Testing The Waters

There are numerous benefits to meditation that range from physical to psychological but for many people having a meditation practice can seem like a daunting task.  I believe the source of their apprehension is that they are holding onto some preconceived notions of what meditation is and how to do it. They overwhelm themselves with thoughts like: I don't have enough time I can't quiet my mind Its too hard to sit for an extended period of time SO... WHAT IS M E DITATION?  The term "Meditation" encompasses a wide variety of practices and techniques each designed towards different goals.  Some towards relaxation, building internal energy, developing compassion, love, patience, generosity, forgiveness, contacting spiritual guides,  receiving psychic visions, getting closer to God, as well as effortlessly sustained single-pointed concentration.  My introduction to meditation was when I embarked on my Yoga Practice. The teacher would begin and end each...

A little over two years ago I experienced what is described as a "Kundalini Awakening" and from that point on I have fully embraced and surrendered to my own personal spiritual journey. Doing so means I've made a commitment to my soul - a relationship that needs to be cultivated and cared for daily. One thing I've found is that I must meditate daily, its as necessary as breathing and eating. I meditate twice daily - at least 30 minutes at a time (am/pm). What I experience in my meditations differs from day to day but I begin my practice the same way every day: by first tuning into my own breath and becoming still. Once in a while a busy day may come at me and I just can't fit in a half an hour but I find that I can always take a couple moments and become quiet -- even if it's just as I put the keys into the ignition or as I lay my head on the pillow at night. Daily Meditation has opened me up in many ways, it is a daily visit with my soul.  The more...

When you have been victimized as a child it takes a tremendous amount of courage to speak out and talk about the abuse.  In the last month the reports of Sexual Child Abuse have dominated the news, victims are coming forward and speaking out in record numbers. Their courage is creating a healthy, open environment and it is allowing others to gain the courage to do the same. As a victim of abuse myself I personally know I've kept silent about the abuse as a way to deal with it. I felt that if I didn't say anything it was like the abuse didn't happen, my silence was a form of denial.  I know now that this "Conspiracy of Silence" creates more harm because it lays the blame on the victim. Talking about the abuse is the first step towards healing. Breaking your silence will lay the blame back where it belongs - on the Perpetrator. I've begun my healing process by pouring my personal experience into a script. The title of the script is "A Life, Taken, its a...

we've all heard this motto before - LIFE'S TOO SHORT. My question to you is do you live your life by it? I'm here to say that doing so you will enhance your life tremendously. "Life's too short" - I've experienced the truth of this statement in a very personal way.  Both of my parents died when I was very young. My dad died when I was 4 years old and my Mom when I was 5.  My dad was killed and my mom died from Lung Cancer. They were both 28 years old at the time of their deaths. Growing up my brother and I looked at our lives in a very different way than most. Since both of our parents died at 28 we literally lived thinking we have a finite amount of time on this earth - 28 years to be exact. This limited time frame motivated me at times towards taking positive actions in my life and also gave me permission to be reckless at others. When my brother and I reached the age of 29 we out lived both of our paren...