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Love Is a
Constant Blanketing lightly Received gracefully Mirrored brightly. – Susan |
|
Collection Eight – beginning with number 301
Articles about meditation, including prayers for special occasions
301.
Love Is a Constant
Article by Susan Helene Kramer – Shuchi
Love
constant
Blanketing
lightly
Received
gracefully
Mirrored brightly.
Beauty
is the perception of harmony, and harmony is beautiful. Surrounding ourselves
with inner and outer beauty, surrounding ourselves with harmony, eventually
permeates our daily living.
We see physical beauty as all parts gracefully aligned, eliciting feelings of
peacefulness and ease. We are aware of inner beauty when a person manifests
lovingness and harmlessness, their actions perfectly blending into the creation
as pieces of an elaborate puzzle.
We are each one of the parts and part of the whole of creation.
People of inner beauty bring out the best in us, because we feel easy in their
company. We recognize beauty because we start feeling good.
The beauty of nature and people living in tune with natural harmony allows us
to sink into our own space of thinking and acting beautifully, it's catching.
More beauty comes into our life by creating an uplifting physical, mental,
emotional, spiritual environment: clean and orderly surroundings, balanced
diet, cleanliness, exercise, deep relaxation, rhythmic breathing to balance
physical, mental, emotional aspects.
Through meditation and self-analysis we discover the soul's existence, the
self-sustained part of us that is watching the whole process of living from its
joyful state.
Living in harmony
We become aware of ourselves –
No matter where we are, what we're doing
We're beautiful vibrant beings.
302.
Can We Meditate For Just One
Moment?
Article by Susan Helene Kramer – Shuchi
I
was asked the question: "Can a person meditate for just one moment?"
I felt like I had to demonstrate my answer, so I took a breath while closing my
eyes and felt the drowning out of physical reality, much like the feeling of
jumping into and submerging in the deep end of a pool.
Then still sitting there with closed eyes, I took another breath, and another.
Opening my eyes and facing my questioner, I said that I had demonstrated that
meditation is for one moment, compounded over and over in the reality of time.
It is the submersion into our internal, eternal self within on the inhalation,
and then pulling out the vast peace on the exhalation that makes meditation.
If we could maintain the consciousness of sprouting moment to moment from our
vast Source within, we would be living the goal of meditation.
Meditation is both a practice and a state of being. We practice observing our
regular breaths in their natural tides of in and out. And energetically live
the results of meditation when we act with love, caring, kindness during the
routines of our waking day.
We can practice and enjoy the benefits of meditation wherever we are, whatever
we are doing by consciously being in the present moment as it is happening. Regulation
of the breath is like turning a door handle and letting it open the view of our
vast unlimited self and Self to us. The more we
practice the better we get at experiencing the bliss within and then using it
in our lives.
A side effect of meditation is the capacity to think through problems and pull
out a workable resolution. Whether it is a relationship question or a complex
technical problem, the answer can be drawn from within. After meditating it is
useful to immediately write out any insights to review and use as needed. I
also keep a piece of folded paper and small pencil in my pocket for saving
thoughts on the go.
Back to the original question, meditation is practiced and lived moment to
moment, whether being still or on the go. When we deliberately begin even
breathing and relax within, we speed up the process of learning to live from
the consciousness of our expanded state of being, that includes lovingness and
all the virtues. Because this is a happy way to live and feels good, it is worth
the effort to instigate a regular meditation practice, moment to moment
eternally.
303.
Unconditional Love in Friendship
Article by Susan Helene Kramer – Shuchi
To have a friend, be a friend, be friendly.
As in the word friendship, a friend is like a ship that carries us, abides with
us unfailingly through the calm and rough seas of life.
Is there any purer relationship than friendship? It is the quality of unconditional
loyalty and love. Friendship is a bond of steadfastness and acceptance that
allows us to be who we are, fully, without the fear that love will be
withdrawn.
Over a lifetime, it is the bond of friendship that allows us to explore our
depths with non-judgmental feedback and supportiveness.
Sometimes, the friendship we give is not returned, but we benefit in another
way: The process of extending friendship expands our consciousness. While
giving and in the afterglow, we feel a sense of connection.
Once we experience the connection we feel while giving with care, we know that
it is not just what we receive in life that makes us happy. It is mainly the
connection that we feel when our own boundaries of self-centeredness break down
through our lovingness, that we feel our internal sense of peace and happiness.
Meditation is a helper in awakening us to the abiding love that lives
deep within us and that is all too ready to be tapped into, and flow through us
in our body and relationships.
Taking time to meditate regularly, daily, gives us just the boost that can make
the difference between feeling stranded and alone, and feeling connected with
those around us, family and friends. And perhaps the day will come when we feel
connected with all in the universe, friends with all in the diversity of the
universe.
304.
All Saints Day
Article by Susan Helene Kramer – Shuchi
November
1st is our time to remember the saints, especially those dear to our heart. For
me at present it is Mother Mary, the mother of Christ. Having a large family of
my own I have need often for her good role model.
With this holy season upon us it is time to pick a virtue that is saintly that
we can work on and put to use during the winter season, such as showing
kindness so that children or the elderly receive some special tender loving
care.
All Saints Day Prayer
"Saints of old, saints today
Inspire us in your blessed ways.
That we will strive to be our best
In ways you know will meet life's test.
Daily we will work and strive
As humans we will be alive.
And every act and thought we have
Will bring us closer to our best."
Striving and being fully alive to the Divine within sets the saints apart. They
literally shine with acts sublime and divine. This is the kind of life to
emulate day by day, little bits adding up to the whole. The blessed reward
coming back moment by moment is happiness and harmony in our lives.
Emulating the saints ways is a win - win proposition.
Just as with all our acts in life we pull out the direct results of what we put
in. What more can we ask?
305.
We Are the Same While in Various Roles
Article by Susan Helene Kramer – Shuchi
We are who we are, and at the same time we are seen differently by
different people. As an adult, our parents still see us as their children,
while our children see us as their parents.
We relate with people in the format of various roles, and they are in a role when
relating with us.
We dance in and out of relationships, but on the inside we remain our essential
Self.
Through playing roles we come to understand each other, by feeling how similar
we are underneath. Our role-playing lets us see many perspectives, while
underlying all is a thread of commonality interlocking us as the stitches in a
sweater; one long thread, many loops in the fabric of humanity.
Throughout our changing roles we are the unchanging ones, able to radiate love
in any situation. And, we are able to feel others' love for us from our
underlying constant of lovingness.
We ask who we are. At any moment in whatever role we each can say, "I am
the one who always has love to share."
Make meditation a daily habit
When we sit in meditation we feel our unity with all, because the barriers that
keep us looking separate are no longer there. Closed eyes do not see barriers
between people. Make meditation a daily habit, enjoy
the peace arising from deep within, feel unity with all, no matter what your
role at the time.
Roles change
Love is the constant.
306.
Loyalty in Friendship
Article by Susan Helene Kramer – Shuchi
Loyalty
is doing what one has committed to amidst changing circumstances.
Loyalty is a quality that develops our consciousness. Loyalty leads us deep
into a situation, through it, and out the other side, emerging as a more
developed person.
Loyalty is an essential in friendship. Acquaintances become friends through
mutual loyalty.
Loyalty is an essential in friendship that has developed into the commitment of
hearts between two people. Loyalty in a heart to heart relationship develops
mutual trust.
Above all else in this world is friendship, unconditionally given,
unconditionally received. And with the addition of
love, life is made beautiful. Above all else in this world is loving
friendship, unconditionally given, unconditionally received.
Meditate deeply to develop loyalty
Loyalty can be developed by meditating deeply in the
search for truth. As we get closer to the truth we are deciding to be loyal to
that esoteric quality that binds us with all in the universe and beyond. It is
worth spending time in meditation to help in reaching the outward goal of
loyalty to family, friends, our world family and the inner ideals we hold to.
Be loyal to your meditation practice as you are loyal to your friends and
experience a deep sense of peace and joy in your life.
Unconditional love
The best quality of friendship.
Loyal to love
Loyal to the Divine.
307.
Meditation, Science, Spirituality
Article by Susan Helene Kramer – Shuchi
Scientific
law and harmony pervade the universe. Predictable mechanisms, predictable
responses are interwoven, interrelated as in the workings of a fine watch.
From the perspective of overall consciousness, love and science are one. One
plus one equals two, whether on an addition chart or in relationship.
As we interact harmoniously, we align with the basic precept of nature:
cooperation. Through harmonious cooperation we become increasingly aware and
conscious of the world and ourselves, we find that we can harmoniously function
with anyone, anywhere, under all circumstances, just as mathematical scientific
principles are present and function in interrelation everywhere.
Abundant energy comes into our body, when by our positive attitudes, and depth
of experience in meditation, we align with nature's laws. We become an asset to
everyone as we manifest within the principles that keep our universe running
rhythmically, harmoniously. Meditation is both an awakening force of our
scientific biological and mental processes, and a harmonious energizer in our
daily life.
When we meditate deeply we develop our sense of harmonious self as emanating
from our radiant Self.
When we are feeling enlivened by our state of harmony, we most easily manifest
acceptance and unconditional love. Energy radiates from us, warming everyone,
as predictably as the sun radiates and warms everything by its rays of energy.
Radiating as the sun, we feel exquisitely good, as we are being sustained by
our alignment within the harmonious workings of the universe. If alignment with
the harmonious scientific laws of creation is so enlivening, can we imagine
what direct alignment with the source of creation would lend to our
consciousness?
308.
Compassion for Our Self and Others
Article by Susan Helene Kramer – Shuchi
Compassion
for ourselves allows each moment to grow in radiance.
We need to be compassionate with ourselves at our current stage of development
while keeping a positive outlook. Right now is our starting place from which to
go forward.
Adopting a positive outlook and in-look means accepting the moment as it is and
knowing that the next moment can be better because of our positive attitudes.
By acting for others' highest good we develop compassion. We are actually
benefitting ourselves by acting with care, because our mind is peaceful and our
body feels energized.
To develop compassion
1. Meditate deeply on feelings of compassion. Time spent quietly, free
from external distractions allows us space to go within in a direct manner,
like a comet speeding to our divine Source, and then bringing back useful
information for daily living.
2. Adopt a positive attitude with the task at hand. A positive mental attitude
energizes our body for action.
3. Follow the 'golden rule'. Act in the best interest of the situation in the
same way you would ideally want to be treated in a similar circumstance.
Taking time to develop compassion rewards us with feelings of
joy while acting.
Compassion for ourselves, while we become more loving, develops our capacity to
experience consciousness ever more fully.
309. Christmas Joy
Article by Susan Helene Kramer – Shuchi
Christmas
joy is multi-faceted. Celebrating the birth of the dear Babe fills us with hope
for goodness in the future, and perhaps that is the biggest boost to our
spirits. When we are enmeshed in this world where peace is constantly rolled
over and disturbed by outer and inner events, it gives us cause
to consider that there may be a way to bring joy back into our lives.
Christ's message of love is a way to bring joy into our daily lives. When we
love someone we temporarily extend the border of our self, in fact, we erase
the border between ourselves and that person. In the fullness of love for
others we allow our inner joy to serge through us and penetrate the life of
another. It is an all-around win-win outcome.
Joy can't help but feel good. Christmas, celebrated annually, gives us a high
point in the year to open our hearts expansively in giving and sharing with
those close to us and our community, too. And for the world we can pray and
meditate sending out loving thoughts to the entire creation.
I'm glad we celebrate Christmas each year, my heart overflows with kindness and
joy for those I love and the friends and relatives of my loved ones, too, making each loving and joyful thought a link in
the mesh of humanity we are part of. One cloth, each of us an
important and beautiful link making up the whole.
Meditate to develop your capacity to love
Sit upright in front of your meditation table or altar. Fold your hands in your
lap or place them palms up or palms down on your
thighs. Close your eyes. Begin even and regular breathing,
such as one count to inhale, and one count to exhale. Keep up this
rhythmic pattern throughout your meditation. Do not hold your breath at any
time.
When your breathing is established bring thoughts of love for others to mind.
This allows a relaxation in your mind that lets love fill your mind and
overflow to others. In this way we are filled with joy whenever we put
ourselves in this happy state of mind.
Finish your meditation with a prayer for world peace such as: Lord, may your
peace and presence come alive in mine and every heart.
Take a deep breath in, let it out slowly, open your eyes, stretch out and go on
with your day, renewed and filled with peace and joy.
310.
Basic Beginning Sitting
Meditation
Article by Susan Helene Kramer – Shuchi
There
are several elements that go toward making a successful meditation. First, pick
a location where you will not be disturbed or observed for half an hour. This
gives you time to prepare and meditate in peace. Some ideas are: next to your
bed, in a walk-in closet, an attic space, if outdoors a porch or secluded
garden space.
Dress comfortably for sitting by wearing loose pants that will not bind your
waist or knees. I recommend cotton or light wool clothing. If you have a
tendency to cool down when sitting still, have a warm shawl on hand to drape
around your shoulders. For example, if you need a throw over you while sitting
watching television you will probably need a cover while meditating.
Gather together your supplies such as a rosary or mala, small book of
inspirations to read at the beginning of your session, incense and a candle if
not near flammable materials such as curtains or bedding, fresh flowers, holy
objects special to you. A dresser top, end table or wall shelf can hold your
choices.
If you wish to sit on the floor with knees bent, legs crossed in sit on a
cushion or heavy folded blanket. Either sitting on the floor on a cushion or on
a chair with soles of feet firmly on the floor, hold your spine erect.
Mentally read from your book and then say an opening prayer. This is the time
to ask any special requests.
Close your eyes and begin even and regular breathing such as 2 counts to inhale
and 2 counts to exhale. Continue this pattern throughout your meditation. Keep
up the rhythm without actually saying the numbers. Do not hold your breath at
any time.
Coordinate thinking your mantra with the pattern of your breathing. A basic
mantra is Om Shanti, or Om Peace. Or, use a short phrase from your religious
background. I like to use Om Shanti. I inhale on Om and exhale on Shanti.
When you begin feeling peaceful let go of the mantra and listen to the internal
sound under the crown of your head for as long as you can.
Conclude your meditation with a long inhalation and exhalation. Open your eyes.
Stretch out and go on with your day, feeling relaxed and peaceful.
311.
New Year Resolutions
Article by Susan Helene Kramer – Shuchi
January 1st each year puts a firm date in our mind to begin anew
with projects we see as benefitting us moving forward. Whether it is the
renewal of a yearly resolution or branching out in a new direction, we can't
help but notice that "new" is the word that comes along with each
resolution.
It's easy enough to make a bucket list of what we want to do or see in the
coming year, but let's make a commitment to upgrade our life from the inside
out so we can enjoy outer events more.
Inner resolutions include spiritual growth, and one way to make this happen is
through resolving to institute a new meditation practice. Resolve to begin the
day with affirmations for personal and world peace and after your morning
ablutions sit by your bed for a minute or more and sink into the peace and calm
generated. Carry this peace with you as you rise and enter the mainstream
traffic of your day.
A little meditation goes a long way in buffering the knocks of life. And when
an event comes along that disturbs your equilibrium, give into the unbalance by
reclaiming harmony in a short meditation.
When you are out in the world, several minutes in the nearest restroom
meditating may be just what you need to clear your thoughts enough to make
decisions that are for the best all around.
When we feel disturbed the inner channels of planning and deduction become
cloudy. A reaction ensues that might not be what you would have decided or done
with a clear mind.
Meditation opens the inner sight to seeing the broad overview, the whole
picture in front of us, the various ramifications of
choices we could make.
Before making out New Year resolutions, resolve to turn to a deeper meditation
practice to give yourself a bulwark against the
obstacles of life. Whatever you resolve to do or see in the world becomes a
more enjoyable experience.
312.
Basic Beginning Walking
Meditation
Article by Susan Helene Kramer – Shuchi
A walking meditation is a productive and peaceful way to spend
some time outdoors. First, choose a route where you can safely walk and will
not be disturbed. Some ideas include the block around your house, to and from a
local park, the circumference of a school, the mall parking lot, a stretch of
beach, path around a lake, route to the local store. You should be familiar
with your route so you don't have to worry about getting lost.
Considerations: Comfortable walking shoes. The walking surface should be
smooth so your mind is not distracted trying to avoid rocks or other obstacles.
Carry a small backpack with reflective patch. Include water, a flashlight,
phone, hat, scarf or other clothing to accommodate the weather. Juicy fruit if
you'll be out for a while. Any medication you may need if your walk is
extended. A notebook and pen to record new insights at the conclusion or at a
rest stop.
The walking meditation
Stretch to begin. Then, once you set out walking set up a rhythm to coordinate
breathing and stepping. For example, take two steps in your inhalation,
and two steps as you exhale. Keep up this pattern during your meditation. Do
not hold your breath at any time. Swing your arms in opposition to your walking
steps. That means when you step forward with the right foot swing the left arm
forward, and when stepping forward with the left foot, swing the right arm
forward.
Now that your body is in motion coordinated with your breathing in a rhythmic
pattern, turn your attention to what you are thinking. If you use a mantra,
coordinate the syllables of the words with your breathing. For example, when I
use Om Shanti I breathe in on Om, and breathe out on Shanti. Mentally say your
mantra rather than speaking out loud.
If your mind drifts off, just take up your mantra again without judging
yourself. The point is to gain conscious control and mastery of what you are
doing. This practice carries over into activities in your daily life.
Finish your walking meditation with a stretch and record any new insights in
your journal for later review.
One of the beauties of a walking meditation is no one else need know what you
are doing. It is a private, peaceful and regenerating practice you can do in
public.
313.
Thoughts on Time
Article by Susan Helene Kramer – Shuchi
Time is flowing with a variable volume. When we are energetic we
get more done in an hour than we would at a casual pace. One hour may be sixty
minutes, but we can make it more valuable by increasing the quality we put into
that sixty minutes.
All aspects of living can have that increased quality if we always act from our
highest consciousness. Each moment we use freewill to decide how to act. We can
upgrade, viewing our time as precious or downgrade, viewing our time as dust,
to be whisked away. Our choice.
Flowing, progressing in consciousness is a process, tribulation into
transformation. Transformation revealing that lasting happiness is free from
dependence on stimulants, accumulation of possessions, and relationships out of
neediness.
And while we are here let's remember that our Creator
unites us together as One, one spirit permeating every atom of creation.
Meditation practice allows us to get more benefit from each sixty minutes.
Meditation opens our inner sight to a wider awareness of options for action
that are available to us. We do not live in a cardboard box of body.
We live as expansive beings with the gifts of spiritual awareness to be able to
see the broader picture, and then make choices for action. Wiser
choices.
Make time for daily meditation
Expand into your Spiritual Self
Bringing intuitive and practical insights into play
In the daily workings of life.
314.
Valentine's Day Blessings
Article by Susan Helene Kramer – Shuchi
As each Valentine's Day rolls around, we again have the
opportunity to make an extra effort to shower our loved-ones with a strong show
of lovingness. That's the easy part. What is more difficult is to extend caring
love to those who are not so emotionally close.
Rise to the challenge of extending the spirit of the day in little increments
leading up to the special day, then you'll have reached your goal and still
have energy left to enjoy.
Ways you can show little acts of caring love are by going the extra mile in
your volunteer service, helping out without being asked, distributing food and
clothes to those in need without them knowing the giver.
For example, when my father was retired he went to the grocery store after
supper and anonymously took the food in paper bags and left them on the
doorsteps of poor neighbors. He did not tell me about these visits till he was
bedridden in his last years, but I was impressed and this lesson in caring acts
has stayed with me.
To open your heart, meditate regularly from your heart chakra. The space
in the center of your body between your arm pits from
which your arms extend. It is not accident our precious heart is in the center
of our torso between our arms. It is a lesson placed there to show that caring
is by our actions, more so than our words.
When sitting in meditation feel your body heat up and after your session use this
flowing energy to do something nice for another or others. In that way you'll
get in the habit of expanding yourself in caring love, the true message of
Valentine's Day.
Be a blessing to others
Give of yourself fully and freely
Reap joy and peace of mind
By your caring actions.
315.
Positive Attitudes, Energetic Willpower
Article by Susan Helene Kramer – Shuchi
Positive Attitudes, energetic willpower, clear insight lead to
mastery of mind. These are some of the driving forces at our disposal to reach
our higher state of consciousness in this world.
Add devotion to the mix and we zoom ahead of consciousness into divine
awareness. That is my choice for this life. Why be content to partially achieve
the supreme goal when full radiance is possible by surrendering attachment to
material objects and relationships will smooth the path for us.
Meditation practice
Meditation practice is the seat to the divine experience. By living virtuously
with devotion in meditation we gradually open wide the portal within that
floods us with radiance divine; energetic radiance that vibrates us into higher
plains of consciousness.
Begin your meditation by choosing a quiet place where you will not be
disturbed. Either sit on the floor on a cushion or folded wool blanket, or sit
straight in a chair without leaning back (it is okay to support your lower
back). On the floor, fold your legs in, on the chair plant the soles of your
feet firmly on the ground to maintain balance. Fold your hands in your lap or
place them palms up or palms down on your thighs. If
you are using a rosary or mala hold it close to your body or in your lap.
Close your eyes, and take a long inhalation and exhalation to begin. Then begin
a pattern of even and regular inhalations and exhalations such as one count to
breathe in and one count to breathe out. Keep up this rhythm without actually
saying the counts throughout your meditation.
Pay close attention to your breaths. Be as the spectator in the grand stand
watching the parade of your breaths pass by, in and out, in and out. After some
time listen to the sounds of your inner body, particularly under the crown of
your head, if possible. Turn your attention to this rather than following your
breaths. Enjoy the peaceful feeling in your mind. Let yourself expand like a
balloon till floating free of attachments to the earthly world. Feel the
freedom of awareness in spirit, and the longer you sit the more your inner
radiance has a chance to enliven you.
Finish your meditation by opening your eyes, taking a deep breath in and slowly
releasing it. Record in your journal any insights from your meditation, stretch
out and go forward into your day.
316.
Spirit Tantra Love - Book Summary
Article by Susan Helene Kramer – Shuchi
Look through the crystals of these 134 spiritual topics written by
Susan Kramer, that shine on ways to express true love, lasting love, taking into
account that love flows through us in a never-ending tumbling stream when our
attitude is giving, caring, sharing. The section on tantra
includes theory, meditations, and non-sexual practices for the individual and
couples. 30,000 words. PDF and paperback
182 pages.
Details:
6 by 9 inch paperback; 8.5 by 11 inch PDF; EPUB ISBN: 978-1-329-60187-1;
Copyright 2015 Susan Kramer; Language: English.
Link
page to buy Spirit Tantra and Love as
a paperback, PDF or EPUB.
PDF ebooks can be saved to a Kindle.
Contents
PART ONE – SPIRIT: Spirit and Relationships
1. The Gifts of Spirit
2. Making Good Choices
3. Contemplation Is a Useful Skill
4. Seeing Eye to Eye
5. Improving the Quality of Our Character
6. Awakening in Spirit
7. Growth in Consciousness
8. Personal Time
9. Regrouping for a Positive Future
10. Coming to Know Our Soul
11. Toward Ultimate Truth
12. Moving Forward
13. How We Face the World
14. Keeping Pace in Society
15. Acting for the Best Resolve
16. Wisdom Is a Reward of Aging
17. Turning Away from Unwelcome Energy
18. The Gift of Healing
19. The Intelligence of Spirit
20. Looking For Happiness Outwardly
21. Caring and Sharing
22. Motherly Love
23. Goals in Living
24. Quiet Time for Meditation
25. Pulling Our Weight in the World
26. Turning to the Light
27. A Bible Story for Today
28. Emotional Bonding
29. We Intermingle with All
30. Friendship
PART TWO – TANTRA: Tantra Explored
31. Tantra Is Communion
32. Understanding Our Composite Body
33. The Energy of Our Soul
34. Tantra Is the Balance of Yin – Yang
35. The Pervading Energy of Tantra
36. The Circle of Love
37. The Opening Heart
38. Loving Energy
39. Nadi Suddhi –
Tantra Meditation Breathing Practice
40. Tantric Meditation When You Are Alone
41. Personal Tantric Meditation for Balancing Male and Female
Energy
42. Tantric Meditation With a Loving Partner
43. Touch Beyond Touch
44. Experiment to Feel Connected to a Loved One
45. Heart to Heart Hugging
46. Practice for a Couple
PART THREE – LOVE: The Energy of Love
47. Order in the Universe
48. Our Home on Earth
49. Consideration
50. Insightful
51. Existence Continues
52. Creator and Sustainer
53. Special and Precious
54. Transitions
55. Caring Friendship
56. Meeting
57. Clarity
58. Peaceful Acceptance
59. Personal Equanimity
60. Nonsense Makes No Sense
61. True Satisfaction
62. Clarity – Sincerity
63. Buddies
64. Why Are We Here?
65. Making the Right Choice
66. Unlimited Happiness
67. Shining Heart
68. Clearing the Grit
69. Ideas and Creation
70. Stepping in Time
71. Loving Interest Compounded
72. Repeating History
73. Underlying Harmony
74. Moving Stimulates Energy
75. Loving Our Source
76. Light Within Light
77. Doing Your Task
78. Full Light
79. Giving Stress Direction
80. Taking Time
81. Contract or Expand
82. Care About Others
83. Sudden Changes
84. Negative People
85. Creating from Insight
86. Form Is Changeable
87. Targeting
88. Bonding – Dissolving
89. Truth
90. The Highest Good
91. Love Energizes
92. Make Life a Tapestry
93. Love Is Our Self
94. Solid Ground
95. Internal Signals
96. We Have an Inner Guide
97. The Place of No Disturbance
98. Balancing Positive and Negative
99. Time Flows
100. A True Gift
101. Individuality in Relationship
102. Trust
103. Easy Communication
104. Analyze and Incorporate
105. The Spirit of Love
106. Prioritize for Happiness
107. Survival of Love
108. Unconditional Love and Acceptance
109. Preparing for Marriage
110. Disciplining
111. Bonding
112. Conscious Harmony
113. Children
114. Humanity in Progress
115. Mirrored Images
116. The Handhold of Conscience
117. A Blueprint for Living
118. Positive Spiritual Reality
119. Warp and Woof Energies
120. External Guidelines
121. Emotion to Devotion
122. Growing in Love
123. Visualize with Energy
124. Inner Source
125. Our Flesh and Personality Body
126. Positive Choices
127. Love and Wisdom
128. Balancing Body and Mind
129. Express Lovingly
130. A Fulfilling Life
131. Single Words on How It Is
132. Creation and Science Are Harmonious
133. Practicing Integrity
134. Remembrance of Love
Link page to buy Spirit
Tantra and Love as a paperback, PDF or EPUB.
PDF ebooks can be saved to a Kindle
317.
Basic Chanting Meditation
Chanting sacred syllables in Sanskrit or any language uplifts your
mood and spirit. The robust breathing required in chanting draws more oxygen into
your body, too.
Combining singing with devotional thoughts, uplifts us all around and at the
finish leaves us feeling tuned up like the vibrations that emanate from a
tuning fork after being plucked. Or like the vibrational sound from a singing
bowl after being played.
To begin chanting gather together your supplies, which could
be a harmonium, or another instrument. I play the harmonium so that is
my choice. But it is not really necessary to have an accompaniment. Just
your voice and an attitude of devotion is all that is required.
Chanting in a group brings up the energy of your combined efforts. A leader can
be selected who chants a line and the rest chant the line in response. As a
group participant you don't have to choose what will be chanted, just pay
attention to repeating the sounds.
In devotional chanting it is the pure sounds that uplift and bring forth the
purest energy, so that after the session you resound with the raised
vibrations. At the end of the verbal chanting a period of silent meditation can
follow where you go deeply within yourself for a comfortable period of time.
When you are ready to begin chanting, either sit on a
cushion on the floor, legs folded in, or on a straight back chair without
leaning back. If you are chanting in response to a leader, close your eyes.
Otherwise keep your attention on the list of chants you will be singing. Take a
deep inhalation and exhalation to begin and center yourself.
After the chanting and silent meditation stretch out and slowly go on with your
day. You might want to spend some time in fellowship, or be by yourself for a
while. Take time to reflect on the peaceful and harmonious feelings with which
you are left.
318.
Consciousness in Marriage
Marriage is a carriage that can take us to the realization of our
permanent home. In conscious marriage the couple are
aware of this as the ultimate goal of their life together. The marriage is
lived with each serving the other's best interests, above their own desires.
When we serve another out of care for their highest good we are aligning with
our soul. The greatest love is the purest love, free from desires for personal
gain.
Meditation each day gives us control over the ramblings of our mind. The mind
becomes our servant, not us the mind's toy. As we practice meditation regularly
we begin to feel the inner peace, the lasting calmness that allows us to think
clearly and analyze to act with right judgment.
After meditating for some time the calmness extends throughout more and more of
the regular day, till we can always turn to that inward, calm, balanced state
at a moment's notice and need.
Past the calmness comes joy and bliss and full peace.
We experience these transcendent feelings more deeply the more we practice
meditation and right living by listening to our conscience.
When each mate spends time in meditation and in acting rightly in accordance
with their developing conscience, their union parallels that of the Divine:
fully married, inseparable with the highest aspect in themselves and each
other.
319.
Meditation Prayer
This is a prayer for the beginning of your meditation session, to
pave the way for peace and love to open your inner most heart.
First, take a few minutes to read an inspiring passage that uplifts you from a
book of your choice, or move on to this prayer I've written.
Prayer
"In love and grace within our Self
We live a blessed life on earth
While meditation's current flows
Carrying us through daily work.
The state of meditation brings
Awareness that we are on par
With our innate state of grace
Enveloping all both near and far.
One in heart, one in peace
Spreading over many lands
Standing together, not apart
Meditating on peace
All dear as friends."
Silent part of meditation
To begin the silent portion of your meditation, close
your eyes and begin even and rhythmic breathing, such as one count to inhale,
one count to exhale. Observe your breath while listening for your core
vibration, also known as the eternal OM.
Finish your meditation with a deep breath, open your eyes and be thankful for
having rested in your Higher Self. Record new insights from
meditation in your journal for later review. Lastly, stretch out and go
on with your day.
320.
Going Home to Our Source
After being away from our family home for a while, we look forward
with fresh anticipation to returning. We feel the same after we have long been
away from our Creator-Sustainer.
A deep yearning causes us to search for our innate roots, the womb of our
origin. We have gone out into the world, experienced life with its pains and
pleasures, happiness and sadness. We never found a lasting happiness from those
experiences. What we sought was not outside of ourselves.
To go home is to experience the peace and love arising from our self-effulgent
heart center, the core of our being. We find that all the love and happiness we
have ever wanted is already available to us in every moment, without fail.
The outer journey of going away from h (om) e to seek
happiness was not fruitless. We found irrefutably that the world did not hold a
continuous thread of happiness joining life's adventure together.
The thread that weaves its way through life's journeys is our own outlook,
realization of being the peace, being the love. What we seek out in the world
is what we already are in the home of our soul. We are the joy, the peace, the
love. They are part of the makeup of us just as surely as we could ever
imagine. But we have been imagining they are outside in the world, instead of
realizing they are in the home of our heart.
The great experiment, the ultimate goal of our existence is to find that the
qualities that we seek to make us happy are actually already an integral part
of our existence. And the way to find these qualities within ourselves is
through being kind and caring, practicing meditation, holding positive
and unselfish attitudes. After practicing these we soon realign with the peace
and joy within.
Having discovered
Uncovered
Activated
Our inner place of peace and joy
We can really enjoy our nuclear family
Our world family
Warmly
Fully.
321.
Making Time for Meditation
Sometimes it seems like we can't get everything done in our 24
hours a day. That's why we have to schedule time for our own personal care, and
that includes exercise, and most importantly, meditation.
Start out with a monthly planner to get a wide view of what is coming up and to
plan when to get specific jobs done. Then keep a daily planner near you, maybe
on your computer table or in your shoulder bag. I keep my monthly calendar on
the wall in my kitchen so I'll see it entering or leaving the room. I look up
and scan events coming up and mentally think what I need to do about them.
My daily planner is right in front of me on the computer table in front of the
screen. Can't miss seeing that since I check my email after
turning on my desk top computer.
But before I even get to the kitchen or computer table I take time for
meditation. It is my number one daily priority and sets me in a good frame of
mind for whatever the day holds. It is not necessary to meditate a long period
of time. I've been allotting myself ten minutes for so many years now, that my body goes into that quiet and creative state
automatically as I sit in meditation pose.
The same will happen to you when you make time for meditation. It becomes a
regular habit and then the time is automatically there, without thought of
making space for it in your own schedule.
Meditating regularly sets the tone for the rest of the day. It gives a boost of
energy in the right direction, a positive direction. As you rise from your
meditation take time to stretch out, in the sun salutation if you practice
hatha yoga. But at least stretch out your arms to the side and overhead to
invigorate your body.
In the evening make time to sit quietly before going to bed. The traditional
times are sunrise and sunset, the changing of the day in the cycle of life.
322.
How to Overcome Obstacles as a New Meditator
As a new
meditator there may be some obstacles to overcome. To begin, getting into a
meditation pose may be a major hurtle if you are not used to sitting in a
cross-legged pose. It helps to do a series of hatha poses beforehand, such as
the sun salutation, to limber the joints.
If you
really cannot get into the cross-legged position, it is okay to sit on a
straight back chair and place the soles of your feet firmly on the floor to
maintain your balance when your eyes are closed. If sitting on a chair it could
be useful to roll a towel to place on the chair behind your lower back to help
keep your spine erect.
Now that you
are sitting erect close your eyes. Turn your attention to your breath. Inhale
and exhale in an even and natural way, do not hold your breath at any time.
There are practices that use the breath in different ways, but not in your
meditation session.
We all need
to breathe to live, and incorporating the even breathing of meditation helps
calm our body and our thoughts, too. An example of harried or ragged breathing
is what we do when angry or upset. Even and regular breathing helps calm us. A
meditation breathing pattern example is to inhale one count and exhale one
count. Keep up this rhythm throughout your meditation without actually saying
the counts. Finish your meditation with a deep breath in and slowly exhale.
Open your eyes.
Clothing
Wear clean
clothes that are loose enough so you can cross your legs and provide for
adequate modesty. Traditional whites, (white cotton pajama-type pants and
over-shirt) are the recommendation in most retreat and meditation centers.
Leotard and tights work well if you are doing a dance meditation and are
sitting after the moving portion.
If you are
meditating at home in the evening and have showered and prepared for your quiet
time and bed, your cotton pajamas would work very well for your last meditation
of the day. Above all, do not wear constricting clothing or a short skirt that
needs to be hiked down. The loose clothing lets you concentrate on your
meditation without worrying about your outfit. Keep a shawl handy in case your
body cools as you sit still.
These
obstacles can be overcome and will lead to a peaceful meditation experience.
323.
Combine Virtue and Meditation to Fully Develop
Virtue
brings the best of your personality to light. We have choices on how to act in
a given situation. How we have developed in our humanness influences those
decisions moment to moment. Spontaneous actions come from our developed
personality.
To act and
manifest in the world for the best, take time each day to emulate a virtue,
such as kindness, for example. This puts us in a positive state of mind and
decisions and actions while feeling positive most likely will be those that
will have positive results. Clarity in action comes from clarity of attitude
and mind.
While
working on your daily virtue continue your regular meditation practice. Feel
the awakening of spirit by meditating deeply. As a beginning meditator enjoy
the peaceful feeling that comes by sitting still and concentrating on the flow
of breath in and out in a regular even pattern. Sit erect to keep from
compressing your internal organs while meditating. Uncomfortable bodily
sensations distract from a peaceful state of mind. Gradually lengthen your
meditation period till it feels natural to sit and be still for a period. Start
with a few minutes and work up to a half hour or more of quiet time in spirit.
As we
improve our attitudes by substituting virtuous thoughts for digressions and
negativity we improve the quality of our spiritual experience in meditation.
And vice versa, we take a recharged battery back into daily life the more
deeply and sincerely we meditate. It also helps to meditate on a virtue you
wish to emulate. If you choose kindness think about how you can be kinder to
just one person later in the day or following days.
The end
result of living with increasing virtue while meditating regularly is an
expanding awareness and joy in waking hours.
And that is why we meditate, to fully
develop our capacity to feel our joyful nature, without barriers of negative
attitudes or thoughts.
324.
Feeling Connected with Everyone
Living in a
family is like being one of the spokes of a wheel. We are busily immersed in
various activities during the day, but at day's end our consciousness again
returns to the hub of family life.
In healthy
family life, each member gives 9babies give us laughs) and takes. In this way
each has the opportunity to give and receive, everyone receiving the benefits
of both. Family provides a strong support unit in times of stress and illness.
Family support helps us work through life's ups and downs.
As parents,
our children's dependency ties us to responsibilities, giving us the
opportunity to grow out of self-serving ways. Children have us as a role model
to emulate and as someone to guide and support them till independence
day. And when our parents again become as children through old age or
illness, we have the responsibility to care for them.
On the world
scale all the peoples of earth are our extended family. Our individual family
is the example on the small scale.
Spare time
can be spent improving the environment for all and serving those where their
needs may lie. We need to feel and show the same concern for others that we
feel for ourselves and our families by attitude and action, to the extent that
our responsibilities allow.
Families
give us a chance to grow in consciousness as individuals, by broadening our
concept of what it means to be part of the world family. When we feel at One with all we begin to realize the same oneness in all,
the One Spirit that powers and guides everyone and everything.
Meditation practice brings us to the center of
our being in Spirit and releases the energy needed to interact with our little
and big world family. Take time to go within and draw from the artesian
well-spring of Spirit, from the energy that is always there when needed to
refresh our attitudes, thoughts, and actions in the world.
325.
Meditation and the Family
Mother first
holds her infant aligned heart to heart. Father and siblings align heart to
heart. Heart to heart contact is an essential part in human development. A baby
cuddled in the heart to heart position regains the feelings of security and
protection lost when suddenly free of the womb. With repeated hugs and
cuddling, baby, mother, all of baby's family develops a mutual relationship of
ever increasing love.
The human
infant needs loving care and devotion from an adult to be protected from
dangers and have his needs met. On the larger scale of human development and
evolution, the devotion developed in nurturing our family expands gradually to
include others in our loving care. We grow from self-centeredness, feeling a
limited amount of love, to the experience of expanded never ending loving
energy reaching out to all.
While
growing up we observe what is entailed in being a father, mother, brother,
sister. If each of these basic roles were not in our own family, we saw them in
families around us. As adults, many of us extend into the parenting role with
our own children or with the children of relatives and friends.
The family
we grew up in is our nesting family. After we fly from the nest as young
adults, we begin to relate in ways that form additional family groups. If we
marry, we then gain an ever larger family of in-laws.
While we are
single adults we form a circle of friends for mutual support and nurturing.
Whatever role we are in at the moment, we have work and community groups with
which to interact, and acquaintances sharing common interests. As citizens we
have national and international ties. In varying degrees of involvement and
commitment we function as parts of the whole world family.
Meditation practice
Meditation
practice is our key to becoming the best player we can be in whatever our
family role at the moment. Besides becoming our best self, we uplift others in
the family and community by our good example of living rightly and justly. Make
meditation part of your daily routine. Inspire others in your family to follow
your example. Let's make this world the best it can be.
326.
Reduce Stress with Meditation
Meditation
can reduce stress by putting the body-mind into a state of equilibrium. When
all our systems are in balance it is easier to work out solutions to problems
causing stress.
Instant meditation, that is breathing on
the spot, is a silent way using regular even breathing to get stressful
feelings under control. Here's how: breathe in one count; breathe out one
count, and continue this pattern for a minute. Your body comes under your
mental control by calming down, just as your mind regains equilibrium.
We feel
better when we are feeling mentally and physically in control of ourselves.
This instant
breathing practice can be done unobtrusively, even in an office or classroom.
No one need know what you are doing. But the result benefits others, too,
because we become a more centered person to be around, and others may
eventually ask us what our secret is in keeping or regaining our cool.
Demonstration
of the benefits is, after all, an effective teacher.
When you are
by yourself, and have time for a sitting meditation, institute even, regular
breathing into your routine. Breathe in counts one, two; breathe out counts
one, two, and continue this rhythmic pattern throughout your meditation.
By focusing
on your breathing you are taking your attention away from any problems you may
be dwelling on. This interjection of rhythmic breathing breaks the pattern of
stress you may have built up in your mind and feel in your body.
Regular
sitting meditation is a cushion to sink into that builds up with repetitive
practice, a barrier against the buffeting winds of difficult and upsetting
situations in living. And, it is good to know that you have this rescue formula
to fall back on when stressed.
Link
to Buy Stress and Anger Management http://www.susankramer.com/angerebook.html
ebook or paperbook
327.
Stretch Before Meditation for the Most Comfort
If you take
a few moments to stretch out your body it will be easier for you to sit in
meditation. The erect posture in meditation is different from sitting down to
watch TV or to eat dinner. Meditation posture needs to be balanced on your seat
- both what you are sitting on, and the balance point of your body.
A posture leaning back is not
conducive to letting the bodily feelings go to sleep while the mind stays awake
in deep meditation. Our efforts in meditation are to take us to this state of
rising out of body conscious into the bliss of soul consciousness.
In soul
consciousness we don't feel the physical body from the neck down but we are so
very much awake and aware and emotionally elevated into bliss and joy.
Prepare your body
To prepare
your body for meditation wear comfortable clothing. Pick a place to sit where
you will not be disturbed. Stretch your arms overhead and to the side and
gently twist your torso and arms as a unit looking to the right and to the left
in a long graceful movement. Then sit up straight on your cushion or a
straight-back chair, without leaning back. If you need to while sitting on a
chair, support your lower back with a bolster. Now you are ready to begin your
meditation routine.
Close your
eyes. Inhale and exhale in a regular even pattern throughout your meditation
and begin by turning your thoughts to love, as for a loved-one or pet. Stay in
this state as long as possible, than conclude by sending a wish for world peace
out to the universe. Take a deep inhalation and slowly exhale. Open your eyes.
Stand up and stretch out, and go forward with your day.
More
Meditation Articles:
Beginning Steps in Meditation —
1. to 40. http://www.susankramer.com/meditationarticles3.html
Meditation Tempers Ups and Downs — 41.
to 80. http://www.susankramer.com/meditationarticles3a.html
Contemplation and Meditation — 81.
to 120. http://www.susankramer.com/meditationarticles3b.html
Benefits of Daily Meditation —
121. to 160.
http://www.susankramer.com/meditationarticles3c.html
Meditation and Our Deepest Roots — 161.
to 200. http://www.susankramer.com/meditationarticles3d.html
Meditate to Find Answers —
201. to 250.
http://www.susankramer.com/meditateanswers.html
A Heavenly Garden in Meditation —
251. to 300. http://www.susankramer.com/heavenlygarden.html
Love Is a Constant — 301. to ... http://www.susankramer.com/loveconstant.html
All
content on this site is copyright Susan Helene Kramer
and may not be used in any manner without express written permission.
Email: susan@susankramer.com
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A meditation and yoga
practitioner since 1976, Susan writes on practical spirituality, meditation,
yoga, family and social issues, and dance. Her instructional books are listed
at her web site – http://www.susankramer.com/books.html
page created
February 4, 2016; most recent update May 20, 2016; January 6, 2018