Welcome to Week 5! Now we’re on a roll! Over the past four weeks I’ve reacquainted myself with some of the activities I haven’t done in a really long time and while a few of them come back easily, some are much more difficult, such as the Loving Your Body or Affirming Your Perfection activities. Admittedly, I still have some work to do when it comes to accepting myself “as-is” and counteracting some negative self-talk. I’m working on it, though . . .
This week’s lesson is all about connecting to our souls. Finding that quiet, inner space that allows us to find, and be, who we truly are. It’s also about beginning to look at and experience life from a different perspective – from our souls rather than our egos. Our ego is so caught up in external elements and dependent on self-image as well as what others think of us. It can be rather judgmental too. Yet when we live a soul-centered life, we’re confident and secure, free from the anxiety and stress of worrying about how others see us, and we’re able to engage in what is called ‘mudita’ – the true joy we feel regarding someone else’s happiness and success instead of comparing ourselves to them. And when we feel ‘mudita’, the world is a much brighter, happier place.
In order to find our true selves this week, we’ll do a Self-Inquiry during which time we must ask ourselves “Who am I?” This sounds so simple, but it really isn’t. And I’ll admit that when I first asked myself this question I became frustrated because I didn’t know the answer and nothing really came to mind, which kind of made me wonder what I was really doing with my life. The most difficult part of this question is just listening and waiting. Sarah says “the most important part of this exercise is to ask the question, not answer it.” Well that’s much easier said than done, that’s for sure. But what I finally realized is that when I begin to question my thoughts and really ask “Who am I?” it gets the ball rolling, so to speak. It hangs out in the background, even when I’ve moved on to other things until one day it becomes clearer to me. It can come during meditation or at some random time and it fills me with such calm and peace. I encourage you to keep asking. And keep listening.
Finally, during Week 5, we’re introduced to my favorite type of meditation: the Mantra Meditation. This is my main form of meditation and I have several mantras that I use depending on my intention and how I’m feeling at the time. ‘Mantra’ is a Sanskrit word that can mean “instrument for the mind”. It’s interesting because mantras can have meaning for your meditation, certainly, but they are also incredibly effective at giving your mind something to do instead of thinking. There’s something very comforting in repeating the sounds of a mantra and my mind is instantly calmed so that I can fall deeply into my meditation. Here, Sarah offers the mantra ham sa, which sounds like ‘hum sah’. I also like the mantra so ham and I use it most often. Whichever mantra you use, the purpose is to calm your mind so that you can reach something called ‘the gap’ between thoughts. It’s that quiet moment when you stop thinking and feel your soul. It’s an amazing feeling and I sincerely hope that you get to experience it at least once this week. It’s what got me hooked on meditation and keeps me coming back.
Until next week, please continue to meditate and do the activities that you enjoy most. Find that time just for yourself. Explore. My wish is that you find peace and happiness in your journey to your soul.
Up next: Becoming “Soul-Centered”: Week 6 – Authenticity: Communicate Honestly
The information and exercises listed above are from Sarah McLean’s book “Soul-Centered: Transform Your Life in 8 Weeks with Meditation”. I have done my best to accurately quote Sarah as well as to adequately paraphrase and express my own thoughts regarding the information in her book.
The information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only and is, in no way, a substitute for professional medical advice. ALWAYS talk with your doctor about conditions, medications, and concerns you have about your health and work together to determine the best course of action for you.
Wholeness Health and YOU! 