How I did it: It's not something I did in 2 years, and it's not over. It's where I found myself, slowly awakening to this path that I was on. Where it goes from here is a mystery, one day at a time. Destination doesn't matter, and that's a hard one to let go of. It's about moving beyond the mind, beyond the drama that makes up the definition of you and me, politics, religion, nationality. You just have to be willing to go into silence, which isn't all that attractive to those leading exciting lives. In that sense, meditation isn't for everybody. Maybe for those who are exhausted from trying everything else.

Lessons & tips: I had to first be discouraged enough with the way I thought life was "supposed" to be. I then had to maneuver my way through what I call the "spiritual marketplace", again to the point of exhaustion, to slowly come to see the overlapping threads.  An intense 2 years, of studying mysticism and emotional life experiences have left me with a simple meditation practice that I enjoy and practice on a daily basis (focus on your breath, the sensations in your nose). It's NOT about creating a blissful state, but seeing life for what it is - acceptance of what is, which brings peace.

Resources: Too many books to list here, again, which you will eventually put down and just be. But they are helpful, so go out and read. Below is one of the most helpful links I came across . . . and don't say you're terrible at meditating because your noisy mind races. EVERYBODY'S mind does! Learn to sit back and be the observer of that crazy mind . . .

http://freddieyam.com/index.html

Nov 19, 2008, 04:43PM PST | 0 comments | 7 cheers