Meditation Question

[celwill]

Hi

Ok here is my question (and I will try to keep it short!)

When I meditate I have a special place I go to, not "here" there, in my meditation, it just happened I don't know why, maybe someone can shed some light. I have been going there for some time now.

I go through a gate (farmyard type) down a grassy hill, to my left there is an oak tree grove (only been there once) and hugged a tree! Straight in front of me is the ocean. to the right there is more forest (havent been there). there are no humans. I have a stag who comes to me when I feel low and I run with him over the sand towards the forest but not into it.Its an amazing feeling the energy the pumping of your blood and the movement of your muscles as you run and feel like you are part of him.  I have an eagle who flies over head (when I need to see things clearly) I think. I know there is an Orca way off in the sea but havent swam there yet and often as I sit in my meditation land on the beach a rabbit sits next to me. Some times its full sun, sometimes its sunset or sunrise (doesnt matter what time I do the actually meditation the sun can be in a different place to real time)

Any ideas or am I crazy??? (its ok you wont make me stop going)

Celwill

[Twilightgirl]

You're not crazy I have several places like this where I go to in my mind to meditate. Sometimes when I mediate I journey to a cave travelling via a giant tree and then down into the tree roots and into the cave, other times it will be the beach/ocean or meadow (yes I've hugged trees too!)  My animal totems also travel with me on my journeys.

Twilightgirl

[celwill]

Thank you Twilightgirl 

I intend to read more on power animals, I have been recommended Ted Andrews? Do you have any idea what the significance is of the rabbit?

Celwill

[Julysea]

I also have special places I go to in meditation, and animals that I sometimes see there too. Are you sure it's a rabbit, or could it be a hare? Hares are often very significant and magical animals, although any animal can be significant to you as an individual and it depends what these animals mean to you. Maybe meditate on the rabbit's significance to you by asking 'I am a rabbit, what am I?' before you meditate on that question, and write down all the answers that come to you, so you can see more clearly. 

[Golden Eagle]

Sounds lovely I also have a few 'special places' I like to go. Definitely might be an idea to read up on animal symbolism, but afraid can't think of any books off the top of my head. Happy adventuring!

[celwill]

Thank you, I am definately going to do some reading up, I didnt think about meditating on the rabbit, thats a good idea. I cant say for sure its a rabbit, but it has a fluffy tail! Pointy ears and sits quietly beside me or waits for me to come back. I think I got the name wrong for the book I think its Farmer, but will do some research.

Thank you all, its nice to talk and not feel daft!

[Killian]

In my tradition, when Shamanic Journeying, we often visit a personal place of peace and beauty called our Frithgarth.

It's different for everybody, but a lot of people's Frithgarths sound fairly similar to what you've described and can be visited in meditation as well as journeying.

Also, in my belief system we have the concept of the Fylgja, or inner animal self, a part of you represented by an animal that is often with you as you journey or do magic. Also we have animal helpers that may join you in your experiences from time to time.

It sounds like your experiences are in keeping with that sort of thing.       

[celwill]

I have since used guided meditations and searched to the sound of drumming, I have found the Great Mother Bear, I believe she is my spiritual teacher. The guided meditation was brilliant it was by Steven Farmer and I can recommend it, the whole forest came alive to his drumming, the colours were amazing, I felt myself walk through (push through) dense undergrowth, when I met the Great Mother Bear it was like a jigsaw piece fitting, but I know she is separate from myself. She took me farther into the forest, across a bridge and then showed me the stars. She showed me the sky at night, the stars in their glory, the second time she was just rejoycing that I was there - as was I. It felt fabulous, I have found out that the rabbit (and it is a rabbit) and the stag are aspects of my self. I am still learning about all this and what it means and how it all comes together. Its baby steps but its a beginning.

I just wanted to share and say thank you for advice on meditating about this, its really opened my eyes and given me understanding and further quests! 

[GreenLady]

That's really really lovely, and I'm rather envious.  I've always had something of a stumbling block when it comes to meditation/visualisation and I'd love to experience something like that.  In fact, if anyone has an hints, I'd love to know them - sorry to hijack the thread though!

[celwill]

Hi

You need to create a space, make sure you are not going to be disturbed, sometimes candles work really well, music and if you are someone who has trouble, guided meditations are the road you could start with. ONce you become aware of what you need to be doing, you will find your own way, may be candles, maybe music, maybe bird song outside.

You can get hold of meditations and record them yourself to listen back to, its important to remember that you need to find a quiet space within you so being disturbed is a big no no.

Some people just let themselves drift, it should be a relaxing, refreshing time for you. And dont get frustrated with yourself it takes time and practice.

Good luck

[Sinmara]

Maybe that's what I have been doing wrong so far when trying to medidate - maybe I need to create a special place in my mind too. Hm. Will try next time

[violetblue]

you are so blessed to have all these animal totems there to comfort and help you in your meditation and to draw strength fromin daily life. i reccomend a book called 'Animal Speak' by Ted Andrews to read up on the significance of the totems, it is an invaluable resource to me. he also has another one called 'The Art of Shapeshifting' which would help to journey further with these totems and investigate the messages they may be trying to convey. bright blessings on your journey xx

[celwill]

Thank you Violetblue, I am trying to keep it all in perspective and not get too excited by it, the feeling is beyond compare, I will have a look out for those books. Much appreciated.

[MrFusion]

Hey Celwill!
This is more a reply to anyone wanting to meditate really but I thought I'd throw it in here.
The traditional way to meditate in many cultures is to sit in a certain position in total silence (or to listen to calming/rythmic sounds).
I myself sit how I feel most comfortable and often listen to very fast techno/trance music. I suppose it is like listening to drumming due to the rythmic beats but just simply more modern (I do avoid music with any vocals in though as this can prove distracting).
I also meditate even when there is alot of noise around, the only time I find it hard to concentrate is if there are loud/agitated voices of some form within the local vicinity.

You are very lucky to have this place Cewill and all your spirit animals. My 'place' is created when I meditate and focus energy into my mind. After closing my eye's I draw energy and focus it into my head at which point the darkness (from closed eyelids) starts to 'spark' before suddenly becoming a bright white light.
This 'blank canvass' is my place and I have no feelings/emotions and my mind is empty.  From here I ask the question/s I need answered and generally find that pictures/places/words/people etc just materialise into this white energy.

Nice to hear of other peoples meditation techniques and experiences!
MrFusion