I had a sudden insight today on Raja Yoga group discussion and meditation today. Zach was discussing spiritual power and how whether we have intention to notice and apply it or not the energy of that reality for all humans is as natural as blinking one’s eyes. My mind wondered to how I “intentionally” place positive energy and love into the preparation of meals for my friends and family. I then considered that the unaware cooks and servers at my favorite restaurant are likely allowing the cares and concerns of “their” life to land in my meal. Perhaps this is why most religious traditions practice a blessing of the food. As we moved from lecture to meditation this thought expanded to the items in my pantry and refrigerator and the entire supply chain from planting, harvesting, packaging, shipping, and stocking shelves for our convenience. Many hands are involved. This not a threat to us—so much as it is an opportunity for us to be proactive as a spiritual community focused on expanded peace, harmony, and love. Perhaps if we add intention around even one meal per day—not just to being grateful for the food and that it be energetically balanced for the most benefit to our body…but a step further a blessing to the hands that touch it in the complete logistical journey to our plate. “May everyone who made my meal possible—and still unaware of the love available to them and within them be filled with joy as their burdens lift and their awakening begins.”

If you can’t meditate, there is nothing wrong with you. You’re just not following the recipe correctly. Step 1: body awareness - you gotta get back into your body in order to calm down enough so you can meditate. Practice scanning through each part of your body and feel your awareness going into it. This allows the body to naturally relax unconscious restlessness and tension. Step 2: breathe soft and slow - if you can breathe very gently (without making any sound) and breathe deep down into your belly then the nervous system will become very, very calm. If your nervous system is disturbed then meditation can be extremely challenging. Step 3: withdraw from thoughts - usually we are identified with the mental processes happening, so we must learn to witness them without getting attached to them. You must practice witnessing your various mental states so that you can learn that you are the witness of them. This allows you to come back into inner silence and pure presence. Without this, you will simply just try to meditate with your thoughts (that’s not meditation). Step 4: meditation - simply keep your attention on one object so that you can practice being fully present right now. Follow these steps each time and you will have no problem getting into a deep meditation. Do you follow these steps?

When there is a full moon the 3rd eye is primarily stimulated. If we are in a balanced state, then these times are perfect for the deeper spiritual practices of contemplation and meditation. If we are out of balance, we may experience more overthinking (+) or delusions (-). Take the necessary steps to be balanced and clear the next couple of days, and watch the intuitive wisdom pour into you. Your cup must be empty to receive the Divine grace.

What are you intentionally being aware of today?

What’s are you focusing on this week?