Meditation
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Peace be upon you Tay,
That was a very good example you gave. Why do you think the environment ended up winning? We are here to be tested, to see if we can maintain PEACEFUL states of mind. Those people refered to as "saints" did not get there by living lives freee from stress, in fact, they put themselves many times in the worst conditions because that is where we get the God POWER. It is only by being tested that we develop ourselves. Just like weight lifting to develop the body. We need resistance. The goal is not to run from the resistance(I am not saying that is what you did) but to continue to transcend the propblems in life.
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peace be upon all,
I learned that when you take a shower the water cleanses the static electricty on you, this is why it calms you, perhaps thats why were are to bathe before salat, maybe this symbolizes the way meditation cleanses our thoughts which are electricity, just a thought
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Peace be upon you Idris,
I learned that when you take a shower the water cleanses the static electricty on you, this is why it calms you, perhaps thats why were are to bathe before salat, maybe this symbolizes the way meditation cleanses our thoughts which are electricity, just a thought
Good thought. Also, we rub our heads and feet, which would help conduct energy. It all seems to tie in. Also, water and soil are symbolisms of things that CHANGE/ADAPT/FORMABLE, and that is what meditation is for, changing your character into a moral being through purification so that the God Within can use you as a vessel for bringing "heaven on earth"
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Peace all.
Peace Tay.
That is most interesting about shamanistic cultures preparing people to undergo the experience of hallucinogenics. It would indeed be quite different from a situtation where people get high just to get high or trip out because it's the thing to do.I completely understand what you mean about going from peace to non-peace. Sometimes it seems to me as if our psyches learn new ways to counteract our efforts to remain peaceful.
Could be that resistance you mentioned, idolfree. Like a nasty virus that learns to resist antibiotics. It sure seems to take a lot more effort (consistent effort) to bring peace and clarity through meditation than it does for chaos and stress to creep in to our lives.
Wow, Idris, I'd never thought about that before--how electrons are neutralized by water! We rub electrons off all the time, since pretty much all our physical interactions with matter are a result of opposing electromagnetic forces. But water (or dirt) would definitely neutralize static charges, which could have a calming effect.
Idolfree, your comment about rubbing our heads and feet reminds me of washing the chi after qi gong or tai chi routines. It made me giggle the first time I saw someone do that, but it really does seem to get energy flowing.
Has anybody here ever used stones or crystals to help focus energy? I've never done that, so I was curious as to whether any of you have found a benefit in doing so.
I had this one friend who used to "smudge" her house at least once a week with a big bundle of sage and other aromatic herbs. She would also do so if someone who was overtly negative in their outlook or manner had visited. Since reading Idris' post, I'm now wondering if perhaps the particular components of the smudge stick worked to neutralize certain charges in the air, along with putting out calming scents, which could make a home "feel" more peaceful.
By the way, have I mentioned for the hundreth time that I just love this thread?
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Peace Kyle,
You stated/asked
That was a very good example you gave. Why do you think the environment ended up winning?
Thank you. As for why I was defeated by the environment, I think it's becuase the negative energy simply outweighed the positive, by far. I befriended an older woman years ago who came from native american roots. She helped me in my quest for sipritual awakening. Anyway, we were talking about people's energies and she explained that the laws of nature favor balance, even on a personal level.
She used the example of amlls around Christmas time. She asked me if I'd ever walked into a mall in a good mood, and ended up leaving in a frayed or anxious or troubled state. I knew what she meant right away. She explained that when you bring high positive energy into an environment, the existing negative energy, if it is predominant, will bring your levels down.
I've tested this time and again. Thus, I avoid malls at peak hours.
I've also experienced the opposite effect. The last time I can remember this happening was last summer at the Prince concert. I wasn't really in the mood to go, but felt bad as I had already committed. I was tired and little stressed out because of money. But once inside, and once Prince started jamming, the entire place went nuts, and I was completely energized.
Those people refered to as "saints" did not get there by living lives freee from stress, in fact, they put themselves many times in the worst conditions because that is where we get the God POWER. It is only by being tested that we develop ourselves. Just like weight lifting to develop the body. We need resistance. The goal is not to run from the resistance(I am not saying that is what you did) but to continue to transcend the propblems in life.
I agree that resistence is necessary for growth, but I think one should pick and choose his spots until the growth is up to the task of it's resistence. Using your weightlifting example, if someone can benchpress 200 pounds, he should shoot for 210 the next workout. But to be fair, the NYC rat race is equivalent to trying to benchpress 1500 pounds. You'll never get the bar off the bench.
Building resistence is a slow and steady process.
Peace,
Tay -
Peace Kyle, Sytalls, Idris,
Kyle, I did some more digesting of this topic(environmental influence) while at work today and came up with a few thoughts. First, I think I worded my previous reply badly in saying that nature enforces balance in energies.
My example of the frenzy of a shopping mall would sound contradictory if this were true, since going in to a negative environment with positive energy generally leaves the person feeling some sort of negativity, but not vice versa.
That being said, I think the collective consciousness of a given environment dictates the level of energy. For instance, prison generates more crime, not the opposite.
So, my position at this point is that one should seek a positive environment in order to nurture positive energy.
As for your reference to "saints", I don't think they achieved their respective levels of enlightenment by being in negative environments. I imagine that a certain level of understanding must have been present prior to these folks putting themselves in the "worst positions". And probably the most efficient way of reaching these levels of understanding is to grow up in an enriching, loving, and encouraging environment. I think the odds are stacked high against those that grow up in abusive, negative environments.
Idris, you stated
I learned that when you take a shower the water cleanses the static electricty on you, this is why it calms you,
Excellent observation, as I think we can all agree that water is very calming/relaxing. I'm curious where you learned this from.
Sytalls, you stated
Sometimes it seems to me as if our psyches learn new ways to counteract our efforts to remain peaceful.
I agree that it seems that way sometimes, but I think it has more to do with getting caught up in negative routines than anything else. Many times I've caught myself in a negative cycle and in that, I find wonder, as it exemplifies the true seperation between mind and soul. The mind is like a machine. It is a thought processor. Left alone, it will run itself into meaningless chaos, as it does not choose direction. It cannot observe, it can only act. The soul is what guides. The soul is the observer, the voice that says, "This sucks! It's time for change".
Here's a neat little exercise
Ask yourself, "why do bad things always happen to me?"
and observe how quickly the mind will find answers to this negative question.
Now ask yourself, "how can I make a little difference in the world?"
and observe the positive outcome.
Peace,
Tay -
Peace be upon you Tay,
I follow your line of thinking all the way, but I want to try to add something. First of all I agree 100% that one must lift bigger weights gradually. But regarding negative and positive environments, I want to say a few things. We are sent into this world ONLY to be tested, to see if we will SERVE the God. A test is a challenge. A positive environment bares no challenge, no test for us, to see if we are really developing our character or not. It is easy to be good and do good around "positivity". People generally don't fight in churches and masjids , etc. But once back in the streets, the true test begins again. Further, it is the negative environment that needs OUR EXAMPLE walking amongst them. That is why the messengers preach to the people who don't know, to make the message clear. But as you clearly stated, we have to build up our strength, and we do so by maintaining the process(meditation). This helps us to transcend both positive AND negative and get to the NUETRAL PLACE, the BALANCED PLACE (wusta). So when we walk through the mall, we should be at PEACE(nuetral) so that whatever energy comes our way, we can deal with it.
Please let me know if this makes since to you, I would like to talk about this more, but I am rushing right now.
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peace be upon you Tay,
Excellent observation, as I think we can all agree that water is very calming/relaxing. I'm curious where you learned this from.
I sometimes read up on Harun Yahya for science because he provides commentary along with scientific facts to get you thinking deeper about the meaning behind everything, I don't necessarily agree on his creationist views but he writes a lot of interesting stuff
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Peace Kyle,
You stated
Please let me know if this makes since to you, I would like to talk about this more, but I am rushing right now.
Yes, I understand where you're coming from, and accordingly, you say you understand where I'm coming from - perhaps then we need to isolate the context because at face value, I think the impression is that folks should surround themselves with negativity in order to develop themselves. I don't agree with that statement as an absolute.
This will require some fine tuning so I'll have a crack at it. Let me know what you think and we will tweak accordingly...
One should surround him/herself in a positive environment for the sake of nurturing their spiritual development. Part of the overall development of the individual comes from dealing with adversity and negativity. One should learn to do so in a peaceful, balanced manner.
Let me know what you think...and take your time wink
Peace,
Tay -
Peace Tay
I agree that it seems that way sometimes, but I think it has more to do with getting caught up in negative routines than anything else. Many times I've caught myself in a negative cycle and in that, I find wonder, as it exemplifies the true seperation between mind and soul. The mind is like a machine. It is a thought processor. Left alone, it will run itself into meaningless chaos, as it does not choose direction. It cannot observe, it can only act. The soul is what guides. The soul is the observer, the voice that says, "This sucks! It's time for change".
Nicely said! And I totally agree. That was pretty much what I was trying to say...that it is easy to get caught in a negative cycle. Where the mind takes in junk that can slow down the system by making us drag along thoughts of doom and despair. It can creep in when we're not paying attention. Until, like you said, the soul gives a wake-up call. D
I also agree with you on being around negative energy too much. While I think there are some negative situations we can't avoid, I do think we shouldn't deliberately place ourselves in situations where negative energy can contaminate us. Certain people are simply not healthy to be around for long periods of time. The same applies to books, TV and movies, which may not seem all that bad on the surface but still have a "depressing" effect.
It's as if we get so drained and negative ourselves, we've got little left to use when faced with a spiritual test or challenge. Even athletes have training time in which they build their muscles and endurance so they are prepared for competitive challenges. If they raced (or kicked or competed in any way) every day, they would quickly burn themselves out.
In addition to the experiment you mentioned, there's another interesting one I ran across many years ago. You may have already heard of it, but for those who haven't...
You'll need a friend for this one. Hold out your arm and invite your friend to press down on your arm while you resist as hard as you can.
Next, say to yourself (in your own mind so your friend isn't influenced), several times, "I am strong. I am strong." Then repeat the arm-pushing part and notice the change in resistance.
Now, repeat this process, saying, "I am weak. I am weak." Typically, your friend will be able to push your arm down quite easily when s/he could not before.
You can mix it up, so that the order of the "strong" "weak" statements are random. Just be sure to end with a final "I am strong" and arm push. Don't want to leave with a "weak" impression on the brain.
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Peace be upon you Tay,
One should surround him/herself in a positive environment for the sake of nurturing their spiritual development. Part of the overall development of the individual comes from dealing with adversity and negativity. One should learn to do so in a peaceful, balanced manner.
Agreed D
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Peace all
Peace idolfree...I'd asked you somewhere in this thread about the Kemetic system you'd mentioned, and I saw reference to it again, just now, on the Ramadan thread. I'm curious to know more about this, if you'd be willing to share some of your information. The only thing I know is that it has something to do with early Egyptians...and that may be off base.
Unless, of couse, you've given up on me since discovering that I have delusions about the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus. wink
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Peace be upon you Sytalls,
Peace idolfree...I'd asked you somewhere in this thread about the Kemetic system you'd mentioned, and I saw reference to it again, just now, on the Ramadan thread. I'm curious to know more about this, if you'd be willing to share some of your information. The only thing I know is that it has something to do with early Egyptians...and that may be off base.
Unless, of couse, you've given up on me since discovering that I have delusions about the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus.
lol No, never that, I would be glad to share more about that. Problem is, there is so much I just don't know where to start, plus I rather start another thread for that. What do you think of that?
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Peace idolfree,
Excellent idea! I would imagine this is probably one of those areas where there are more wrong ideas than right ones floating around. There used to be some people I knew who wore ankh necklaces, but I don't think they really knew much about why they were doing so.
On a completely wild aside...the show "Stargate" fascinates me in its use of Egyptian mythical gods along with creatures that seem to fit certain theories about the jinn. lol I know! I'm slipping into storyland again!!
And I'm relieved you won't hold my opinions against me...even though I haven't admitted yet how I have been known, on occasion, to whisper tales of quarks and probability waves to impressionable young minds. shock D
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Peace be upon you Sytalls,
Excellent idea! I would imagine this is probably one of those areas where there are more wrong ideas than right ones floating around. There used to be some people I knew who wore ankh necklaces, but I don't think they really knew much about why they were doing so.
Yes, I guess its the same with all "groups", people wearing the "form" without the "content". As each group develops its "content" , they start to merge into ONE. D
On a completely wild aside...the show "Stargate" fascinates me in its use of Egyptian mythical gods along with creatures that seem to fit certain theories about the jinn. I know! I'm slipping into storyland again!!
And I'm relieved you won't hold my opinions against me...even though I haven't admitted yet how I have been known, on occasion, to whisper tales of quarks and probability waves to impressionable young minds.
D No, I will not hold your opinions against you. I also liked Stargate, the Movie, I never really watched the Television show. I find the use of Sebek, which is the canine headed animal, to be very clever.
In the Metu Neter system that I study, there is a diagram for understanding the Spirit/Mind, which is refered to as the Tree of Life. If anyone has studied the Kabbalah of Jewish tradition (which was learned from the Cannanites), then you will be somewhat familiar with this diagram. Anyway, SEBEK, in the Kabbalah tradition is refered to as "HOD".
This faculty is called the "opener of the Way" because it corresponds to your THOUGHTS and BELIEFS. If you have the correct thoughts and beliefs, the way is opened, if not, the way is closed. In the Kemetic Story of Ausar, it is SET'S(evils) greatest tool. It deals also with communication (Media, etc).
What is also interesting is the the "H" in "HOD" is interchangeable with "G", which would give us "GOD".
I find it interesting that the masses were given a name for the Creator "God" that corresponds to the faculty that deals with Evils greatest tool. And getting back to Stargate, we see this figure being used by those who tried to DECIEVE the MASSES! D
I'll start the thread now, but please be patient with me in my responses, I want to keep my balance with this reading(quran), in fact, I will do my best in trying to show verses from this reading(quran) that I think correspond.
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Peace be upon you Sytalls,
I started the thread in the "off Topic" section.
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Peace all.
There's a question I've been wrestling with recently that I hope some of you can help with. I thought maybe this meditation thread might be a good place to ask if anyone's considered the balance between positive thinking and submission.
That is...if I use visualization of positive images of outcomes, am I trying to assert my will over God's? From my own experiences, I know that visualization and affirmations work wonders. But I'm wondering where the line is between acceptance and positive visualization. Or is there a line?
Any thoughts or discussion about this would be most appreciated.
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Peace Sytalls,
In my humble opinion, your will is your gift. We should always strive for constant and never-ending improvement If there exists a means that is advantageous, then that means is at our disposal by God's grace, so long as one remains harmonious in his/her intent.
Hope that helps.
Peace,
Tay -
Peace Tay...and thank you. That does help. It was also a beautifully expressed thought, which immediately brought the peaceful thought of "faith" to my mind.
I saw your post on the other forum about finding a clear pic for your avatar, which gave me an idea. What if you used a photo of the "birth" sculpture? Here's a link to an image I found. It might be slightly clearer than the painting. )
http//www.meaus.com/dali-egg.JPEG