Meditation Part 3
November 26, 2025
Meditation as a Spiritual Practice Part 3
There are many levels of the meditative state just as there are many levels of dream states. The deeper we are into the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep, the more vivid and intense are our dreams. Similarly, the deeper we go in meditation, the freer we become from the monkey mind, and the more satisfying is the meditation.
For many of us, guided meditation is a wonderful way of clearing the mind and delving into regions we would not explore on our own. The guide usually offers a physical relaxation exercise which is to reduce proven tension (Herbert Benson, The Relaxation Response, 1975). The meditation guide verbally leads the meditator through a story while supplying visual and sensory cues that make the story come alive.
In the Institute for Conscious Being, teachers employ guided meditation to reconnect us with the soul child and the Holy Idea. Guided imagery is also used by spiritual teachers such as Sandra Maitri and A.H. Almaas as well as embodiment teachers such as Philip Shepard and Andrea Isaacs.
The benefits? In guided meditation, the prompts augment our imaginations (Jerome Singer, Daydreaming and Fantasy, 1974). Therefore, many of us experience a personal encounter with our own essence, our soul. People have reported that during guided meditation on the soul child, they reconnected to their inner child in a profound way. Recently a gentleman experienced his soul in meditation and received the impression that he had neglected his soul child. He emerged from the meditation with a resolve to nurture that aspect of himself from here on out. Since then, he has expressed a deep joy in a way that he had not experienced until the reconnection with his soul.
Spiritual practice: Whenever you meditate, whether in individual, group, non-guided or guided meditation, it is advisable to keep a journal of your experiences to track our progress and list the insights given.
Self-Inquiry: Why would you give up your meditation practice?
Prayer:
Dear God, In meditation, take me to the deep of my own being, open me to the magnificent world of healing and wholeness. Help me walk in the light I see in meditation. Amen.
