Have you ever experienced
confusion? Felt unsure about a decision you made or need to
make? Or just didn't know how you felt about something?
Many times these situations
happen because the body- mind- spirit are not acting together.
You can tell the difference because when they are harmonious,
you have a sense of calmness and clarity in your thoughts,
decisions, and actions.
Following are two different
Issue Solving Meditations:
1. The Body as an Oracle
Think of a situation that
you are having problems with. For example: unhappy with current
job; second thoughts about ending a toxic relationship; an
argument you had with someone and can't let go of; someone has
asked you to do something you really don't want to do and you
don't know how to say 'no'; anything else you can think of.
Sit down, begin to breathe
slowly, and close your eyes. Take a few minutes to allow your
body to become calm and your mind to quiet down some.
Think of the situation and
notice how your body feels. Notice WHERE in your body you feel
the discomfort of being unsure. Do you feel it in your stomach?
In your lungs? In your lower back? Somewhere else? Notice any
physical symptoms or muscle tension related to the situation.
Now, imagine one action
that you could possibly take. For example, if your situation is
dealing with the breakup of a relationship, imagine that one
action you could take is to call the person. It doesn't matter
what the action is, it's just a possibility.
Allow yourself to feel the
action scenario in your body. When you imagine the scenario of
taking this action, what happens to your body? Do you notice
tension or discomfort anywhere? Does your breathing change? Does
your heart beat faster? Do you feel any other symptoms of
uneasiness?
Or does your body relax and
open? Does your heart feel at ease? Does your mind become calm
and a smile come across your face?
Continue to imagine
different action scenarios that you could possibly take. You
have many options, and one of them will get you to that serene
smile.
Remember that sometimes an
action, a viable option, can include changing your perspective,
your reaction, your attitude.
2. Written Insights From
the Center of Your Being
Begin with 3-Centered
Meditation, or quiet sitting
Light a candle and place in
front of you
Breathe slow, gentle, &
deep while gazing at the candle
Imagine the candle is in
your own dan tien
Close your eyes and
maintain the image of the candle inside you
Using pen/pencil and paper,
ask your question (your "issue"), writing it down
Begin to write anything and
everything that comes into your mind
Notice where in your body
you feel what is coming up
Take a break when you need
to, and re-center
Become aware of the deeper
issues involved and accept yourself
Allow change to happen
because of your insights
End by sitting quietly for
a few minutes
