The 12 step guru who facilitates our workshop teaches ‘Directed thinking’ form of meditation. It is a way of accomplishing a daily tenth step to keep things from compounding into resentments or bitterness.
When I focus on setting aside all of what I think I know about my past, myself, my spiritual path and my Higher Power in order to have a new experience and learn about myself, my brokenness, my spiritual path and especially my higher power, it puts me in the right frame of mind to learn more about my Higher Power. What does He want for me and my life?
So I take one aspect of what has been giving me difficulty. Example: How can I continue to detach from my spouse without so much pain and discomfort? And then I listen. Not for an audible voice, but for that sort of wee small whisper inside me.
How do I know if whatever I ‘hear’ is my ego or my Higher Power? I don’t know. I am a work in progress on this directed thinking. I image any advise or suggestion I sense would be less likely to be me and my ego if it is actually helpful in moving me forward.
I’ve been doing this for a number of months and have a tough time continuing to be patient waiting for some results. In the meantime, I find it a soothing, quiet time that allows me to gain serenity for that period of time–say ten minutes. It also stays with me…I remain calm for some time into the future.
As science has proven, meditation has all sorts of physiological and mental health benefits, so I really have nothing to lose. I think it might be beneficial to try doing it early in the day, as I have taken to meditation right before bed. Or do it early and late. It is a great way to calm your mind before retiring. I imagine it would help with clarity for the day ahead if done in the morning.
So off I go to ‘show up’ for my meditation practice. I’m only responsible for trying and showing up—not for the results. Guess that is why they call it a ‘practice’, lol.
I invite anyone who has undertaken directed thinking and/or meditation to tell us about your experience…
Christine Renewed 