Meditation: On Four Planes
As I was thinking about what meditation does for me, the usual answers came up like “relaxed” “centered”, “blissed out”, “clarity” “oneness” “all-pervading love”, “pain-free”, not-to-mention “disturbing insights”. Then came the question “But how does this come about, how do different techniques help bring about these outcomes”? Well the answer or answers certainly won’t be simple, but as soon as I remembered how we work with energy for healing on four progressive planes – the Physical, Emotional, Mental and Spiritual, everything became clearer. Aha! Perhaps intentionally opening to awareness on each plane will enhance our practice, so here are some initial thoughts about optimizing all four planes.
The Physical Plane: We are taught to use progressive relaxation in preparation for meditation, relaxing each muscle group in turn. All of this and more we do to tune into our body selves, the first vibrational plane, and if you add the intention of noticing any tension or pain in the body field along with the desire to release it, expect miracles.
The Emotional Plane: When it comes to emotions, I find we are most likely to not be aware; or alternatively, to consciously shut them down. This is a practical means to protect ourselves from overwhelm, so you might ask for safety for your emotional field, to open the door just a crack, or even to begin to let go of the obstacle of fear. Then relax and expect miracles.
The Mental Plane: Generally, meditation guidelines focus on this plane, quieting the mind and moving to the vantage of observer. When we focus on breath, it combines the physical and the mental (naturally engaging the emotional feeling self as well). The use of a mantra helps keep the mind at a still point. When you take a moment to address current worries of the mind, to acknowledge them and set intention to find answers or to release them, expect miracles.
The Spiritual Plane: Here’s where the real power, the pay-off, comes. When you set the intention to be open to others in non-judging and to connect with your highest self and higher power, to sense the love in and all around you, expect miracles.
Aha! In Mindful Movement (Qigong-based Meditation), I start every session with these four intentions – starting with Physical through Emotional and Mental to Spiritual, the highest vibrational plane. Now it is all coming together!
S. Lynne Marshall 