Sleep and Meditation
In both sleep and in meditation, we let go and let the wisdom of our bodies and our subconscious take charge. These are very similar states with very similar benefits. Their differences -- though subtle -- are worth understanding.
For our bodies, both sleep and meditation offer the opportunity for healing and generally the return to our natural state of good health.
On the ethereal level, sleep and meditation provide a break in any negative or destructive attitudes we may be carrying in our fully awake state. As with our bodies, this break gives our non-physical components the chance to move closer to our natural states of joy and bliss.
So, how do sleep and meditation differ?
There is a fine line between sleep and meditation. Very often meditators -- especially novice meditators -- will drift off to sleep or drift in and out of sleep while they meditate.
In some instance, the meditator may truly need to sleep. In other instances, it is a matter of fine-tuning and developing the experience to know and feel the difference.
When we are tired, we can sometimes feel an overwhelming urge to sleep. We may even unintentionally fall asleep. We seldom -- if ever -- unintentionally make the shift of consciousness into meditation.
Meditation is a choice, and it is an alert state of consciousness.
This distinction -- of alertness versus unawareness is well worth noting. This difference describes one of the greatest advantages meditation has over sleep with regards to our mental states.
We can achieve states of great peace and stillness and letting-go in both states. Because we are alert in meditation, the take-away translates more easily to our waking state. Bit by bit, as we meditate, we become more peaceful and joyful all the time.
And, how can you tell the difference between sleep and meditation? And, how can you stay on the meditative side of that line?
Practice and experience.
Katherine C. H. E. is a Flower Energy Consultant and Flower Meditation Coach. She helps empower her clients to take charge of their own well-being to empower themselves - with flowers - to live the BEST LIFE POSSIBLE. Check out her website http://www.KatherineCHE.com for meditation audio (including some free downloads and meditations designed specifically to help to uplift in different ways). For more information, go to her website: http://www.KatherineCHE.com Copyright, All Rights Reserved, Katherine C. H. E. |