Sharing Class Discussion Times...

It is a wonderful thing to realize that we are all students and teachers to each other, constantly encouraging and reinforcing positive insights to all spirits as a whole! Sharing information with each other helps enhance our own learning experience and enables us to see something we may not have realized on our own. I felt it would be beneficial to post a few thoughts from classmates who shared in our Meditation Class from their own experiences, both insights and difficulties.

But before I do that I would like to thank James, our instructor, for his hard work putting the material together for the series. His commitment and availability to us is something that should be recognized and applauded.

I would also like to take a moment to thank each of you, my classmates, for being considerate during class. Your attentiveness, not only, helps James give his full focus to the lesson he has prepared, but it also encourages him to share his knowledge with us.

The energy within our class is excellent!

Below are some difficulties/insights classmates have shared during the question and answer portion in first 4 weeks of class:

Aprilxxx: James would you say Meditation is a training and a practice?
Jamesxxxxx: Mostly practice.

MOJxxxx: James I find music is distracting while meditating but I like to use it while focusing on the heart. In a sort of meditative state.
Jamesxxxxx: I use music sometimes if I am really out of tune, to help me wind down, but then its best to continue without it.

Fawnxxxxxxxxx: Does state of mind before starting make a difference James?
Jamesxxxxx: Yes Fawnly, getting in the right mode of mind helps.
Fawnxxxxxxxxx: Does one need to be fully awake?
Jamesxxxxx: Yes, you want to be awake and clear headed.

Flowxxxx: Do you find that ‘meditative’ music aids or inhibits the experience?
Jamesxxxxx: True meditation is an inward experience, so other then the early stages of getting in the mood, I do not recommend music. It may be helpful for that relaxation exercise though. Because you want to be alert and aware mentally while your body is drifting off.
Alitexxxxxx: I use music Flowxxxx.
Jamesxxxxx: I use music too, but I have it turn off after a time so I can go inward.
Flowxxxx: I see so by the end of one cd, one should be ready.
Jamesxxxxx: I usually only use music for 5 or 10 minutes, if I feel I need help winding down. More so if I meditate later in the day, after being in stressful situations.
Alitexxxxxx: When I was in physical therapy they played music the entire time. If you are in a meditative state the music no longer exists, as an obstacle, but flows away from you. It depends on the individual.
Flowxxxx: Cause I find my thoughts go far from the music when it happens.
Jamesxxxxx: The same thing with incense…I will sometimes use it, but I put a paper clip on it so it only burns a couple of inches.
Alitexxxxxx: If thoughts can flow onward without upsetting the calm, so too can other things which are in the world surrounding you such as music, smells and even movements.

Queenxxxxxxxx: I’ve never meditated before. I read what you said, and sort of felt nothing in my body, like disconnected. Is that normal?
Jamesxxxxx: Queen, it may take a little time.
Flowxxxx: I think it takes time to get it.

Marxxxxxxx: Why must we assume a certain posture to meditate?
Jamesxxxxx: Mar, the alignment assists in the flow of energy, in the ability to relax, and it is a gesture of intent.
Marxxxxxxx: I can not do the alignment but I have the intent in my mind.
Majickxxxxxxx: Mar, I am not the teacher or anything, but I think the most important thing is that you can relax with your body at rest….IMHO (in my honest opinion).

Flowxxxx: Should breathing be done from mouth or nostrils?
Jamesxxxxx: Nostrils if possible.

Algutxxxxx: For how long do you do it for? (speaking of breathing with the diaphragmatic breathing technique)
Jamesxxxxx: You can do it the whole time, or just until you are past the need for it.

Fcxxxxxx: May I ask how often we need to meditate?
Jamesxxxxx: Meditation should be done daily.

Marxxxxxxx: Do you light candles or go to a certain room where you live to set a certain atmosphere?
Jamesxxxxx: Mar, it is best to set aside a place for meditation but its not necessary. Candles, incense, statues, pictures, anything that puts you in the proper frame of mind can be used.
Atreexxxxxxx: I find a certain place helps me to focus.
Jamesxxxxx: I agree Atree, and this is usually recommended, but not practical for everyone.
Algutxxxxx: I’ve heard that if you set aside a place for meditation you give it energy and it makes it better.
Jamesxxxxx: Algut, I think that this is true. The place seems to vibrate with an energy after awhile, that makes it easier to connect.
Atreexxxxxxx: James, this is true but people who truly want to make meditation a part of their lives…need to create space emotionally, spiritually, physically…in all ways and usually this includes a spot even if it’s a corner that you claim for yourself.
Songxxxxxxxxxx: Rather like working in ritual…a place becomes infused with the focus of one’s energy. But as it’s not always practical..it comes back to the Understanding that it is a mindset… we still carry that sacred resonance with us no matter where we are…and it’s a matter of triggering that focus within
Jamesxxxxx: Doing what makes this easiest is a good thing, but thinking that you need these things to meditate would be incorrect.
Atreexxxxxxx: Mindset is important but, sometimes it’s hard to hold the mindset if you are in an area where the energy is unstable or saturated with other energies.

Algutxxxxx: When you meditate your perception also changes right?
Jamesxxxxx: Yes, perception changes.


All these things, which are shared in discussion, are helpful for us to learn how to obtain the proper focus and connection to reach the calmness we wish to achieve during our meditation experiences. For all of you who have made comments or asked questions which are not included in this section, forgive me, I tried to post only the comments which were on topic and would be a helpful contribution to the lesson plan. Thank you to everyone for contributing during class, posted or not, your comments are valuable to our learning experience.