I've been
practicing meditation for a while now. The operative word is “practicing.” I’m
still trying to get the hang of it.
I've practiced
with Depak Chopra and Oprah on some of their 21-day meditations. I've listened
and followed dutifully as they've guided me, hopefully to a higher plane.
As you
probably know, the meditation process includes deep breathing and repeating
mantras and trying to block out brain static.
Some of the Hindu
mantras are doozies to pronounce. Many of them are mouthfuls, like Om Gum Ganapatayei Namah. But if this
mantra can remove obstacles as it’s supposed to do, I’m all for it. I just need
to learn to say it properly.
I like the
mantra Om better. It’s simple and
easy to repeat and is supposed to bring me in harmony with the universe. I love
harmony, although I write about murder and mayhem, and if repeating Om can synchronize me with my higher
power, I’m in.
Whether I’m
participating in a guided meditation or practicing on my own, I begin by
getting comfortable. I like to lie down, not sit up. There’s the danger of falling
asleep this way but so be it.
I start by
inhaling and exhaling slowly and deeply while focusing on my breathing. I also observe
my body, which can be a deterrent, if it’s aching and tense. I zoom in on my body
parts. Tell my body to let go and imagine I’m melting wax. Sometimes my body
listens, sometimes not so much.
Next, I observe my mind. This is tricky. My
mind loves to wander. I try to be positive, but my mind has been known to dwell
on negative stuff, and I have to replace the negative crap with positive affirmations.
I do this by making a mental list of the things I’m grateful for and say, “thank
you” for each one.
After I’ve completed
my grateful list, I repeat a mantra. As I mentioned earlier, I like Om, but here’s a list of others that are
supposed to seep into your soul and turn negative habits into positive ones:
Om Namah Shivaya—this mantra is supposed to increase
self-confidence and divine energy.
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu—This mantra means, “May all beings
everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my
own life contribute in some way to the happiness and to the freedom of all.”
Shanti Mantra Om Saha Naavavatu Saha
Nau Bhunaktu Saha Veeryam Karavaavahai Tejasvi Aavadheetamastu Maa
Vidvishaavahai Om—(Best
of luck on repeating this one). It’s easier to say the English translation:
“May the Lord protect and bless us and nourish us. Give us strength to work
together for the good of humanity. May our learning be brilliant and
purposeful. May we never turn against one another.”
I've been
told it’s best to meditate daily and with time I hope to become more proficient.
I usually try to practice for 10 minutes and longer if possible.
Although I’m
still learning the process, I’d like to think meditation has
made me a better author. My writing muse seems to be in favor of it. She’s the one who
spurs my creativity, gives me ideas for my story lines and characters, and helps
me connect with the great creator. What more could I ask?
Below are three of my books. A couple of my characters have been known to meditate:
Welcome to my blog. I invite you to participate.
I have worked as a newspaper reporter, editor and broadcaster and I've written two novels: Mardi Gravestone is available in paperback and in the ebook version it is called, "Sex, Love & Murder," to reflect the steamy content.
I hope you will take the time to read them. Hurricane House is my second novel, set in a Florida fishing village with a murderer at large.
Midwest book Review gave Hurricane House five stars and Romantic Times gave it four-and-a half-stars. My books are available everywhere books are sold.
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