Meditate to Medicate

My first attempt at structured meditation began in my late forties. My partner at the time and I attended a small weekly meditation circle and worked together with a mindfulness teacher in private sessions. I remember walking away from our first time feeling nothing. A single full time working mom with two teenagers, my mind was pretty full for sure, but not relaxed at all. Our teacher’s studio was within a mile of the airport, and all I remember was the awareness of the building shaking when a landing plane crossed overhead. 

I persisted, however, and grew better with guidance. Through the years, my practice has evolved, and I have learned what is most effective in elevating my consciousness and aligning my mind when I need it. I have graduated from being closely guided through meditations to being guided into meditative states. When I was still working at the University, I taught myself to intentionally meditate on my lunch hour by the campus lake, and devised an effective loving kindness evening meditation that I turned into a sunset ritual for many years.  Previous laborious techniques to remove distractions are no longer necessary; I am able to reach trance in several seconds.  My deepest meditations today are sometimes partially guided by other experienced meditators or self-induced using breathwork, sound or nature immersion and automatic writing, and I am currently introducing sage and crystals with help to enhance my routine. 

I’m grateful for meditation because when experts from our traditional medical systems assured me that I would only head in a progressively downward spiral from my diagnoses of bipolar disorder and multiple sclerosis, my use of meditation to negate those forecasts has been invaluable, and my personal interest in meditation has become so strong that I have taken to researching it academically, historically and holistically and consciousness studies will factor into my doctoral research.

FROM THE SANCTUARY

Welcome to my new website which reflects my desire to widen and make me more available to assist more people in navigating the evermore complicated systems in our post-Covid society by using compassionate modalities, and my growing global network of human providers. I believe direct human to human contact is ideal in our here and now earth school, because we all have some angel in us. Programs will begin soon.

Mama nature ended her long dry spell yesterday, producing some long missing rain with exciting thunderstorms. My friends here, knowing of my fondness for nature, are sharing their finds from their immersion activities. Just this past week, these enthusiasts have shared photos of large rat snakes and spiders, and emptied their pockets to show me special rocks and crystals found on the forest floor. Another short meditative hike with a friend revealed exquisite vines, astonishing light effects and midmorning owl and hawk calls. I am blessed to occupy this sacred space.

May you find peace in whatever meditative action you seek, and know bliss in all your days.

Love, Mary

Photo Credit: Scott Lindberg