Simple mantra meditation

TECHNIQUE FOR MANTRA MEDITATION

                                                                        

                                                                   Location - As with all meditations, find a place where you will not be disturbed. As you get more practiced, you will find you can meditate anywhere, any time, but at first it's important that you be able to devote a good ten to twenty minutes of time without distractions or disturbances. If you have a quiet, peaceful living situation, you can choose a quiet peaceful place easily. If you are a harried mom who is sought out everywhere she goes, you may find the bathroom with a lock on the door to be the only haven. Use what works.

Position - Sit comfortably. Many people will tell you the positions to use. I won't. I suggest sitting so you don't fall asleep. I suggest being comfortable because you don't want your body to distract you with complaints about discomfort. Relax.

Close your eyes for this meditation. You can meditate with your eyes open and it can be very powerful, but for this meditation, close your eyes.

Breathe normally. Don't worry about how you're breathing - as long as oxygen is going in and out of your lungs, you're good to go. Don't hold your breath while meditating.

AM - You will use the mantra to help you clear your thoughts by focusing only on this one word: AM. Here is why I have chosen this word: AM is similar to OM but it has a meaning we understand. Am is the same as "I am" because the "I" is implied - no other pronoun takes the 'am' form of the verb 'to be.'

Think the word AM to the exclusion of all other thoughts. If other words or thoughts come, just let them go as you focus on AM. Don't think about AM, but actually think AM. Notice how AM makes you feel. AM makes you present to yourself. AM helps you find your identity in the present. Feel AM filling you.

Practice feeling and being AM for as long as you can. It may take days of daily practice before you are ready for the next step, but you can try it any time, just don't be disappointed if it doesn't work.

While completely filled with the feeling of AM, of being perfectly present and alive, stop thinking the word. Let go of the word itself while continuing to feel the feeling. Be it without thinking it. This is the Truth of who You Are. BE this, experience this, as long as you can.

When you return to thinking, take a deep cleansing breath and open your eyes.