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Posted on Sun, Jan 16, 2011 : 7 a.m.

Deeper meditation takes intention and preparation

By Susan Scott Morales, MSW

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Photo by Flickr user alicepopkorn

When I meditate, the depth of my experience varies widely. In the morning my mind is so active, I concentrate on relaxing in a cross-legged posture and observe the nature of my thoughts. Although these meditations don’t go very deep, they leave me feeling ready for the day — my priorities in order.
 

So, how do you have deep meditations? The ones where you feel remade from the inside out? As if you’ve had an internal massage? You’ve become aware of a universe inside? Or like you’ve connected with your very best self? Hmm. That’s a little trickier. What I can say from my experience is that going deeper often takes preparation and one or more of the following variables:

I’m with a group of people also meditating.
I’m on vacation.
I’ve been alone all day, writing, and everything poking at me is on paper.
I’ve just finished a workout or a hatha yoga session.
I’ve set the intention to go deeper and scheduled at least 45 minutes.

There are also certain techniques that help me and I may use more than one in any given session. See my index — annarbor.com/susanscottmorales-index — for many examples. Some of my students respond well to one, and others have different preferences. I encourage you to explore a variety.

The setting also has a strong influence. Although I can meditate while I’m waiting in the cashier’s line at the grocery store — I probably look like I’m trying to decide which gum to buy — those are light meditations meant to help me relax. On the opposite extreme, being with others especially in a church, temple or meditation center, where there’s beauty and peace and everyone has the same purpose, my meditations can be easy and very deep.

Let me know what helps you have a deep meditation, and I’ll share it with readers.

As a mental health professional, an owner of a fitness studio, a writer and a wife, mother and grandmother, I have found meditation to be helpful in every aspect of my life. To find out about “Be Who You Love” meditation classes or my newly published novel, “A Barroom View of Love”, contact me at susanmmorales@yahoo.com or check out my websites: susanscottmorales.com and bodiesinbalancefitness.com.

Comments

Linda Chapman

Sat, Jan 22, 2011 : 6:37 p.m.

It is also true for me that meditating with a group helps me go deep. It's like everyone's intentions carry me where I need to go. I find that breathing techniques, like pranayama also help me to go more deep, more quickly.