I found myself once again in the familiar tranquility of meditation, where the boundaries of reality and imagination blur, opening a door to the deepest parts of my mind. In this place, I was not alone. Sitting beside me on the edge of a high cliff, overlooking a winding river below, was my Native American guide, whom I call Chief. He sat silently, his presence as grounded and ancient as the land itself, exuding a wisdom that seemed to transcend time.
The scene around us was serene. The river below shimmered under the soft glow of the sun, its currents whispering tales of ancient times. Trees lined the riverbanks, their leaves dancing with the gentle breeze. Rocks jutted out along the river’s edge, weathered by time, and the earth beneath us was cool and steady. Grass tickled my feet, reminding me of the simplicity and beauty of nature. It was a perfect setting—one that felt more like home than anywhere in my waking life.
I felt an invitation in the air, a call to deeper contemplation. Chief looked at me with eyes that seemed to hold all the stories of the earth, and I knew it was time to ask my question. I took a deep breath, grounding myself in the present moment, and asked, "How can I create so I’m taken care of?"
Chief didn’t respond immediately. He let the question hang in the air, allowing its weight to settle in. Then, with a gentle nod, he finally spoke, "Let me ask you, what do you see here?"
I turned my gaze outward, taking in the view before us. "I see trees, the water, rocks, earth, grass, the curve in the river…" I trailed off, feeling as if I had listed all that could be seen.
Chief listened patiently, then asked, "What else?"
I paused, glancing around once more. After a moment of silence, I replied softly, "You…" Yet, even as I said it, a thought drifted through my mind, one not directed at him but a private whisper within: ‘Even though all of this isn’t actually real…’
I wasn’t sure why I thought he wouldn’t hear that unspoken thought. But as if reading my mind, Chief smiled, a knowing smile that made my heart pause. "All of this is as real as your everyday life," he said, his voice carrying a gentle authority. "If not more real."
His words struck a chord within me, resonating deeply. I turned to look at him, my curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?"
Chief motioned towards the landscape around us. "When a bird creates a nest in a tree, he sees the nest as one, a singular creation. But that nest is made up of many things—the branches of the tree, the twigs, the leaves, even bits of earth and grass. It is not just a nest until he brings these elements together to create it."
I nodded, beginning to understand his point.
"And yet," he continued, "the nest is real, just as real as the trees, the earth, the river, and all that surrounds us now. This scene you see before you—it is real. Because all that is, is. And all that is created already exists in some form. You need only put into motion what you wish to create, because everything you need is already at your fingertips."
A wave of clarity washed over me as I absorbed his words. I realized that creation was not about conjuring something from nothing but recognizing that all elements already exist. It was about seeing the potential in what was around me and bringing it together in a meaningful way. The landscape before us was a perfect metaphor for this truth.
"Do not be afraid," Chief said softly, his voice a comforting balm to my wandering thoughts. "You have all that is. You are all that is. You cannot only create, but you are creation itself. Don’t forget that."
His words settled in my heart like seeds ready to sprout, each one holding a promise of growth and understanding. I felt a deep sense of peace, knowing that I was both the creator and the creation.
Chief then added, his tone more contemplative, "And also, remember this: when a bird does not have the branches of a tree, the twigs, or the leaves to create with, he adapts. He finds other things within his environment to create anyway. He uses what is available to him."
I pondered this, realizing the depth of his message. "You always have what you need," he said with a gentle firmness. "Sometimes, you must simply change the way you look at what’s around you."
A profound silence followed his words, a silence filled with understanding. I looked out at the river once more, the curve of its flow now seeming to symbolize the ever-changing journey of life and creation. The trees, rocks, earth, and grass all seemed to pulse with a new vibrancy, as if they too understood the lesson shared by my guide.
In that moment, I felt a deep connection to everything around me. The river wasn’t just water flowing; it was a metaphor for life's journey. The trees were not just standing there; they were a testament to resilience and growth. The rocks were not just hard surfaces; they were reminders of endurance and patience. And Chief was not just a guide; he was a mirror reflecting the wisdom that already lay within me.
With a newfound sense of purpose, I closed my eyes, allowing the sounds of the river, the rustling leaves, and the whispering wind to envelop me. I understood now that creation wasn’t about making something from nothing; it was about seeing what already is and allowing it to come together in a way that is meaningful and true. I felt a deep gratitude for this moment, for Chief’s guidance, and for the wisdom that flowed through this meditation like the river below.
As I slowly came out of my meditation, I carried with me a deep sense of peace and an understanding that all I needed was already within and around me. I opened my eyes back in my reality, but the lessons of that serene riverside stayed with me—a reminder that I am the creator of my own reality, with all the elements I need already in place, waiting to be seen and combined in the dance of creation.
How to Deepen Your Connection Through Meditation
Finding Inner Calm: Meditation is a powerful tool to help us connect more deeply with ourselves and the world around us. When we meditate, we quiet the mind, slow our thoughts, and create a space for inner peace and clarity. This calm state allows us to connect with our true selves and the present moment, fostering a sense of connection with everything and everyone around us.
The Importance of a Calm Nervous System: A calm nervous system is crucial for deepening our sense of connection. When our nervous system is regulated, we can be more present, less reactive, and more open to the subtle energies that connect us all. Stress and anxiety can block this flow, making us feel isolated and disconnected. By practicing techniques that calm the nervous system, we enhance our ability to connect deeply and authentically.
Try This Simple Grounding Technique: Grounding helps us to center ourselves in the present moment, providing stability and a sense of security. Here’s a simple grounding exercise you can try anytime you feel anxious or disconnected:
Find a comfortable seated position or stand with your feet firmly planted on the ground.
Take a deep breath in, and as you exhale, imagine your energy traveling down through your body and into the earth.
Visualize roots growing from the soles of your feet, anchoring you to the ground, like a tree deeply rooted in the earth.
Focus on the feeling of the ground beneath you, supporting you and holding you steady. Feel the connection between your body and the earth.
Continue to breathe deeply and slowly, allowing your body and mind to relax more with each exhale.
Stay in this grounded state for as long as you need, feeling your nervous system calm and your sense of connection deepen.
Stay Connected: As you explore these practices, remember that connection is a journey. Each moment of calm and presence brings you closer to the essence of who you are and strengthens your bond with the world around you. Share your experiences with others, join a meditation group, or attend a sound bath session to further deepen your practice.
Let’s Connect: If you'd like to learn more about meditation, grounding techniques, or how to create a calm and connected life, feel free to reach out. You can connect with me on social media, join my mailing list, or visit my website at mynikalife.com for more resources and insights.
Comments