Symbolism, Terminology and Practices
Practicing Meditation
One of the ways we become aware of our inner nature is through meditation, a conscious effort to withdraw our attention from the physical and emotional distractions of daily life, and to centre it within. Through centring we gain a sense of unity with higher dimensions of the self, and this becomes a great source of strength and peace.
Many techniques achieve the same results; the key is regular practice, which builds a
harmonious link between all levels of consciousness (our radiant energy bodies and the general field). Meditation can alter habits that create tension and make a change in our personality and health. These changes are reflected in the chakras, as their rhythm will alter and new energy will flow in, helping to break destructive habits. When they begin to flow together in harmony this brings new energy to the whole system (when tired at the end of the day if we meditate we can relax and refresh our body).
Meditation brings self-mastery as we see that old habits can be changed, and it helps us overcome the disease process (by counteracting imbalances in our radiant bodies and bringing us back into alignment, or harmony, our natural state). In healing, as meditation takes us beyond ourselves as the centre of everything to connect with wholeness, we are less likely to concentrate on an illness or problem (this only reinforces it), and instead of identifying with it we become aware of our own state of mind and our ability to change it.
At the mere thought of something that scares us, we can throw our whole nervous system into a stress reaction, and in the same way, visualising happy and peaceful situations brings us to a state of balance and calm, affecting the physical body. We can use this any time during the day when we face stress. When we visualise and use our brow or third eye chakra, we speed the rotation of this centre and affect the crown chakra. This helps our whole system stay balanced, energised and whole.
The greatest energy comes from connection to higher levels of consciousness, when we connect with prayer, with gratitude, love and compassion. When we are centred we remain in a state of peace, undisturbed by anything that occurs around us. By changing our thought patterns we transform our whole system. When the crown and heart chakras work together harmoniously this acts on the thymus gland and strengthens the immune system. The higher centres gain new rhythm and increase their flow of energy.