Meditation (August 2008)

Meditation is often perceived and practiced as an exercise that is done at a certain time and place, in a ritualized manner.

The essence of medication is a mental focus on whatever we are doing at the moment. Perhaps the most common focus is upon our breath - the metronome that is always with us.

Meditation can be a continuous practice, throughout our day and through all of our life.

The art of peace begins with you.  Work on yourself and your appointed task in the art of peace.  Everyone has a spirit that can be refined, a body that can be trained in some manner, a suitable path to follow.  You are here for no other purpose than to realize your inner divinity and manifest your enlightenment.  Foster peace in your own life and then apply the Art to all that you encounter.
    - Ushiba Sensai, founder of the martial art of Aikido, in "The Art of Peace"

Be mindful of your presence... of each action... of your heart opening in compassion with every encounter you have...

Bring the essence of your higher self into everything that you do, with every breath...

Notice how the world is changed for the better because of your presence... 

Know that you can extend the benefits of your personal transformation and benefits in the process of helping others to transform. By setting the ntent that your healing will extend into the collective consciousness, you can invite anyone and everyone, anywhere and everywhere, anywhen and everywhen to participate in healing themselves as you are experiencing healing. 

                                               - Daniel Benor
 

Resources

Best 'how to meditate' book:
LeShan, Lawrence. How to Meditate: A Guide to Self-discovery, New York: Bantam/ Little-Brown 1974 

General review of research on health benefits of meditation:
Murphy, Michael/ Donovan, Steven. The Physical and Psychological Effects of Meditation: A Review of Contemporary Meditation Research With a Comprehensive Bibliography, 1931-1996. San Rafael.CA: Esalen Institute of Exceptional Functioning 1997.  

General meditation references

Annotated bibliography of Transcendental Meditation research

Meditation and other approaches as self-healing:
Benor, Daniel J. Healing Research, Volume II: (Popular edition), How Can I Heal What Hurts?  Bellmawr, NJ: Wholistic Healing Publications 2005