Tag: Durek

I mentioned once being agnostic in my previous entry. At this point, I have proof that spirituality is real, and I have a wife who is a born into/called upon Left Hand Path Witch.  She was first called at 5 years old, but that’s the story for her to tell. But what about me? I wasn’t being called by any deity, no matter how much I wanted it, no matter how much I tried.

There are many ways to pursue spirituality. Like my wife, some are called toward it, often by specific deities, of which there are many.  Others are gifted with an open third eye and can perceive things beyond our normal perceptions.  Some learn of spirituality and attempt to drive themselves toward the enlightenment it can provide. Me? Let’s just say I appear to fall into the second and/or third categories.  If a deity is calling me, I cannot hear it outright. So, how do I begin to clear my mind so I can listen?

The first step seems like a no-brainer, but it is for many the hardest.  Just clear your mind.  Easy, right?  Not so much for a lifelong over-thinker. If you think that’s hard, try meditating! I had to come up with a way to slow my mental roll long enough to have a chance at clearing my mind for even a second. The usual meditation techniques were not working.  I even purchased a book on meditation and tried the suggestions, but to no avail.  What eventually started to work for me was guided meditation.

A friend suggested trying guided meditation using YouTube videos by Shaman Durek. I’ve included a link to some of my favorites below. Durek’s words, tone and pacing generally help keep me mindful. But even though I’ve been meditating successfully for some time, I still have to be vigilant and pull myself back in fairly regularly during a session. Many people will tell you to make time to meditate and stick to it.  I find that if I have significant competing priorities, I have a harder time staying focused during a session.  I meditate when I can, rather than forcing myself to a regular schedule. This ensures I can stay focused and thus get the quality of the experience rather than haphazard quantity. I will however make the time immediately if I’m feeling out of sorts spiritually because feeling negative can bleed into so many other aspects of everyday life. You need to determine what works for you. A fairly disciplined schedule may be precisely what you need.

If you can blank your mind and meditate anytime (like my wife), great for you! I wrote this to help you get started if you are like me. Just know that you are not alone in your struggle to get started. However, no matter what you read here, the number one step is to simply ‘start’. Now go meditate…

In future posts, I will discuss two things that aided me in accelerating the relaxing of my mind; Shadow Work & Energy Work. 

YouTube link to my favorite meditations, both guided and non-guided: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLV5OfQf75zSSqkALODfE956ylyv5v03G7&si=UPp2F-A1-plUKXjD