Meditation - searching for a still centre

The reason for producing this page has been in response to many people asking me about methods of finding 'stillness' amidst the chaos of the world in general, times of stress in their own lives and to assist in their own healing processes.

I have practised a variety of meditation techniques over the years from basic Za-Zen associated with Japanese Martial Arts to Tibetan Meditation learned at the Samge-Ling Centre in Scotland, home of the venerable Akong Rinpoche, the Abbot and a leading teacher of Tibetan spiritual culture. I have a strong Christian commitment which I have broadened through experience of Christian mysticism, my belief being that God is the power behind all the life force of the Universe, the universal energy the Chinese call Chi that drives all life.

Meditation is practised on many levels, from a set of mind-calming exercises to humanity searching for unity with God. I would like to start with the mind calming exercises and set a principle in motion, which could be expanded, as you require. The most basic principle of meditation is correct breathing, a balanced 'in-out' breath being the first step to stillness. The inhalation of breath and life energy needs to be directed and 'fed' to the energy systems of the body.

The ancients, particularly in the Orient, discovered that the spine holds 'Energy Vortices' which they called 'Chakras', these 'Chakras' power the energy circuits of the body including the photon - circulation of the acupuncture meridian system (recently revealed by Dark-Field Microscope Technology). The most basic method is simple, but needs to be repeated every day at least once for 5-15 minutes. The 'breath' and 'breathing sequence' are the 'keys' to the technique. The gentle pattern of breathing once it has become automatic can be 'switched into' whenever a stressful situation arises to still the nervous system and calm the release of adrenalin which as we know can turn 'stress' into 'aggression'.

To start with you need to set yourself some space where you can relax without interruption. Traditionally meditators kneel, their big toes crossed and sitting back between their heels, however sitting in an upright chair is fine, as long as your spine is relaxed but straight - this helps the breathing and also helps to ensure you don't fall asleep! The eyes can be fully or partially open. There is no need to deliberately attempt to 'empty your mind', that type of event comes later, for now just do the breathing sequence, gently, with encouragement not force. Start by breathing in through the nose, 'imagine' and 'direct' the flow of breath down your front gently allowing the diaphragm and stomach to relax until the breath 'settles' at Chakra One right in the base of the torso. Allow the breath to settle for a moment then visualise it going up the spine through all the remaining Chakras on the 'outgoing' breath - feel the cleansing effect of the energy flowing up your spine and clearing through your head to emerge finally through the mouth. Some people, particularly practising in groups, will use the outgoing breath to make a sound, you are free to exhale as you wish, though it is better to exhale through the mouth because it empties the lungs more completely. The whole purpose is to access a stillness, the stiller you are the greater your capacity to move with purpose when you choose, the less still you are, the more frantic and uncontrolled your 'self' and your 'life' become. Stillness and the exploration of inner space have great benefits to the psyche and the physical body too - directed energy built up from meditation can help to focus the body's healing and recuperative powers greatly.