Meditations for Self-discovery

Book excerpt: Meditation is becoming increasingly popular, with both groups and individuals. Corporations are finding that meditation increases productivity. School teachers are using meditation with children, and doctors are recommending it for their patients. There are many approaches to meditation, but they fundamentally fall into two categories: guided and unguided. Unguided meditation is free form-one simply seeks to empty the mind and come into the present moment. Guided meditation is directed - one invites particular experiences. Guided meditation audio recordings abound. However, Meditations for Self-Discovery: Guided Journeys for Communicating with Your Inner Self is one of the first collections of guided meditations in book form. It is perfect for group facilitators who would rather lead meditations themselves than play recordings. For individuals, these "journeys" can be read silently as meditations or poetry, or be read aloud and recorded - it has been found that listening to guidance in one's own voice can make it more powerful. These meditations are designed take readers and listeners to new places within themselves, helping them feel uplifted and energized. Afterward, the meditation experience can be interpreted like dreams, providing insight into where one is mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. There are forty-five meditations in this ebook, each lasting about fifteen minutes, although they can be shortened or extended to meet the needs of those using them. Titles include "Journey Through Your Mind," "The Crystal Cave," "Visiting Venus," "The Angel's Gift," "A Friend Across the Universe," and "The Great Mother." Meditations for Self-Discovery is a valuable tool for leaders of personal growth groups, including support and therapy groups, healing circles, and classes of all kinds. The meditations can promote relaxation and self-knowledge, as well as help bring their group together. Doctors, nurses, therapists, and other healers can use the imagery in this book to create a healing atmosphere in their patients and among their staff. Members of the clergy may wish to use this book with their congregations. Children love meditation, and the vivid images in Meditations can stimulate their imagination as well as their self-knowledge - parents or teachers can invite children to draw, dance or musicalize what they experienced in meditation, and can discuss their experience with them afterward.