In this final chapter of Section I – The Way: Then and Now, titled “The Way of Transformation”, the focus switched appropriately to activities to gain peace. The topics were The Law of Cause and Effect (our attitudes affect our entire life), The Path with Heart (living wholeheartedly), Returning to Our Roots (living deeply), Seeking the One (divinity in all life), Peace Begins Within, Defining Peace for Ourselves (defining and reflecting on our personal peace), seeking silence (establishing times of meditation), Emptying the Heart (cleansing negative energy), energy release, aura cleansing, and keeping a peace journal. The focus of the teaching is to actively seek inner peace through meditation and positive thought. The concept of meditation which can be done anywhere, at any time should prove to be of great benefit.
My peace journal exercise:
Where in my life do I experience the most peace? In my interaction with those I love, in music and written words, and when I am surrounded by nature.
What area do I need to work on? I am not at peace with my stagnation in regards to writing. It is troubling to not be consistantly writing what I wish to. I have not adequately addressed this problem in the past, in part because of doubt of my abilities.
How would a Tao person handle this conflict? A Tao person would make a plan to write creatively during each day, and to also search out inspiration. A Tao person would follow through with such a plan, for a Tao person does instead of merely trying.
Affirmation:
I now know my life is peaceful and harmonious.
I recognize the power of my thoughts.
I use this power wisely.
I renew myself in meditation.
I find the source of peace within.
I express my peace to others.
I respect myself and the process.
I harmonize with nature and all others in my world.
I accept greater peace in my life now.
And so it is.
During my reading of this chapter I was encouraged to take part in a Taoist Meditation. The initial obsticle was noise within this house. My parents were walking around upstairs and had the televiwsion on quite loud. I sought a peaceful place outside in the forest. However, upon finding a proper place, mosquitoes began to bite me and became a great distraction. At last I returned to this room and unearthed my earplugs, which I had already packed. With those in place I was able to begin my meditation.
It was a very remarkable experience. I began by sitting on my fouton, closing my eyes and focusing on the points where my body touched other surfaces, especially where my feet connected with the floor. I next began a breathing pattern of “breathing in peace” and “breathing out conflict”. I approached this by naming each conflict I have in my mind and releasing them. If a distracting thought came into my mind I would banish it by saying softly, “I am at peace.” As this progressed I truly felt a deep peace within myself. I do not recall ever having an experience quite like it. While I could tell my body was surrounded by the room, I could also feel a strong sense of peaceful solitude. I was able to feel the chi, what the book described as a healing energy, in my fingertips and feet, but I was unable to feel it as strongly in my stomach, chest and head. After 20 minutes of this meditation I came back from it saying “I am at peace,” and slowly opening my eyes. It was an unusual sensation to come out of the meditation. Me senses were hightened slightly, and I felt both grounded and lighter at once.
The effects of the meditation lingered, but without regular meditation the benefit won’t be as great. I believe I will incorporate this activity into my days as often as I can. I also intend to incorporate the “Inner Peace Breaks” into my working life and any time I am able to. I truly feel this is all of great benefit to myself.