Mattson's Metaphysics and Holistic Health
LEARN TO BE YOUR OWN SELF-HELP GURU.
Meditation
Getting a stillness routine is challenging for most of us. We humans like to busy ourselves, and just "being" a human eludes most of us. Setting aside as little as 20 minutes a day to quiet the mind so that your Intuition can speak to you is a great start! Here are a few simple methods. I mix them up to keep my routine fresh. A quiet space is key.  Wear loose clothing and sit with your spine straight. I sit in a chair with feet flat on the floor, but as long as the spine is tall but not tense, sit as you choose.
Candlelight Meditation
Set up your meditation alter (desk, table) with a long stem candle. A flower behind it is nice, as well as some incense, but neither are necessary. Set a timer so that you can relax and not worry about losing track of time. 20 minutes, 30 minutes, longer, whatever time lets you relax and not worry.
Light the candle and stare into the flame. As thoughts enter your mind, gently release them. You cannot stop thoughts from coming, so don't get upset. Breathe in, and then picture the thought leaving as your exhale. The time/space in between thoughts is when and where your Higher Self will deposit bits of knowledge and answers to your questions. Don't feel discouraged if you don't feel some immediate enlightenment. You will start to have "aha!" moments the more you practice stillness. After staring into the candle for several minutes, close your eyes. You will see the after-image of the candle in your 3rd eye region of your forehead. This shifts your attention from the outer world to your inner world. Seeing the candle's after-image in your mind helps you to learn to shut out the world around you and connect with other dimensions within yourself.
​
Mantra/Transcendental Meditation
Transcendental meditation is done 2 times daily for 20 minutes each time. A mantra that you use in transcendental-style meditation can be one that you choose yourself and that has a positive effect on you. You can say it out loud, sing it, or hear it in your mind. Speak it slow and deliberate, feeling the vibration of the word. Focusing on the word will quiet your mind. If you are looking for general guidance from within, you may choose a meaningless word to focus on, the words sole purpose being to quiet other thoughts. If you are working on a personal goal, you may choose an affirmation like "I am Pure Health." Or you could use a popular ancient mantra like "Om." I like the way the "m" vibrates in my head when using Om. Other ancients are Om Shanti (All That Is) and I Am That I Am. Like staring at a candle, the mantra centers you and helps you to quiet the chatter in the mind.
Meditation Focused on Breath
I just read "Breath" by James Nestor. It is a must read! This book turned me on to Pranyama breathing and Sudarshan Kriya Yoga. I am new to this, but am "wowed" by the benefits already. I encourage you to explore breath as another form of meditation.
Spend Time in Nature
Want to connect with your higher self but can't seem to wrap your head around sitting in silence right now? Â No worries! Take a walk in the woods or along a beach. Focus on your breath. Notice the absolute perfection in all of creation. Breathe in the smells and feel the warmth of the sun on your face. Give thanks for being one with it all. You are now practicing a moving meditation.
