PREPARATION FOR MEDITATION WORK
These guidelines can assist you in having a more beneficial and enjoyable experience.
The week before the work:
Organize your week, so that you do not have a super-charged work week. Begin to create space to slow down, time for contemplation and rest.
Develop your intention around the work. What are some questions you would like answers to? What are some ways of being you are ready to retire, what are you ready to let go of? What are you willing to open up to and accept, what do you seek clarity around? Give yourself time to contemplate and explore what this work is for you.
Write your intentions down and bring them with you. You may want to begin keeping a journal, give space to what is important to you, or jot down those things that begin to bubble up to the surface.
Clear your mind and refrain from reading newspapers, watching TV, etc., the day of the session and as many days before as works for you.
Eat lightly, avoiding red meat, pork, spicy, creamy foods. Follow other dietary guidelines, listed below.
Avoid caffeine, tobacco for a full week or as long as you can prior to working together.
No alcohol for one week prior.
No recreational drug use.
Avoid any new sexual relations for 3 days prior to avoid clouding your mind with new content that may distract from the content you wish to work with
Take some walks in nature in preparation for the work.
The day of the work:
Bring comfortable clothes, a pair of warm socks, a blindfold or eye covers.
Consider bringing photos from your life, family, friends, images of significance to oneself or around which you would like to do some work.
If there are objects that are important to you, feel free to invite them into the space. You may bring them with you.
I will be with you throughout the work, available for all your needs, and managing the space. We are creating a safe space together so that you may enter fully into the inner exploration at hand.
Three agreements with your guide:
As your guide I will announce the conclusion of the journey. You agree to not leave the space without permission until the conclusion of the work together.
As your guide, I will not allow you to hurt yourself. The space is otherwise yours for your expression.
As your guide, I will not be sexual with you.
Suggestions for returning into daily life:
Have the next day be a slow re-entry, do not jump back into high energy environments.
Eat lightly, get sufficient sleep, avoid a lot of time around TV, computers, and other electronic devices.
Some individuals experience some restlessness or difficulty falling asleep for a day or two. Lie in bed and rest anyway.
Have a small journal around you so you may jot down, draw whatever is significant to you. You may have dreams through this period.
Dietary guideline preparation:
All narcotics, barbiturates, antihistamines or analgesics, ephedrine (in some herbal stimulants and cold remedies are often times included in Chinese herbal remedies), and alcohol must be free from your system prior to this meditation. Any prescriptions or other drug use must be discussed with the leader prior to the session.
If you haven’t already, clean up your diet to create a condition of openness. Eat a simple, healthy diet of organic fruits, veggies, pasture-raised chicken/fish/eggs, nuts, grains.