Experiencing Jewish Meditation        [Click here to go back home] 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 a visualization on the flames of the Chanukah candles. This meditation is to be performed each of the eight nights of Chanukah and by the conclusion of the holiday, you can receive your special gift.
 
 

                                                                        The Lights of Chanukah

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

1. On the first night of Chanukah, light the first candle and recite the proper blessings.

2. As you gaze upon the flame of the first night's candle, in your mind, ask the flame one question about something you truly need in your life. It could be health related or it could be about your relationships. Ask what is most pressing in your life right now.

3. Take notice of whatever image the flame evokes in your mind. Does it feel right to you? Does it strike a deep chord inside?

4.  If not, try free associating your image with as many other images or descriptive words  that you can think of. When the right image comes to mind, you'll get a confirming sensation that feels right, a kind of "aha" experience.

5. If nothing special  comes to mind, repeat this exercise on the second night of Chanukah, with the added intensity of two candle flames.

6. If necessary, continue this exercise on each successive night of Chanukah until you gaze at the full intensity of eight candle flames.

7. If you're perseverant in doing this exercise by the eighth night, you're ready to receive your special gift for Chanukah.
 

8. Some people find that writing their experiences of their practice sessions in a journal is helpful to monitor progress, week by week.

9. The final step is to find ways to implement the image you received into your daily life.

10. 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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