[Guide] Thoughtful/Reflective Meditation

[Leavaros]

Introduction

What is Meditation and how is it typically performed?

Meditation is a thing nearly all religious factions have used at one time or another. Granted, it is called different things, and the methods are slightly different, but all can be clumped under Meditation.

There is another thread here that has the basics for meditation, but I will give them here as well, so as not to send people in every direction.

Get in a comfortable position. Not too comfortable--you don't want to fall asleep, you want to relax--but certainly not too uncomfortable--I don't want to hear any whining about aching back's now. wink Usually, laying down on a blanket on the floor is just right. I like sitting on a bed, or leaning against a wall, but that isn't for everyone. Try different methods, and see what you get out of each position. Sometimes, I like to switch it up a bit.

After you've gotten into position, clear your mind of all thoughts. In Relaxing Meditation, you would try to forget that your mind is clear, and try to forget trying to forget.

But in these two Meditations, you must think of your mind as a board, from which you erase all thoughts--all thoughts but one. Like a single plant being doted on, it will grow strong with time, patience, food, water, light. You must provide these things for this seed to grow fully, and so we watch it expand. First a shoot rises from its cradle, and then a leaf unfurls, and more and more, until something changes--

Something changes, and when all things are right, the plant will blossom, each bud opening, stretching wide its perfect petals. The beauty of the truth is nothing short of breathtaking, the simplicity of the solution is simply flawless, or perfectly flawed.

And from each wonderful flower--the completion of a separate and unique truth, from the truck of a singular truth--comes new seeds--and what shapes shall these take? Will they be fruit or bulb or seed? What new truth awaits to be had and shared?

So, without further ado, Thoughtful and Reflective Meditations.

What is Thoughtful Meditation and how does it expand on basic meditation?

Thoughtful Meditation takes a phrase--usually a proverb or a law--and takes it into consideration. Is it right? Is it wrong? Is it absolute or relative? What is the lesson of this thing? Can it be applied to life? Does it have any layers? Is it at all true? What can we learn from this?

What is Reflective Meditation and how does it expand on basic meditation?

Like Thoughtful Meditation, it takes something--usually a historic event or a personal choice--and takes it into consideration. What was its causes? Effects? Was it right? Was it wrong? Could it have been helped? Was there an alternative? What can we learn from this?

What can these things be used for?

Reflection on events, helps us not to repeat mistakes, and continue to do those things we are doing rightly. Contemplation on inner truth and hidden values shows a deeper, truer value or truth to us. This helps us make good decisions more easily, as we develop a higher personal morality, and can give us the courage to confront society, ourselves, and others.

Will we discuss our topics?

Yes. Each topic will be posted on Sunday and we will discuss them until they conclude on Saturday, excluding the first two.

Will you really be taking part in the discussions?

You needn't put it like that, now. Yes, I will, but I'll try to keep my personal convictions at a minimum, for the sake of keeping the peace, and ensuring that new growth is not so very quickly...pruned.

Why should I take part in one each a month?

Simple. Because as the time goes on, we will study increasingly difficult and complex statements and actions. And because this gives us a chance for everyone to get to know one another a little better. And because, for the purposes of this class, any less participation would render it useless.  

[Leavaros]

"Thoughtful" Topic #1

An' it harm none, do what ye will.

Is it absolute, or relative? (Or a mix?)

Can this be followed precisely?

Can harm ever stop harm? At what point does inaction become harmful?

And what if that inaction is actually more harmful than a small harm?

How does this relate to you?

How does this relate to society?

What is your ultimate statement about this?

Remember to MEDITATE on this first. Don't jump to conclusions.

 

[Leavaros]

"Reflective" Topic #1

All of us have secrets we don't always like to let out, even to those we are close to, because of how they might react. Many Wiccans have difficulty coming out of the "broomstick closet" to their parents.

(This can also be used for any secret and any party.)

Is there a "right way" to tell them?

Do you regret telling them? Or keeping it a secret for so long?

Is it better to tell them and get it over with?

Is it better to tell them up front than for them to find out later?

Would their response hold weight for you?

Can you be strong in front of them?

You know [this] is right for you, despite what they may think. Should you be honest with yourself? Or spare them--and probably yourself--pain? Is there one truly moral path here?

What is your ultimate statement about this?

Remember to MEDITATE on this first. Don't jump to conclusions.