In my previous articles on this subject i defined our spiritual as being all that is non-physical, or that which cannot be examined through our physical senses. We were able to see that included such as thoughts, ideas, perceptions, even aspects of some emotions or feelings. i have found that such a list of non-physical aspects of our "beingness" can be extensive. many of them not appearing to be all that spiritual. Like all areas of learning, we begin by recognizing and defining the gross; working our way into areas finer in definition.
We tend to first see in "black and white"; only later recognizing and determining shades of gray and colors.
A useful analogy for the process of learning about our spiritual reality would be that of music, as it is something that requires the use of both our minds and our senses. Imagine that you are listening to loud rock music. Until you can tune it out or turn it off you will be unable to hear or appreciate the soft easy-listening music also being played. Also, until you can tune out or turn off the easy listening music you will be unable to hear or appreciate the gentle and beautiful melody also being played. And finally, until you can tune out or turn off the melody you will be unable to hear the angelic sounds, the music of LIFE, that can draw you to unimaginable heights of joy and peace.
Though the religious upbringing of your childhood will color what you "see" somewhat. We have learned it makes no difference whether one's guide, savior or teacher is Lord Krishna, Moses, Mohammed, Jesus, an angel, a spirit guide or ones own Higher Self. We will each see what we need to see.
And now for the process of getting there. We have experimented and worked with meditation, auto-hypnosis, hypnosis and reverie. What seems to work best, in our experience, is a process called Directed Reverie. The challenge comes from attempts to take and active hand in a passive process, an impossibility for our conscious minds to perform. We must recruit the assistance of other parts of our consciousness.
For those who cannot understand the problem or who already have some experiences with other techniques, i suggest a simple exercise. i suggest that you try to go to sleep. As you probably already know, it doesn't work. The harder you try the farther away you get from your goal. Some of you already know the secret and that brings us to our point. Sleep is an effect, not a cause. It is not something you do but rather, an effect of something that you do. Many of us have even been unaware of the activities we use to generate the effect of sleep. These activities all serve to place us in a state of mental activity called monoideism; a fancy word that means single focus. In fact, most of us do several things that facilitate the sleep state, from relaxing and stretching movements to a favorite seed thought.
For your first exercise i recommend you begin by doing your favorite relaxation movements (stretching, yawning, etc.) and place your self in a sitting position in a chair that supports every part of your body, particularly your neck. Imagine that you would suddenly become unconscious. Would your body change position if that were to happen? Then change into that position now. i advise against a prone position, as it will promote sleep instead of reverie. When you are comfortable take several slow deep breaths, allowing your body to relax as you exhale each time. Make this a gentle process, not forced or exaggerated. As you feel your body relaxing begin visualizing yourself being in an idyllic place. For some that would be in a wooded glen. For others it may be by a mountain stream; or it may be an isolated beach with gentle surf washing the sand. There is no best way here. If you are not sure try them all. For those with sound and well based religious upbringing, it is sometimes of value to pray for assistance. That is a matter of personal preference and there is no wrong answer in that area.
In this visualization you focus on all of your senses: what you can "see", hear, feel, smell, taste. On the beach, for instance, you could see the ocean going on for miles into the horizon, see the surf and maybe sea gulls floating on air currents overhead, hear the sound of the surf and the cries of the gulls, smell the salt water fresh air, feel the sand under your bare feet and between your toes and the soft breeze and warm sun on your back and shoulders. Some of these senses will be quite strong while others will be barely perceived. We don't all have the same sensual priorities. Some can hear and smell better that they can see. Others can feel and taste better that the others. Just try them all.
Referring to our previous analogy, by relaxing we are able to tune out the louder music and tune in to the gentler sounds beneath it. It is through our "subtler senses" that we are able to experience the subtler non-physical reality. we have an entire set of senses for the subtler realities. In fact there are more than five senses available to us. We can discuss those other senses in later articles.
There is no risk of harm in these or any other exercises we will be recommending. Most people find this state of reverie very relaxing and beneficial and want to do it often. If you do it often and for long periods you will simply fall asleep and have a delightful and very restful nap.
I suggest you do this exercise several times, until it becomes effortless and enjoyable. In my next article i will be expanding on "seed thoughts". There will be additional exercises described for those who truly seek to explore their spiritual reality.
