I wrote this awhile ago, and it has been on my mind. I hope that my writing will bring hope, clarity, peace, and all that your soul is needing as you navigate your own journey. Thank you so much for continuing to read and support my work.
Now, here is an updated version of "Meditation and Freedom from Fear".
I grew up believing that meditation was bad, that by meditating, I was opening my heart and mind to the influence of evil spirits.
I remember in third grade our teacher had us do these daily meditation and visualization exercises.
“Picture a relaxing scene. Go to your happy place. You have a special friend who will talk with you and guide you.”
As a kid raised in a conservative Christian church, that stuff was scary as hell. It wasn’t because of anything that the teacher did or said, but I had been conditioned into believing that if I took part in any type of meditation, any kind of relaxation exercise involving visualization, that Satan and his demons could come into my mind.
So, I would close my eyes and maybe just try to relax in my own way, but the whole time relaxation never came. I prayed as hard as I could, for I was filled with fear, a fear that was never meant to exist in my mind.
Over the last few years, I have allowed myself to discover the benefits of meditation. I don’t claim to be an expert by any means. All I know is that the short meditation exercises I do have lowered my stress level; I experience more mental clarity and thus more productivity. I find the almost constant physical tension that I carry in my upper back and shoulders lessening.
Meditation does not solve everything. I am still navigating situations in my life and my husband's that are, frankly, beyond overwhelming. Yet, by allowing myself the time to meditate, I experience a deep sense of inner peace, and that, in and of itself is meaningful and helps me to find the courage to rest and the strength to keep moving forward.
I remember listening to a meditation that talked about ascending a staircase and meeting spirit guides. That familiar fear I had experienced so many times as a child resurfaced in me.
What am I allowing into my mind?
I acknowledged the presence of that fear and now I’m choosing to acknowledge that it was not rooted in truth. The truth is that I have always felt this deep, spiritual closeness to my ancestors. I feel their presence around me and I am fully convinced that the border between heaven and earth is quite thin.
So, I choose to be open to God’s voice and, if he wants to speak his wisdom to me through someone living on earth, I choose to let my mind and soul be open to that regardless of their beliefs concerning religion and spirituality, for I know I serve a limitless God. I take my faith one step further in even being open to him using those who have passed on to relay some form of wisdom to me. In the deep awareness, and centered gratefulness of my mother, I have awakened to the truth that my ancestors were interceding for me before my very existence. They are the souls that have loved me the longest. Within their love and my realization of it is wholeness, healing and freedom from the once-ingrained fear of my youth.
Fear no longer controls me. If my ancestors want to speak to me during my meditation, let it be. If God wants to speak to me, then I am fully here to experience all that that means. In unity with my ancestors, I inhale love. I exhale peace.
I read awhile ago in "The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk that, for some soldiers suffering from PTSD, multiple medications administered to them made absolutely no or at least minimal difference in improving their condition. However, the practice of meditation helped them immensely.
Of course, I believe that no one should be shamed, treated as less than, or considered weak because of their need for medication. A person's medication is a resource that is meant to improve and sustain their health. It is not something that is meant to define their identity in any way.
With that being said, I also believe that mindfulness and meditation can be combined with the use of medication in order that people might benefit from various methods to improve their mental, emotional, and physical health.
The truth is that people will sometimes use fear to keep you away from the source of your own healing. You don’t have to allow that. Set your body, mind, and soul free.
Have a wonderful day,
Susannah
Another great writing, Susie! WOW! You have really become wise beyond your years, Girl! :) Love ya! :)
Well said. I now meditate almost every day. I find it brings different things each time. I also feel my ancestors and know the veil is thin.