Some people might say that ignorance is bliss; yet, the enhanced awareness that comes from enlightenment can dramatically improve life. Once you get in-touch with the deep connection you have with all living creation, everything will fall into place. Problems will no longer be perceived as such, and you will know that everything is as it is meant to be. Meditation is a direct route to expanded awareness, and practicing regularly will help you gain profound understanding.
BREATH: THE KEY TO EXPANSION
Of course, if you did not breathe, your physical body would die. However, breathing is not simply about keeping you alive. With the power of slow circular breathing, inhaling and exhaling without an interval in-between, you can fully experience your emotions and produce clear thought. It is thought that people can find the ecstasy that is already within them when they breathe mindfully. Furthermore, ecstasy and bliss are key elements of enlightenment.
However, it should be noted that some individuals find circular breathing brings up hidden emotions, as in those that are residing in the subconscious until the right time comes to emerge. Gently teasing out unresolved feelings can be a healing experience, but only if you are ready to manage them. If you think you have a great deal of emotional baggage that requires unpacking gradually, it might be worthwhile taking small steps toward gaining enlightenment through breathing techniques instead of charging into the fray.
MINDFULNESS
Mindful meditation involves relaxed focus, which is not the same as tense focus. There is no mental strain or struggle when you apply your mind in this manner. After practicing deep breathing while meditating, catch the space between thoughts where silence exists. Notice inner chatter stops now and then, and expand the gap as you become aware of its existence. When passing thoughts arise and self-talk begins again, notice that it is there, but mentally stand back from the experience and watch thoughts as an observer. Allow internal dialogue to drift, as it will easily pass if you do not feed it via attention. Bring your focus back to the gap between thoughts.
When inner talk ceases, your mind is no longer bombarded by your ego and you can more easily encounter the collective unconscious. You will find that your awareness increases the more often you take a mental break from thoughts that clutter the direct line to enlightenment.
EXPANDING THE AREA OF NO-THOUGHT
The idea of expanding the area of no-thought might seem like a paradox, since you need to think about not thinking in order to do so! However, after practicing often, you will discover that entering the gap between thoughts is automatic, and your mind will generate expansion without requiring direction.
When expansion of the mind occurs, it is like opening your eyes wider to let in more light. Your mind is able to perceive more than when it was partially closed.
Along your journey, you may experience great joy followed by bouts of mental turmoil, as your ego attempts to reemerge. You can best handle such challenges by treating your ego as you do passing thoughts. Do not bother to fight or criticize your mind’s antics. Instead, go back to being the observer, and at other times, treat your ego with compassion and kindness instead of anger or resentment.
Plenty of information abounds claiming to help people gain enlightenment in a matter of minutes. Nevertheless, enlightenment is a journey of the expansion of awareness, healing, and the absorption and integration of meaning, and is not meant to be rushed. Gently opening your inner eye to awareness, at a pace that is right for you, is the healthiest and most beneficial option. You can begin via breathing and mindfulness, and simply allow the awareness of enlightenment to flow naturally.
References:
http://vivation.com/inspiration/articles/mahamudra-and-the-breath-of-enlightenment/
