Mystic Mantra: Meditation — A spiritual retreat

One thing is certain in life: there are always problems. Murphy’s law says that if anything can go wrong, it will go wrong, and at the worst possible time. At one time or another we have all experienced this. Everyone has problems. We solve one challenge and a new one springs up. We may struggle financially, trying to make ends meet. We receive a raise to find that our car has broken down and the extra money is needed for repairs or a new car. We settle that problem, to learn that a family member has fallen ill. We find that we have a problem with a co-worker. While straightening that out, our roof leaks, needing repairs. We wonder if there will be a time free of problems. Nobody said life was going to be easy or that everything was going to be perfect. The question is: how do we handle problems? Do we face them as a challenge and solve them, or do we cry about them? Medical research reveals that we compound our problems by worrying because it adds stress that makes us physically sick. Our original problem is supplemented by physical ailments and disabilities that hamper our ability to act.

Stress and tension do not only affect the mind. Research shows a connection between the mind and body. Our state of mind affects the health of the body. Thus, if our mind is positive and happy, we may feel physically better than when our mind is troubled and anxious. Our mental state can cause stress-related illnesses.

Studies have shown that when we are angry or emotionally upset, hormones are released in our body preparing us for “fight or flight”. Since societal norms dictate that we deal with problems calmly and rationally, we tend not to “fight or take flight”, and instead face the situation, keeping out feelings bottled up inside. The result is that these hormones work on the body, causing stress-related diseases such as high-blood pressure, heart disease, breathing problems, digestive disorders, headaches, muscle pains, skin rashes and other problems.

When our anger erupts we either fight back or run away. Those reactions may create more problems in our relationships. We need an acceptable way to prevent the mental, emotional and physical effects of stress that make us ill.

People have turned to meditation as a solution to the emotional and mental strains of life. Meditation has benefits for our physical or mental well-being. It is safe, effective and does not cost anything. Once we learn it, we carry within a remedy that can be used at any time and place.

Through meditation on the inner light and sound we are transported to higher spiritual realms. This experience has a profound effect on our physical, mental and spiritual well being. Putting an end to our problems is like straightening a coil that keeps recoiling; difficulties in life do not go away. To think we can live without troubles is a pipe dream. Through meditation, we can achieve a state of consciousness where we are not affected by these problems.

Meditation aids us in two levels. First, it provides physical relaxation. Second, it puts us in a state where we are absorbed in an enjoyable, blissful experience, making us oblivious to the problems of the outer world.

How does meditation do this? Studies show that in meditation our brain waves function at a frequency of five-eight hz. During this state there is a sensation of peace and total relaxation. While this figure measures relaxation at the level of the body and mind, it does not describe the added bonus of what we experience at the level of the soul. We come in contact with a powerful current of divine love, consciousness and bliss. This current provides more than physical relaxation; it bathes us in an intoxication stronger and more lasting than any external intoxication. Our body, mind, and soul experience waves of ecstasy permeating us. Meditation on the light and sound is like having a special retreat where we find relief from the problems of life and can enrich our soul with divine love.