Many people sense there is a spiritual reality behind the material universe.
They need to find their own truth, their own connection with the divine.
Making this connection is the most profound meaning of meditation. We all have within us, at the deepest core of our being, an eternal spirit, the over-self of higher self.
Symbolically, this is the light within, the jewel of the lotus, or the peal of great price.
It is the point at which we are linked with God, the Source, the Creator, whatever we perceive Him, Her or It to be. When we are immersed in the material life we have no concept of our true being and reality. But when we go within, the higher self awakens.
This brings about a transformation. Deeper aspects of consciousness begin to unfold. We can start to make sense of life with all its apparent injustices and contradictions. We gain an understanding of what our purpose is and where we fit into the grand scheme of things.
Most of all, we touch the source of all love and light and know that this love and light is within us.
The more we meditate, the stronger the light becomes and the more it reaches into every level of our being, helping us to grow.
There are as many experiences of the higher self as there are people who have set out to search for spiritual enlightenment. Try this exercise to as a starting point on your journey of exploration.
This exercise is designed to take you on a journey to the centre of your being. Try it when you are in a reflective mood and when you can allow youtself plenty of time to experience and nurture it.
Relax and make yourself very still and quiet. Bring your attention to the body. Be ware of any aches and pains, any uncomfortable sensations. Then mentally put these aside and say to yourself, 'I have these sensations but i am not this body'.
Next be aware your emotions. Are you feeling happy, sad, fearful, anxious?
Observe how you are feeling for a few minutes, but from a detached state, then say to yourself, 'I have these feelings but I am not these emotions'.
Then think about your mental processes. What thoughts are your uppermost in your mind? Are you thinking about your work, your family, your future?
Observe your thoughts as if from a distance and let them go. Say to yourself, 'I have these thoughts but I am not this mind'.
Now go deeper: Say to yourself'I am spirit, I am eternal'. Focus on this concept until you enter into a point of absolute stillness, the point at which all thought ceases.
Then ask yourself calmy and slowly, 'Who am I? What is my true self?'.
Carry out this exercise as often as you feel inspired to do so. Each time you will recieve new and deeper insights into your spiritual nature and develop a stronger connection with your higher self.
This connection with our higher selves often expresses itself in our life with a feeling of not being alone and of inner strength and direction. Accept these gifts and try to remain grateful for them.