Meditation on Chai (Life)
 

The three critical components of any meditation are (1) an object of concentration; (2)  a quiet, peaceful time and place where you can spend ten or fifteen undisturbed minutes; and (3) a completely relaxed body. There are several an objects of concentration in Jewish meditation that we will cover in succeeding months: phrase repetition, contemplation, visualization and contents of consciousness. This month's meditation is an example of contents of consciousness. This meditation will help you understand the true meaning of your life.

Chai is the Hebrew word for life. The numerical equivalent for Chai is 18. Judaism, above all else, stands for life. HaShem is the God of Life whose sole purpose is to bestow goodness and blessings to all of his Creation. As we meditate on the energy of life, we come to realize that it is the physical sensations of sound, light, taste, smell and touch that constantly intrudes into our consciousness is what constitutes our lives. Our sensations are the mediators between body and mind and direct their functioning. When we are aware of sensations, we live in the present moment, in our bodies. Our minds take us to the fantasy world of past, which is gone, and future, which is not here yet. I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day. I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Choose life—if you and your offspring would live. (Deuteronomy 30:19)

Instructions:
Read these instructions over several times, so that you will clearly understand the steps of this exercise, before you begin to meditate.

1. Meditate at a time and place where you will not be interrupted. If you are just beginning meditation, try practicing for only ten or fifteen minutes. Eventually, you can try to extend the time to twenty to thirty minutes.

2. It is important to schedule your meditation periods at least five times a week. Infrequent meditations may not produce the desired effects.

3. Sit comfortably. Choose a sitting position that is most comfortable for the duration of your meditation session. You don't have to sit on the floor, a straight back chair works just as well.

4. Relax you body as completely as possible and begin your meditation by focusing your attention on the inhalation and exhalation of your breath.

5. Take full breaths in and let them out normally.  Be mindful of the quality of your breath as you follow your breathing. Stay with your breath for a few minutes to get accustomed to your style of breathing.

6. Then take a few moments to contemplate the verse in Genesis 2:7: And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

7. Start a scan through your body.  Slowly, check out the sensations you’re having in your legs and arms, back and chest, head and shoulders. There may be aches, or buzzing, or itching or temperature differences. You don’t have to think about them, just pay attention to what you’re feeling. Get to know what your body feels like.

8. Then take a few moments to contemplate the verse in Deuteronomy 28:11: And the LORD will give you abounding prosperity in the issue of your body, and in offspring of your cattle, and in the produce of the land which the LORD swore to your fathers to give to you.

9. Check out how you’re feeling emotionally. Is there any sadness or hostility, anger or shame? Whatever it is you’re feeling, again you don’t have to think about it, just pay attention to what you’re feeling. Notice that emotions correspond to sensations in the body.  Whatever it is you’re feeling, notice where in your body is the feeling? Get to know what your emotions are like.

10. Then take a few moments to contemplate the verse in Leviticus 26:7: And you shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword.

11. As you complete this meditation, return slowly to your normal state of awareness. Bring your attention back into the room, in which you are sitting, and allow yourself to come to the true realization of what your life is all about. Allow yourself to become joyous in the celebration of life.

12. If you have any questions or problems with your meditation sessions, please email your comments and you will receive a prompt reply.

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