The Benefits of Meditation, Peanut Butter Cake & House Music
Harry Duran ??
I Help Heart-Led Business Owners Amplify Their Authority With Done-For-You Podcast Launch & Marketing Services
Every Saturday I share a story about my life in a way that you can hopefully relate to. I believe we are all here to share our journey, both the highs and the lows, as this is how we collectively raise the consciousness of the planet. If anything resonates with you, please share!??? (8 minute read)
I never know when or where I will get the impulse for my newsletter. As much as I like to think I have a plan for these, it's usually not the case.
And if I'm being totally transparent, I don't do the best job of managing my time effectively throughout the week. That said, it is a goal for 2023. Not only planning my week but ensuring I keep distractions at bay to put myself in the best position to succeed.
One practice that has helped to continually improve my focus is meditation.
The Joy of Meditation
When you think of the word 'mediation', what comes to mind?
For many, it may be an image of someone sitting cross-legged on a cushion with their thumb and forefinger connected, blissfully unaware of the outside world.
For the rest of us, it is closing our eyes and cycling through the events of yesterday, today and tomorrow in rapid and disorderly succession.
Just remember, you can't get it wrong. And with every successive sit, you'll come to develop a deeper appreciation of, and relationship with, your thoughts.
You will realize that?you are not your thoughts. And that in and of itself is incredibly freeing.
Paying Attention to Signs
About a year and an half ago I met up with a few business friends for a small mastermind in California. The AirBnB had been secured and we ended up having a productive day and a half.
When I went to sleep that first night, I happened to peruse the bookshelf and the title of this one book caught my eye,?The Light Shall Set You Free . It should be no surprise to regular readers that I immediately pulled the book off the shelf and quickly began flipping through it.
The way things work in my world, I now understand clearly that I was meant to find that book. I eagerly read the first few pages and snapped a pic of the cover for future reference.
Fast forward to November, 2022. As I was looking through?my Goodreads queue , I spotted the book in my list and immediately knew what I would be reading next. Suffice it to say I haven't been able to put it down.
What's fascinating is that it was written in 1996. I'd like to think that my life would have been transformed had I found that book back then, coinciding with the breakup of my first major relationship.
The truth is, I wasn't ready then.
I AM now.
It's close to being my most-highlighted book of 2022 and possibly all-time. The message is timeless and is one of the best explanations I've read about the Universal Laws.
There's so much knowledge in this book that really resonates for me in a way that's hard to describe. There's a lot in there that may feel a bit too 'out there' for some readers, so pay attention to what I'm about to say next.
One maxim which has served me well over the years with all the metaphysical content I've come across is to remember and put this into practice:
Take what resonates, and discard the rest.
I'll be unpacking learnings from the book in upcoming letters but, since we're on the topic of meditation, I thought I'd share some interesting takeaways from the book.
Meditation assists us to find bliss, inner harmony, and centeredness. It is the only way to find the peace within and to connect to it so that we can live it. Peace can never be found or experienced outside of oneself. It is found when we learn to control our mental and emotional bodies and stay centered within. Meditation teaches us how to master this state of mind, and once we do, we discover who we really are. - Norma J. Milanovich
I used to think meditation was just one thing. Sit down, relax, close your eyes, remain silent and focus. This breakdown of the 3 stages of meditation has been helpful.
Stage 1 - Concentration
To learn to meditate we must desire to learn the art of concentration, and then use this power to conquer our mental and emotional bodies. At this stage, we must command our breathing, taking deep rhythmic breaths and inhaling the life force energy of the universe.
Stage 2 - Contemplation
The contemplative stage requires the ability to focus internally—for example, visualizing the Light within. When this can be accomplished successfully and the mind can hold this thought for an extended period of time, consciousness will expand.
Stage 3 - True Meditation
The stage of true meditation is mastered when the one who is meditating no longer feels that he or she is doing it. In other words, when the person and the Light merge and become One, then higher consciousness is experienced and understood.
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Putting It Into Practice
I find that silencing the mind has helped me to be a better listener on several fronts. It helps me to focus and remain attentive when speaking with my partner, my friends and family.
Prior to reading this chapter I had not thought of meditation in these terms. I find that looking at it this way reminds me that, as with all things, there is always a path to improvement.
If you've been on the fence about meditation, I hope this will pique your curiosity enough to have you give it a try.
If you find that you meditate better with some background sounds, I have a relaxing 45-minute audio that I've used for years. It's a combination of chimes, gongs and binaural beats. I don't have the landing page set up just yet, so just reply with "chimes please" and I'll gladly send along the file.
To recap, remain vigilant for signs, be they big or small. It could be something you came across years ago, that is resonating for you now, or a reminder you just recieved a few minutes ago.
Pay attention. Make time for silence. Go within.
You hear that?
That's the universe looking to send you a timely message.
?? with gratitude,
Harry
Seeking More Intuitive Guidance?
I'd like to give a special shout out to my partner, Natalie Joanne ?? Clarity Coach and Photographer . She offers 1:1 personal and business tarot readings via Zoom. Readings are an excellent way to help you get in touch with your intuition. Tarot is a tool that helps with decision-making, getting unstuck, or just helping you to see a different perspective. Whether you're a believer or a skeptic, I'm not sure how it works, but it just does. I mean, we could all use a bit of guidance every now and then, right???Book a reading here .
What I Created Recently
This was a busy one! ???
???Vertical Farming Podcast sponsored by?Cultivatd
?? Podcast Junkies sponsored by Focusrite
?? djhd022 -?Into the Melodic & Deep
I've been DJing since I was 16 years old and will never tire of making DJ mixes. I usually manage to get a few in every year and this is my latest. Enjoy!
?? Peanut Butter Devil's Food Cake
My partner and I had a nice evening with a friend recently where I was able to become reacquainted with the joy of baking. It's something I was into in my early 20's and likely something I'll be starting again.
?? P.S. When You're Ready...
Here are a few of ways I can help…
???Download?a free copy of my?Conscious Voice Expansion Plan . The most powerful way to transmit and elevate your voice is with a podcast. This plan will outline for you the pillars of success needed prior to the launch of your show!
???Watch?my free video,?5 Key Pillars of a Profitable Podcast ?that every business owner needs to know prior to launching their show.
????Subscribe?to?Podcast Junkies ?+?Vertical Farming Podcast ?to hear inspiring stories guaranteed to make you a better host.
Probably the best clearing the mind ?? expert in the World ??
1 年Thank you for sharing Harry Duran ?? Podcast Strategist