ? Again, do not try and impose your will to stop the emotions or the dialogue. Just be aware.

The time it takes to begin to see the “other” voice will vary from individual to individual, but it will begin the process of identifying a dialogue which is not your own. It is the ego talking. Once you can see the difference between the “still small voice” and the emotional, somtimes raging voice, you are ready to begin the meditation technique of quieting the mind and watching the breath. This technique only requires that you focus on the in and out breaths. Breathing is relaxed and natural. No effort, other than this, is required. When the focus leaves the breath, become aware of this and return to focusing on the breath. Start slowly.  Start by taking about five or ten minutes. This is best done upon rising and before bed. Whatever time is convenient is OK but it should be a consistent time and in a place which allows you to be undisturbed.

After you have reached a point of being able to keep your focus for the entire time (five or ten minutes) increase the time by five minutes until you can hold the focus for 45 minutes to an hour.

Once you reach this stage, additional techniques will enhance and benefit the process further. I will cover these techniques in later blogs. This process I have explained is thousands of years old and have been adopted by virtually every major religious order. The only secret is the consistency and perseverence required.

www.blogsurfer .us is my meditation for now. www.justliketrump.biz is my current reality and focus.