What you can experience in a deep meditative state would feel much like being in a sleep state! An enjoyable adventure where we can perceive and experience what otherwise seems out side our reach while awake such as, different levels realities, various dimensions of time and space; where it is also possible to communicate with a prolific array of consciousness from spirits, guides, and angles, to celestial bodies (see last months article on connecting with the stars); accessing guidance on everyday matters as well. Yogis, shamans, or Gurus and masters are different words that are used to describe an individual who can attain and command these various states of awareness through advanced and disciplined techniques. The simple fact is whether you are a novice or an experienced ‘meditator’, the underlying principle is an ability we all have and use all the time without being conscious of: breathing.

“Research in Germany and USA indicates that shallow breathing leads to oxygen starvation which can age the body prematurely, and is a major cause of heart disease stroke and cancer”

In fact, research in Germany and USA indicates that shallow breathing leads to oxygen starvation which can age the body prematurely, and is a major cause of heart disease stroke and cancer. In a relaxed state, and our brain understands that we are ‘not under threat’. It therefore directs its resources into other functions such as visualisation, imagination and sensory functions seem heightened. In other words, our state of awareness ‘shifts’; the mind is now able to ‘navigate out of the box’ and venture beyond the usual parameters of perception.

A word of caution

While we can all learn to breathe deeply and slowly and achieve great benefits, meditation is not for every one as it is a process that engages the mind and affects mental wellbeing. If you are under sedative medication or anti-depressants, for example, this may not be the right practice for you. Other factors to consider include your over all energy type: Ying or Yang. While sitting still and humming ‘OM’ may not be everybody’s cup of tea, you can still reap benefits through moving mediation such as Tai Chi, Chi Qong, and Ashtanga Yuga. This is because meditation is about achieving a balanced flow of energy in our system. Active or hyper types may achieve their balance through moving mediation,while quieter types may benefit from quieter mediation techniquessuch as Zen or transcendantal mediation. Creative meditation I mentioned earlier includes a combination of various techniques that include breathing, visualisation, psychic and energy exercises; making it enjoyable and safe to practice by both types.

It is always best to start meditation under guidance of a teacher. However, you can start learning to breathe deeper and slower any time and from the comfort of your armchair. The added advantage is, of course, you do not have to pay through the nose for it!

Till nest month, love, light and healing.