Active Meditation

I used to think I couldn’t meditate. I tried to count my breaths but my mind would start wandering around the number 3. No matter what I did I couldn’t seem to turn my mind off. It even hurt to sit cross-legged on a cushion. I was sure that meditation was not for me. It was definitely for other people who were more calm by nature or more patient or more spiritual…

Then I discovered active meditation.

There are many forms of meditation. Whether walking in a labyrinth, sitting on a cushion, or even making a cup of tea, meditative practices help you calm your mind and be in the present moment. My favorite type of meditation involves guided imagery, active meditation, or visualization. This style of meditation is ideal for people who struggle with quieting their thoughts or sitting with their emotions.

There are many paths to wholeness.

Unlike other forms of meditation, active meditation techniques actively engage the mind and re-focus your thoughts. They help you to achieve clarity and calm. They can be used throughout the day, even when driving or in conversation! Practicing active meditation is especially beneficial for those who are:

  • Feeling stressed out or frazzled
  • Feeling “stuck” or powerless
  • Emotionally sensitive or overwhelmed
  • Feeling anxious or depressed
  • Feeling ungrounded, disconnected or flighty
  • Looking for greater clarity, purpose and insight
Learning and practicing active meditation techniques has helped me to more easily (and hopefully more gracefully) navigate the challenges of the modern world. Below are some of my favorite guided meditations.
 

 

My Favorite Short Healing Meditations

The Triple Flame – a 3-minute technique that involves pausing for three minutes every three hours to create more spaciousness in your day.

The Heart of Peace Meditation – a 15-minute guided meditation to help integrate difficult or painful situations, listen to when you feel low, or at any time.  

The Holy Incantation of Solace – a beautiful 6-minute meditation for you to speak aloud. Click here for a video of the practice which includes mudras (hand positions).

   These three meditations are by Richard Rudd and are part of the offerings of the Gene Keys. 

Joy of Meditation as Nourishment – a 20-minute guided meditation focusing on key words or phrases while breathing.

(For new practitioners, try the six-minute introduction for an explanation of this particular meditation.)

  This meditation is offered by the Plum Village monastic community. It, and many other resources, are also available on their free app.

 

Crisis Relief Meditations

These guided meditations are approximately 11 minutes long. They focus on healing for people or places in distress or crisis. Although some of the terms may sound unfamiliar, no previous meditation experience is necessary. To increase the effectiveness of the meditation, you may choose to meditate with others at the same time and place.
 
(Since March 2020, I have hosted a guided relief meditation for COVID-19 via Zoom on Sunday mornings. If you are interested in joining or finding out more about these weekly meditations, please contact me. These sessions are open to all, novice and seasoned meditators alike.)
 
 

Environmental Crisis Meditation

   These guided meditations are written by Amelia Vogler and offered through the Healing Touch Professional Association.