On meditation...

As meditation is a current topic, I thought I'd add that I am presently reading a book called Guide to Natural Healing, published (1997)* by Geddes & Grosset. The book cover says that this guide 'is an invaluable volume comprising some of the most fascinating spiritual and physical treatments of illness and injury of both East and West'. The guide is split into three parts; 1. Therapies For Body And Soul, 2. Treating The Inner Self and 3. Medicinal Plants And Natural Remedies. Under section two, there is quite a comprehensive list of meditation styles and techniques, including breathing meditations, some of which I'd never heard of before. Some of these are: Mindfulness of breathing meditation (a known Buddhist practice), Active meditation (associated with Sufi's), Sensory awareness meditation, Tai Chi Ch'uan, Attention to life meditation, Transcendental meditation (a past practice of mine) and of particular interest to me, Meditation on the run. According to the guide, meditation on the run is where 'many long-distance runners hit a point, usually about 3/4's of an hour into a run, when they experience what is commonly called a 'high'. This is remarkably similar to what happens during mantra or chanting meditation, with the rhythmic repetition of the word or phrase being replaced by the rhythm of the run. The runner's conscious mind shuts down, allowing other area's of consciousness to open up. So, if you enjoy a jog, use it not just to make the body fit, but to put your mind in better shape too. Don't try to compete with other runners in the park or against the clock to beat your own PB. If you do, you are shutting your mind to the possibility of meditation. Run easily, establishing a regular rhythm, and focus your attention on your breathing, your pulse and heartbeat, and after a while you will reach a point where you will be as perfectly in tune with the world as a Buddhist monk sitting hour after hour in contemplative meditation'. There you go then, all you have to do now is to get out there and 'Do it'.

Note: Can't say that I am in full agreement of what is being said here but perhaps that's because I have a slightly different slant or understanding of the meaning of meditation.

* Reprinted 1999, 2001, 2003