WATCH ALAN WATTS DISCUSS MEDITATING WITH A SILENT MIND
We are often told that it is only when our mind is silent, that healing can take place. Moreover, when we have a still mind, we can connect to our higher selves, the divine/source/universal consciousness and energy.
At the end of this blog, you will find a YouTube link to an excerpt from a brilliant lecture by the late great Spiritual Teacher, Philosopher and Author, Alan Watts (who is my Spirit guide). The talk was recorded at a New York convention on 'Eastern Religions and Western Therapy,' in 1971. In it, Alan puts a spotlight on:
How contemplation and meditation empower us to cease manufacturing our thoughts, and thus
Block our 21st century 'agitation from thinking,' something which means
We humans are continually propelled by non-stop talking to ourselves via an internal (and often, negative) dialogue
So in a nutshell, we should take time out to move away from our thoughts and internal narratives and stories, and enjoy the silence that our mind has the capacity to give us
For many, being able to attain a silent mind (even for a short amount of time), can seem like a Herculean task - but with time and practice, it can be done! I myself, used to find it extremely difficult whether it was in a physical group, or online (at a live or recorded event). - And this was very detrimental to me for my progression in mediumship. So in order to get over this seemingly insurmountable hurdle, I studied the theory and practice of all the different forms of meditation, and then went on to attain certification in Teacher Meditation in both western, and ancient Indian forms (the latter of which are rooted in Vedic texts and Yoga). - These use Tantra and yoga to awaken our inner potential and inherent intuitive abilities. - Elements which I am introducing to experienced and novice mediums who want to look outside the box and expand their abilities to an exceptional level.
Such practices incorporate wonderful ancient techniques, such as:
- Vipassana: self-observation
- Dhyana: deep concentration/absorption
- So Hum: an easy breath-focused meditation which uses the aloud or silent mantra "So Hum" (which translates to "I am that"). When we sync with the natural rise and fall of our breath, and (our mind) says "So" on the inhale, and "Hum" on the exhale, our mind and body relax, and we achieve a state of inner tranquility. (After a while, we can let go of the words and simply relax in the calmness of our inner world)Note: humming the "hum" out loud can help our mind concentrate on the sound and vibration. Moreover, humming is very beneficial
- Yoga Nidra: this meditation empowers practitioners to experience self-awareness by directing their minds during what is referred to as "wakeful sleep." During this practice, they are given verbal yoga nidra guidance during Savasana in which they travel through different levels of consciousness from their body to their subconscious-self. A guided mental body scan covers all part of the body from the souls of the feet to the crown of the head
SUCCESS AT LAST!
Ultimately, after being committed to regular practice, I did finally reach the most incredible feeling of being in an altered state of consciousness (far removed from the material world). - And if I could do it, so can you. The secret is to never give up, and to be gentle and patient with yourself.
I took the professional route (because of my mediumship), so for those who want to achieve this level, I have to say that it does takes commitment and practice (although the experience is different for all of us). I also meditate every day (if possible twice a day, including joining daily sits), and have given online mediation sessions for the world famous. Arthur Conan Doyle Centre in Edinburgh. I now teach meditation online (either one to one, or in groups). (Please email me if you would like the details).
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NEURO-MEDITATION
''The Quiet Mind Style of Neuro-Meditation is characterized by a significant reduction of internal-self-talk and mental imagery. It can often lead to feelings of spaciousness and quietude, as if the mind is empty or has momentarily stopped its typical parade of stories and narratives. This state of meditation is, in some ways, the stereotype of meditation and is epitomized by styles such as Transcendental Meditation (TM) and Zen'' (Travis & Shear, 2010) [1,2].
UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS
The 'Quiet Mind' form of meditation entails going into a state of consciousness. This is specified by an absence of mental imagery and self-talk
Going into this Quiet Mind meditative state leads to the inhibition of the brain's 'Default Mode Network'
Extended practice of Quiet Mind meditation can reduce anxiety and depression [1]
The Default Mode Network (DMN) comprises several areas of the brain that work simultaneously to generate our sense of identity/self. To that end, every time we engage in a mental activity which entails thinking about ourselves (for example, remembering what we did last year), our DMN becomes activated.
Once we understand the aforementioned, we realise that: because it's problematic not to have any thoughts that don't include 'me' as a central character, our brain's Default Mode Network must have be active a great deal of the time [1].
''However, when we think too much, the DMN becomes over-activated, leading to contemplation and brooding. Consequently, learning to quiet these regions of the brain can lead to significant relief and a reduction of symptoms associated with anxiety and depression'' [1]
So now enjoy Alan Watts' brilliant YouTube video 'Guided Meditation (Listening and Vocalizing),' courtesy of Official Alan Watts Org
[1]. Tarrant, J. (2021). ''7 Tips to Help You Develop a Quiet Mind.'' Psychology Today.
[2]. Tarrant, J. (2017). Meditation interventions to rewire the brain: Integrating Neuroscience Strategies for ADHD, anxiety, depression and PTSD. Eau Claire, WI: PESI Publishing and Media. As cited by
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