Flowing in Stillness

The Magic of Meditation

Welcome back, dear reader! Today, we are seeking peace. Keyword today: Stillness. Put on your floaties! We are diving even deeper into the topic of flow.

What is meditation?

Slade (2010) defines meditation as “a family of techniques which have in common a conscious attempt to focus attention in a non-analytical way, and an attempt not to dwell on discursive, ruminative thought“

There are many forms of meditation including:

Meditation comes in various forms, each with its own unique benefits and techniques. Here are some popular examples of meditation practices:

1. Mindfulness Meditation: This involves focusing your attention on the present moment, and observing your thoughts and sensations without judgment. You can practice this by focusing on your breath, and body sensations, or simply being aware of your surroundings.

2. Loving-Kindness Meditation: Also known as Metta Meditation, it involves cultivating feelings of love, kindness, and compassion towards oneself and others. You can repeat positive affirmations or visualize sending loving energy to yourself, loved ones, and even strangers.

3. Transcendental Meditation (TM): TM is a technique where you silently repeat a mantra, which is a specific word, sound, or phrase, to help quiet the mind and access a state of deep relaxation and inner calm. It’s more effective if it’s true and personal.

   • I am at peace.

4. Guided Visualization: This type of meditation involves creating vivid mental images to evoke relaxation, improve focus, or manifest specific goals. You can listen to recorded visualizations or follow a guided meditation that takes you through a peaceful scene or imaginary journey.

5. Loving-Kindness Meditation: This practice involves cultivating feelings of love, kindness, and compassion towards oneself and others. It typically includes silently repeating phrases like “May I be happy, may I be healthy, may I live with ease” while extending those wishes to others.

Remember, there are numerous meditation techniques available, and it’s best to explore different styles to find the one that resonates with you and aligns with your goals.

Why meditate you ask? Well, there are many benefits:

1. Self-Awareness
2. Increased Insight
3. Aligns values and self
4. Stress reduction
5. Emotional Well-being

Be still and visualize a river….. slow, calm, and gentle. Imagine meditation as a gentle river that carries you into a state of profound presence and inner calm.

Flow and meditation share a profound connection on the path of spiritual growth. Both practices invite you to surrender to the present moment, immersing yourself fully in the experience at hand. As you enter the flow state through meditation, time dissolves, and a sense of unity and interconnectedness emerges. The combination of flow and meditation can lead to a heightened spiritual awareness, a deeper connection to the universe, and a profound sense of purpose. Be patient with yourself and observe your breath.

May your meditation practice lead you to peace and joy. Embrace the flow of stillness and let the magic of meditation illuminate your path!

Sincerely yours,

REFERENCES

Peterson, C. (2006). A Primer in positive psychology. Oxford University Press.

Slade, M. (2010). Mental illness and well-being: the central importance of positive psychology and recovery approaches. BMC health services research, 10(1), 1-14.