Enlightenment for the Rest of Us

Welcome, Seeker. Maybe we have met each other before: scrutinizing the overflowing shelves of books in an esoteric bookstore, sharing golden heart arrows from a teacher who deserves to be much better known, maybe near the summit of Mt. Shasta, or maybe consoling each other after our latest spiritual quest came up empty.

 

Awakening Mind is a collection-in-process of practices, insights, questions and pointers which have proved useful over the years. Some of the practices are derived from Buddhist, Hindu and Sufi traditions, some from Christian mystical traditions and some from Shamanic traditions. All have been re-imagined to present their essential gifts. Many of the practices are derived from much more “modern” sources: quantum physics, new research on the brain’s ability to re-wire itself, and the many ways in which trance states of all kinds can give us access to the vast realms of awakening mind, awakening heart and awakening spirit that lie within and between us. Some of the practices help us identify and receive support from allies who go by so many different names: Higher Self, Inner Guide, and every manner of archetypal, transpersonal and numinous entities who are waiting – with great yearning – for us to request help.

 

Start anywhere – all roads lead to your destiny!

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Relaxation in 60 seconds

Dr. Andrew Weil calls this relaxation technique “the most powerful relaxation method that I know.” It works for me every time. The only challenge is remembering to use it when you need it most! Here it is:

 

1) Breathe in through your nose on a count of 4

 

2) Hold that breath for a count of 7

 

3) Exhale slowly through your mouth on a count of 8

 

Repeat steps 1-3 three times.

 

The genius of this technique is that the pace of the count is up to you – it just needs to be consistent through all three phases. So, someone who has a small lung capacity or who doesn’t know how to do deep abdominal breathing can still benefit. The ratio of 4-7-8 is key, although I have found that it works even if your silent counting is not perfect. Dr. Weil cautions not to do more than a couple sets of these in a row until you know what you are doing – this is a powerful technique. For an audio practice session of this technique and many more breathing exercises, see Dr. Weil’s CD “Breathing: The Master Key to Self Healing.”

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