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Meditation - The Unquiet Void

What is the "Unquiet Void"? It is a place within the Self where we can reflect on the goings on of our minds, and those thoughts which pass through and out of it. The void is the inner place where chaos rules, and peace is sought after. To progress through the void, you first have to fully experience it, and allow yourself to know it exists, and that you are a part of it. Enjoy the "road" rather than looking for "signposts".

Or, as some would say "life is a journey, not a destination, so enjoy the ride". Along the path, many obstacles are put in our way. Some may choose to experience what those obstacles represent/hold as a personal choice, yet for others, "searching" is an unnecessary sequence. Rather allow life to happen and take each experience as it comes instead of attempting to interfere with it, or manipulate, and change the course of fate. The experience is unique in that it is a different perspective for each individual. Whatever makes life worthwhile may quiet the unquiet void. Each "path" chosen is a stepping stone in the spiritual growth of the individual, and as such, each experience will be uniquely individual. Walking through life wondering "what if" is a hindrance. Find and choose ideas and beliefs to be content with in the NOW as opposed to in the future.

What lies within your personal void? Ask yourself this question, and answer it honestly. Now decide how can each issue be dealt with effectively, and begin to work on letting go of it. This won't happen immediately - it will happen gradually over time. It doesn't matter what it is, and you may find some things that you thought were previously laid to rest that come to the surface again. Whatever comes, let it come. Let it be like a rolling river - constantly moving, yet it doesn't have to remain constant within us. See yourself becoming like that same river, moving away from stagnation. Remaining stagnant prohibits us from growing, and from moving on. A little chaos now and then keeps us fluid. It throws things in our lives into a whirlwind, and allows us to purge ourselves of pent up energies and other frustrations that we simply no longer have need for.

Now before we go any further, may I suggest that you put on some appropriate music? This will help you to calm and center your mind so you may begin working with yourself. If it's at night that you're doing this, I would also suggest that you dim the lights, or you may prefer to use an alternative light source, such as several lit candles. It bears mentioning that this exercise should really be done while you are totally on your own. The last thing one needs is a disturbance of any kind while meditating.

Now sit somewhere comfortable and close your eyes. Begin rhythmic breathing exercises to the count of 4/8 ratio. This means count slowly to 4 as you inhale, and a bit quicker to 8 on the exhale. Continue doing this for as long as you need to. Your thoughts will come automatically. The mind is a chaotic place much of the time, and you'll find that many different thoughts will come floating to the surface. Some will go on their merry way without you paying much attention to them. This is fine. Allow them to go. Maybe one or two of substance will come to the surface that require more of your attention. Give this. Let the void which started as a river become like a great maelstrom within you, and ride the wild current in its fervor! Feel yourself going round and round as you ride the chaotic currents of your mind, like a whirlpool. Feel the currents pulling you far into the depths. Keep one small part of your awareness in calm mode so it doesn't totally overwhelm you.

Allow whatever is in the vast expanses of your mind to play out. See those images over and over. If you come to a point where you are no longer able to watch, make some kind of noise to break that connection. A bell is good. You may even choose to shout. Again, this is fine. This is what it's all about, letting go. Then begin again. Go back to that place and go straight through the center of it. We get through life's problems by dealing with them head on, rather than side stepping around them. A moment of pain is far better than continuous lifelong pain. Think of as many reasons as you can about how you can get through this issue, and you CAN get through it. There IS light at the end of this tunnel, believe it or not. You may even get to the point where you think it can't be gotten through. Trust yourself enough to know this is very possible. It is very possible to bring order to the void. When you have thought of several reasons, make a mental note of them. Try a different one each day.

One very good way is to list these things down on paper. Putting things in written form affirms them, and allows you to have better clarity over your personal situation. You may also choose to list the negative attributes as well, and as you begin to heal the Self and let them go, you might consider burning this paper, and releasing the ashes to a good strong wind outside. As they are blown away, envision the problem going with it. Let it be finally laid to rest. Excess baggage in life only hinders us. If you don't understand how this is possible, try carrying around several heavy sacks for a half an hour and envision the contents of the sacks as problems you have buried within yourself, and tried to forget about, hoping they'd simply go away and never bother you again. Would you rather carry that weight around? Or let it go, and be at peace? Answer this honestly, and decide a course of action.

The mind, while a place of immense chaos, is also a place of deep peace and healing. Each of us has the tools within us to heal the Self of life's burdens. We can pay counselors to listen to us, and get an outsider's point of view, but within us we each have the means of taking care of business quite effectively without the need for outside resources. Utilize what you have inside of you to do this. Once you have dealt with your problems to the best of your ability, you can begin to make room for forgiveness. Although this may sound unreasonable, again, it allows you to move on instead of dragging it around with you forever and ever amen.

Try this exercise once a week and make a note of your progress. At the end of each week, re-evaluate your progress and you will begin to see changes. Some may come on in leaps and bounds, depending on the issue at hand, and some may seem slow in coming. Change will take place. At the end of each meditative state you go into, go back to the rhythmic breathing exercises until you become fully coherent. After this, you may find a nice calming bath with essential oils is helpful to restore a sense of peace to you. Do whatever you feel is necessary to restore balance to the void. It all comes down to love in the end. Love of Self, and love of others. We all have our own place. Find your own unique space and claim it as yours. Then you can be one with the void.

No person is your friend who demands your silence, or denies your right to grow. ~Alice Walker

Copyright ~ Silver Rainbolt 2005 ~ All Rights Reserved
You may not legally copy any part of this document without prior written consent of the author. Doing so, infringes upon copyright, and is punishable under the law.
Copyright 2005 held by Silver Rainbolt/In Medias Res, and Damien Daville/Vampire Church

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