You’re Invited on an Adventure! |
Written by: Tara Ferris
Published on May 4, 2020 |
Would you be so kind as to allow me to guide you?
Where are we going, you ask?
We’re going within. I would like to introduce you to your Self, to show you around your home which you call mind and body.
I would like to support you on this journey.
I’m sure you are very familiar with certain aspects of your mind and body, as you have been using them for decades. They are wonderfully intelligent and impeccably designed for a journey of life and experience.
One type of adventure I like to go on is called Guided Meditation.
What is a guided meditation?
Well, it’s best experienced. In an attempt to explain in language: as your guide, I create an environment through my words and energy that is intended to hold space, or provide the opportunity, for you to have a certain type of experience. The intention is to guide you into a state of being. To experience being.
Simply being. Being, simply.
What is a “state of being”?
That’s a great question. You can be many, many things--
Physically, you can be… fill in the blank.
Mentally, you can be…
Emotionally, you can be…
Professionally…
Relationally…
Financially…
Spiritually…
Sexually…
Etc.
The list goes on.
We are so many things, all of us.
We have many different facets, or aspects, that are polished, maintained, neglected, covered up, avoided, shown off, cultivated, feared, shamed, loved…
In our modern day lives, we constantly fluctuate between these facets throughout our day depending upon our environment, including people we are around. These factors determine which facets get turned up and which facets gets turned off, or hidden.
So, if the intention is a state of being, not followed by anything, to me, that implies stillness.
That’s a great question. You can be many, many things--
Physically, you can be… fill in the blank.
Mentally, you can be…
Emotionally, you can be…
Professionally…
Relationally…
Financially…
Spiritually…
Sexually…
Etc.
The list goes on.
We are so many things, all of us.
We have many different facets, or aspects, that are polished, maintained, neglected, covered up, avoided, shown off, cultivated, feared, shamed, loved…
In our modern day lives, we constantly fluctuate between these facets throughout our day depending upon our environment, including people we are around. These factors determine which facets get turned up and which facets gets turned off, or hidden.
So, if the intention is a state of being, not followed by anything, to me, that implies stillness.
Characteristics of Being
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Do you find yourself wanting to have an increased quality or quantity of these attributes in your life? Hold that thought.
Here’s a well-accepted theory, people call it a law. It’s by a famous scientist – I’m sure you’ve heard of it: an object will remain at rest, or in uniform motion, in a straight line unless compelled to change its state by the action of an external force.
Simplified: An object in motion tends to stay in motion. Or, an object at rest tends to stay at rest. Right? We all pretty much agree to this one.
If you’re in motion as being stressed, odds are in your favor that you’ll stay stressed without any interruption!
How nice.
Unless that’s not what you desire. Then, my friend, you are in a pickle.
Then, we get to the part about force… only if there is energy directed at the object in motion will it change its course.
My point: You keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep feeling how you’re feeling. Unless you make a change.
Go back to that thought you had about all those butterfly in your stomach feelings I listed above, and I’m going to ask you: Do you actually want to feel better? Like, actually. Are you really tired of feeling crappy, or are you just complaining because it feels good and provides momentary relief?
Until you put energy into feeling a different way with sincerity and dedication in a focused direction at the object of what you want to feel like, you will stay in your current motion.
You want to change your direction, simply make a change. Okay. Let’s do it.
Sounds simple enough. So, why is it so hard? Or is it?
Here’s a well-accepted theory, people call it a law. It’s by a famous scientist – I’m sure you’ve heard of it: an object will remain at rest, or in uniform motion, in a straight line unless compelled to change its state by the action of an external force.
Simplified: An object in motion tends to stay in motion. Or, an object at rest tends to stay at rest. Right? We all pretty much agree to this one.
If you’re in motion as being stressed, odds are in your favor that you’ll stay stressed without any interruption!
How nice.
Unless that’s not what you desire. Then, my friend, you are in a pickle.
Then, we get to the part about force… only if there is energy directed at the object in motion will it change its course.
My point: You keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep feeling how you’re feeling. Unless you make a change.
Go back to that thought you had about all those butterfly in your stomach feelings I listed above, and I’m going to ask you: Do you actually want to feel better? Like, actually. Are you really tired of feeling crappy, or are you just complaining because it feels good and provides momentary relief?
Until you put energy into feeling a different way with sincerity and dedication in a focused direction at the object of what you want to feel like, you will stay in your current motion.
You want to change your direction, simply make a change. Okay. Let’s do it.
Sounds simple enough. So, why is it so hard? Or is it?
So, you want to reduce your stress. You’ve heard meditation is good for reducing stress.
You sit down, try to meditate and what happens?
All you do is think about everything you have to do.
Or you replay that painful memory.
Or your anxiety and worries about the future totally overwhelm you.
Aaaand now you’re more stressed than when you started.
Hmm. Maybe meditation isn’t for me?
No.
I believe everyone already knows how to meditate; they’ve just forgotten. Or, don’t realize they’re already doing it in a different context other than sitting on a cushion. And probably have a lot of unsorted stuff to sift through to get back to center, which makes it harder.
Oh, and by the way, that is what your mind is “supposed” to do. One function and purpose of your mind is thinking, rationalizing, analyzing, preparing, etc. You wouldn’t be able to survive without it. Your mind has different systems just like your body has different systems. Your digestive system, immune system, skeletal system, endocrine system, etc. all work together to achieve and maintain homeostasis, provided they are functioning properly. If one system is overactive or underactive, we have a problem. Same concept in the mind.
So you want to make a change. Why can it be so challenging? What’s the deal?
You need energy. As Mr. Netwon so eloquently put it.
Energy takes effort.
Effort takes a lot of energy. If you’re low on energy, you’re going to be low on effort, which means change is going to be low on the list of “to do.”
You sit down, try to meditate and what happens?
All you do is think about everything you have to do.
Or you replay that painful memory.
Or your anxiety and worries about the future totally overwhelm you.
Aaaand now you’re more stressed than when you started.
Hmm. Maybe meditation isn’t for me?
No.
I believe everyone already knows how to meditate; they’ve just forgotten. Or, don’t realize they’re already doing it in a different context other than sitting on a cushion. And probably have a lot of unsorted stuff to sift through to get back to center, which makes it harder.
Oh, and by the way, that is what your mind is “supposed” to do. One function and purpose of your mind is thinking, rationalizing, analyzing, preparing, etc. You wouldn’t be able to survive without it. Your mind has different systems just like your body has different systems. Your digestive system, immune system, skeletal system, endocrine system, etc. all work together to achieve and maintain homeostasis, provided they are functioning properly. If one system is overactive or underactive, we have a problem. Same concept in the mind.
So you want to make a change. Why can it be so challenging? What’s the deal?
You need energy. As Mr. Netwon so eloquently put it.
Energy takes effort.
Effort takes a lot of energy. If you’re low on energy, you’re going to be low on effort, which means change is going to be low on the list of “to do.”
What You Need
Motivation
Courage
Dedication
Determination
Strength
Stamina
Endurance
Perseverance
Willingness
Energy!
Courage
Dedication
Determination
Strength
Stamina
Endurance
Perseverance
Willingness
Energy!
How do you feel after reading all those words??
Compare it to how you felt after reading the characteristics of Being.
What feelings, emotions, thoughts arose?
I know I get anxious just reading those words sometimes. It can be totally overwhelming, thinking “I can’t be worthy of any of those characteristics”. Especially if you’re not familiar with the process of cultivating positive changes in your life in a focused way. If you are familiar, then you know that what I say here is true.
Even if you’re not versed in personal development in this context, you’ve achieved and succeeded in your life in other ways and these qualities were, without a doubt, present for you to do so.
That’s just how it works. You want something, you have to want it badly enough to make it happen. Which is my point in asking: Do you actually want to make a change? The rule applies.
Compare it to how you felt after reading the characteristics of Being.
What feelings, emotions, thoughts arose?
I know I get anxious just reading those words sometimes. It can be totally overwhelming, thinking “I can’t be worthy of any of those characteristics”. Especially if you’re not familiar with the process of cultivating positive changes in your life in a focused way. If you are familiar, then you know that what I say here is true.
Even if you’re not versed in personal development in this context, you’ve achieved and succeeded in your life in other ways and these qualities were, without a doubt, present for you to do so.
That’s just how it works. You want something, you have to want it badly enough to make it happen. Which is my point in asking: Do you actually want to make a change? The rule applies.
Look. I’m not going to sugar coat it for you. Can meditation help you manage your stress? Absolutely. But I don’t want you thinking it’s going to be a ride through “It’s a Small World” because, it isn’t. I’m not discouraging you from trying or using meditation if all you want is a lazy river ride because there is still benefit there. But know, that the full benefits of swimming on your own won’t be available to you unless you have the attitude and desire to really make progress. Not saying you won’t benefit at all, you will. But if you want the gold, you gotta work for it, honey. No one is going to hand it to you because nothing’s tangible in the realm of the mind and the soul. So. That being said: I mean what I say, and I say what I mean.
I’m saying I take my role as an energetic guide very seriously because it’s a vulnerable space. I have the utmost respect for each individual journey. I strive to provide the best care, support, and guidance that I possibly can with knowledge that I have learned from teachers and through my own experience.
Here it is: It gets hard because you have to look in the mirror.
When you sit down to meditate, you get up close and personal with yourself and sometimes, not all the time, but sometimes it’s really uncomfortable. It’s like when you get up at 2 pm after a late night out drinking and you stumble into the bathroom, take a peek in the mirror, and then head for the toilet once, or twice. And then avoid the mirror and feel like shit for the rest of the day. Or your own version of that…
We’ve all had moments where we have not wanted to look in the mirror. Literally. Whatever it is, we’ve all been there. I’m sure of it. Because we’re all humans!! That’s how I know. It’s human experience that connects us beyond language and culture.
I’m saying I take my role as an energetic guide very seriously because it’s a vulnerable space. I have the utmost respect for each individual journey. I strive to provide the best care, support, and guidance that I possibly can with knowledge that I have learned from teachers and through my own experience.
Here it is: It gets hard because you have to look in the mirror.
When you sit down to meditate, you get up close and personal with yourself and sometimes, not all the time, but sometimes it’s really uncomfortable. It’s like when you get up at 2 pm after a late night out drinking and you stumble into the bathroom, take a peek in the mirror, and then head for the toilet once, or twice. And then avoid the mirror and feel like shit for the rest of the day. Or your own version of that…
We’ve all had moments where we have not wanted to look in the mirror. Literally. Whatever it is, we’ve all been there. I’m sure of it. Because we’re all humans!! That’s how I know. It’s human experience that connects us beyond language and culture.
Upon your first experience meditating, you will probably be uncomfortable sitting still. You might not be able to sit still at all. You will probably think of at least a thousand different things, probably more. You will think that you’re doing it all wrong, when in reality, you’re doing it all right! You did not learn to speak, read, write, bike, swim, walk, anything the first time you tried it. Meditation is a PRACTICE, okay? It’s like anything else, it’s really nice to have a teacher. It’s even better if you like the teacher.
Find a teacher that you like and learn from them! You don’t have to learn from me, everyone has their own style and way of guiding. Be curious, try a few different teachers. Figure out what you like, what you don’t like, and you’ll find the right fit.
Find a teacher that you like and learn from them! You don’t have to learn from me, everyone has their own style and way of guiding. Be curious, try a few different teachers. Figure out what you like, what you don’t like, and you’ll find the right fit.
I am a teacher. This is my craft, my art – guiding you into your Self and showing you around an ever evolving, endless space of stillness within your being that supports you, grounds you, nurtures you, stabilizes you, guides you, energizes you. I teach you how to find it. I guide you through it. I provide you with a reference point, as I like to call it, a felt experience, so that you know when you’ve arrived. When you know how to access this space on your own, whenever you want to, whenever you need to, or you just stay there all the time – you’re being.
Truly, words cannot explain the experience and each person has a unique experience.
My goal is to teach you. My goal is to empower you to make the changes you desire for yourself and teach you some skills and give you some knowledge that you take and integrate into your life to achieve and realize your desires.
Truly, words cannot explain the experience and each person has a unique experience.
My goal is to teach you. My goal is to empower you to make the changes you desire for yourself and teach you some skills and give you some knowledge that you take and integrate into your life to achieve and realize your desires.
From feeling less stressed to more relaxed.
From feeling tired to energized.
From feeling distracted to feeling focused.
From feeling confused to feeling certain.
From feeling tired to energized.
From feeling distracted to feeling focused.
From feeling confused to feeling certain.