I have been meditating for decades now and the practice, in its many forms, has been life changing. As mentioned previously in my posts, I was introduced to guided meditation in my early twenties when I attended a healing retreat and have continued my daily practice ever since. Over the years, it has been especially beneficial in regulating my emotions, reducing stress and stabilising my fear response related to childhood trauma and neglect. Today, it is that ever present constant in my life, that continues to sooth my soul, like cool waters of a gentle flow, washing away the debris of my life and keeping me clean and fresh.
It took a long time for me to master my active mind as I sat to meditate. I found guided meditations and Yoga Nidra technique the easiest forms to distract my constant chatty mind and bring me into a deep and relaxed state. These days, I can usually bring myself to a restful, still and relaxed state, just through focussed breathwork, although at times, it takes more effort, and I may choose a walking meditation if I feel too agitated to sit and be still. I am grateful for all the ways one can be mindful and meditate, and there is no one right way. My practice looks different, depending on my mood and what I need in the moment. It is such a versatile and fluid tool to have in my self care tool box, and I value it very much.
In more recent times, I have been fortunate enough to discover and incorporate sound into my practice and find myself continually intrigued by the interesting array of experiences I have while in altered states consciousness and brainwave activity. Depending on the day and the type of meditation I choose, I can have a variety of experiences ranging from still, deep relaxation with associated loss of time perception, to vivid imagery, or feelings of complete weightlessness. I imagine this is common to anyone who attends a regular practice although these experiences are extremely interesting and intriguing to me, and I wanted to share a couple of them here.
I guess in it’s essence, my meditation practice is a spiritual practice that enables me to connect to my higher self, the spirit world and source. I am better able to remain in a state of calm equilibrium throughout day-to-day life, and from time to time, am fortunate enough to have some intriguing experiences. Sometimes they are messages, and come in the form of images, insights, intuition and feeling states, that help me on my journey through this life, and which bring a great deal of peace, encouragement and reassurance.
Please leave a comment, and share your own meditation or sound experiences. 😊
Sending peace and love.
Visualisation
A violet energy the texture of soft fluffy fur, hovers over the base of my spine. It feels warm on my skin. Begins to slowly ascend up my spine tickling each vertebra as it goes. Up and up and into my brain only to drop back down again. From its original starting place, it once again begins sliding back up and through each chakra on its ascent. The energy centres each in turn begin to excite and buzz as it passes by. Once back in my brain the soft fluffy violet energy moves slowly from the front, to the back and to the left side of my brain. Finally, it is drawn toward my right ear and settles comfortably beside my temple. Its presence there feels warm, snug and comforting. As it rests there for quite some time, I really relax. Time begins to blur and stillness, peace and bliss somehow mingle together, like a cocoon of soft silk. I feel balanced and in a state of equilibrium.
Shamanic Frame Drum
I begin striking with soft rhythmic beats, sound deeply resonant, the tone expressive. A steady amplitude and monotonous rhythm, begin to gently sooth my senses as I settle into this space. Its vibrations reverberate up my arm and throughout my entire system. I take a few conscious, slow deep nourishing breaths as my heart swells, senses alive, skin tingling with delight. A wave of calm moves steadily up my body and passes through the crown of my head, and into the ether. I become aware of my feet firmly connected to the earth. I sense birds jumping from branch to branch. I can hear their little movements and sweet singing in the gaps between the beat, and sense they enjoy the resonance. The sun shines a little brighter, while the dappled light warms my eyelids. Emotions and thoughts slowly drift away, as my body softly sways with the enchanting beat. It’s so yummy. A musical treat for my soul. Gone for how long, I’m not quite sure, and in that time, I’m surrounded by mother nature and held in her maternal embrace.
Rainbow Moonstone
I take you in hand. Left feels best today. Temperature initially a crisp coldness. Unique white striations crisscross randomly as the luminous blue flashes beautifully across your face. With you comfortably nestled into my palm, I settle in. Secure in the feeling of being held and supported somehow. A steady stream of fresh air begins entering my airways, deep and deliberate, as it makes its way down into my receptive open lungs, and continues on down deep into my belly. Steadily flowing until it reaches its peak, pauses momentarily, then releases with effortless ease. Gravity drops my form on the extended exhale, as my muscles subtly soften, down deeper into relaxation each time. Life-giving breath continues on its merry way and spreads a calming sensation throughout my being. Thoughts floating by on the winds of time, not bothering to stop and elaborate. Content to just be, like fluffy white clouds drifting across a clear blue sky. It’s here in this place that magic happens. Consciously aware and willing, yet without an agenda. Just a profound intrigue and trust. Gently letting go, that familiar comfort settles in, and I drift through space and time, enter galaxies and somewhere far beyond. Until I feel you again in my palm, once cold and previously weightless, now quite warm and apparent. Momentarily transported, once again back to this place.
Gong Session
All over my body, in my heart and under the soles of my feet, the dense, deep and powerful sound echoed, like massive dinosaur footsteps. My heart thumping as I stomp around in some prehistoric time. The jungle dense and thick with colossal ancient trees and lush green undergrowth surrounding me. Iridescent blue spots appear behind my eyes, like those of a blue ringed octopus, and my body tingles as if a siren has rung out across the hidden valley. The vibrations in my feet increase as my really heavy body stomps around. I’m a massive T Rex, stalking through the jungle looking for prey. I feel big and powerful as I push my way through the dense undergrowth. My heartbeat loud and strong and my body tingling all over.
Thanks for reading.