Man, I’m on a video kick right now. I’ve been coming across some pretty intriguing things in the last few days. I’m starting to like this guy, Emil Ihsan-Alexander Torabi and this particular video that addresses simple, practical approaches to meditation is very well done. Meditation is something that few people that I know do and something that I typically only use periodically because of the difficulty I find in staying focused.
I’m going to try some of the things that Emil recommends and feel free to post your own experiences and insights in the comments below.
The things of God are of deep import; and time, and experience, and careful and ponderous and solemn thoughts can only find them out. Thy mind, O man! if thou wilt lead a soul unto salvation, must stretch as high as the utmost heavens, and search into and contemplate the darkest abyss, and the broad expanse of eternity — thou must commune with God. How much more dignified and noble are the thoughts of God, than the vain imaginations of the human heart! (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith [1938], p.137)
Steps to meditation, or stilling the soul:
- Be consistent
- Don’t worry about doing it right
- Dont fight your thoughts, as they arise, observe them and let them be and pass
- Make it a habit or routine; set time aside
- Stick with it – be mercifiul to yourself when you fail, start again
Physical position:
- Sit in a comfortable position
- Begin to relax
- Close your eyes
- Focus on your breathing, become aware of tense spots in your body and release the tension
- After you are done, give thanks.
Time
- 5 minutes is perfect to begin
- Consistensy and not length is what is important
- You will learn by experience the rest, follow your instincts
