Plum Tree Village

Using Meditation to Transform Your Life

In the vast literature of meditation techniques, there are literally hundreds and possibly thousands of techniques that have been developed over thousands of years to help students of meditation resolve a myriad of life issues and life problems. From this rich storehouse of ancient wisdom, we can draw forth solutions to many of the challenges we face in our modern life.

Some of these techniques may require different words to be easily understood in our modern times, but the wisdom and the power transfers easily into our world to help the student of meditation grow and become all that they can be.

By opening ourselves to the knowledge of those who have preceded us on the pathway to enlightened awareness, we are able to benefit from truth when it is revealed to us without the limitations of dogma or doctrine. The whole evolution of human consciousness is ours to explore, to bring to today what we need to create a better tomorrow.

One of the simple techniques that is taught through Mindfulness meditation is to focus your awareness on your breath with a repetitive phrase such as “I am breathing in” followed by the thought “I am aware I am breathing in”.  This could also be followed by the thought “I am breathing in and out” concluded with the thought “I am aware I am breathing in and out.”  For further information about this simple technique look for more information about Mindfulness on the Plum Village website at: http://www.plumvillage.org/art-of-mindful-living.html .

Mindfulness is the energy of being aware and awake to the present moment. It is the continuous practice of touching life deeply in every moment of daily life. To be mindful is to be truly alive, present and at one with those around you and with what you are doing. We bring our body and mind into harmony while we wash the dishes, drive the car or take our morning shower.
-Thich Nhat Hanh

Ultimately, the wisdom of all that you have ever been and all that you are becoming is available to you from your higher self (Soul.) To connect to this source of wisdom you can let your mind calm by sitting quietly observing your breath, making no attempt to control your breathing, letting the natural rise and fall of the breath bring you to a centered relaxed place. Then visualize or imagine your Soul as a radiant point of Light above the tip of where your arms can stretch as you reach above your head. As you bring you mind to the calm and quiet that comes from observing the natural rise and fall of your breath consciously with intention open your mind to be receptive to your Soul through your intuition and insight. Then maintain receptivity keeping the chatter of your mind as quiet as possible for as long as possible.