Self-inquiry Meditation:
The purpose of self-inquiry is to experience the revelation of the true Self, not to probe mentally or seek a definitive answer. The practice is simple but not easy, and requires commitment and consistent practice to reap the incomparable bliss it bestows.
Essentially, this is a practice of simply and repeatedly asking yourself the question, “Who am I?” and holding this thought alone, with a mind that is completely open and receptive to any responses or sensations that may arise.
In the beginning, practice this for twenty minutes. As you progress in this practice, you can extend the time to thirty to sixty minutes or longer. (This is the author’s suggestion. Remember to do what you can with what you have where you are at. Even five minutes is beneficial. It’s far more important to be consistent and to meditate at the same time every day. Your body will recognize the time as a time to relax and it will get easier! Promise! Be gentle with yourself.)
Adopt your preferred meditation posture. Ensure your spine is straight, with your head and neck in alignment. Once you are comfortable, keep your body still for the duration of the practice. Close your eyes and practice a few minutes of simple relaxation breathing:
Breathing naturally, inhale to the count of four or five and exhale to the count of four or five. Consciously relax the body on the out breath. Scan your body and note any tension areas. Breathe into those areas on the in breaths and relax them on the out breaths. Continue for a few minutes until the body feels relaxed.
Focus your attention in the middle of your chest in the spiritual Heart center. Inwardly and quietly and with an open mind and heart, ask yourself “Who am I?” without demanding or expecting a response. Maintain your focus of attention on the Heart center and breathe naturally. When thoughts arise, do not pursue theme or be captivated by them, but simply inquire of each thought, “To whom has this thought arisen?” If the answer comes “To me”, then repeat the question “Who am I?” From time to time, repeat the question in a relaxed way, without any expectation of an answer.
Source: The Chakra Workbook by Anna Voigt
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