What are material Things?

What are material things?

BY Jimmy Henderson (Hons (phil) MA (psych)

“Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow.”

Aesop

We know from scientific research that so-called material objects are only complex combinations and concentrations of energy having characteristics which we perceive as colour, mass and form. This links up with some psychological research (Constructivism), which suggests that images of objects and indeed reality itself, are actually constructed and assembled in our minds. For example, a sand-castle appears solid enough, but a simple sweep of the hand or foot is sufficient to reduce it to its constituent parts, namely fine grains of sand.

The words ‘solid’ and ‘real’ are therefore only concepts we use to describe a level of energy  which is tangible to our senses. However, science and psychology both suggest that there is certainly a basis to reality, although it certainly may not be exactly as we perceive it, and probably a representation of something far more fluid and complex.

In his article, ‘The primacy of consciousness’ Peter Russel believes that the building blocks of so-called matter (molecules, atoms, and sub-atomic particles) are ultimately derived from a mental essence or ‘mindstuff’ called chitta in Sanskrit, which is essentially consciousness. This would correspond to the older mystical concept of the ‘ethers’ and provide the underlying form to the images, sounds, sensations, thoughts, and feelings we experience. However, exactly how thought or consciousness can become sufficiently concentrated to form substance is still not clear, although Russel suggests that ‘variations’ do take place within the mental essence.

The human brain also has the ability to augment, add to, or fill in gaps in perception. This implies that if we encounter an object or experience for which we do not yet have an existing memory or visual concept to use as a reference, we will struggle to categorise it in its natural state and our interpretative processes will present it in a symbolic form (such as substance), which is more familiar.

‘We are formed from ‘star stuff, the same energy patterns that formed the universe’

J. Henderson

Scientifically, the possibility therefore exists that consciousness itself could be equated with conscious energy, which when entering this plane of existence, becomes recognisable forms of energy. In line with this thinking, the ‘variations’ that Russel refers to could ultimately be patterns of thought (imagery) within a greater universal Mind, moulded by the power of pure intention to become matrices for the formation of energy patterns which we presently perceive as matter, natural substances (the elements) and physical phenomena. 

This has recently been scientifically proven by the discovery of a universal field able to bring about cohesion and mass on this plane of reality (the Higgs-Boson or ‘God’-particles). In other words, with one's realisation of substance being relative to the mind, even though experienced by us as dense and solid, our notion of substance could very well still be only patterns (images) formed within a universal (divine) Mind.

Jimmy Henderson is a philosopher, metaphysician and the author of a number of books and articles on self-development. He has an Honours degree in philosophy (metaphysics) and a Masters degree in Psychology. His books ‘Multi-Dimensional Thinking’ (2007) and ‘Multi-dimensional Perception’ (2010) are available on Amazon.com and Kalahari.com and can also be ordered via the Metavarsity website as well as his own website www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com

Website

Please note that my articles as well as book reviews are available on my website www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com

Is life simply a dream?

Is life simply a dream?

Jimmy Henderson

‘Reality is merely an illusion, although a very persistent one.’

Albert Einstein

Metaphors are also very useful in explaining what is meant by some writers when they refer to the world as an illusion, a delusion or a dream. As conscious beings we can all dream, and there is no logical reason why a cosmic singularity such as a larger, universal (divine) Mind should not be able to create complex dreamlike scenarios as well in which we, as self-conscious archetypal images would be merely actors, and every event taking place in this world merely a dramatisation. Although our sensations, emotions and experiences would seem very real in terms of our limited perception, as with a dream, our sensory experiences may exist only in consciousness.

“Indeed, the whole world is imagination, while He is the Real in Reality. Whoever understands this knows all the secrets of the Spiritual Path.”

Ibn Al-'Arabi

The fact that we all essentially have the same experience of life and reality would suggest that this one dream would be shared by all, and this once again supports the idea of a unified or collective Mind. The dream-metaphor can also explain a number of scientific, psychological, philosophic and religious theories and dilemmas in the world today, for example, why in science, we are, as yet, unable to discover the ultimate source of reality. However, when reality is viewed on another level as the dream-state of a universal Mind, a possible answer presents itself, in that we ourselves form an integral part of the dream, and as such, are simply unable to measure it.  

In terms of psychology, the dream-metaphor has some support from research into Constructivism, in which the structure and functioning of our perceptual processes suggests that we may have constructed a self-imposed veil of delusion to hide a reality that is, as yet, not able to be mentally processed.  Research shows that our own dreams are the result of issues and tensions seeking resolution, and philosophically, using the dream metaphor, human history could similarly be seen as a process of adjustment, correction (resolution) and expansion taking place within a universal (divine) Mind or consciousness.

The dream metaphor introduces another possibility, that within the shared dream, we each have a higher self or soul that is a dreamer in its own right. In terms of this analogy, the human soul could be compared to the eye of a storm, a centre of pure self-awareness surrounded by levels of perceptual (sensory), emotional and psychological activity which flow and feed from this core. In other words, one’s experience of human life is ultimately limited to a series of or enactments involving a multitude of characters and scenarios which could be compared to a theatrical dramatisation or even a dream. 

This would suggest that each person’s personal circumstances and experiences are the result of his or her own co-created dream and explains the religious dilemma that error and imperfection exists and yet the soul remains pure and is not subject to corruption. They remain like dust on the cloak of spirituality and can be shaken off through a process of acknowledgement, confession and forgiveness. In other words, inner resolution is more a process of ‘letting go’ to unveil the authentic self rather than trying to construct a more perfect sense of self. At the end of the day, perceived imperfections merely represent a lack of understanding of the role and purpose of the collective dream, and these will eventually dissolve into nothingness, leaving behind the only reality, which is consciousness itself.

 ‘The branches of a tree are shaken by the wind; the trunk remains unmoved’.
Helena P. Blavatsky

Finally, the metaphor of the dream can also help to explain a number of controversial religious ideas such as rebirth and reincarnation. In everyday life we fall asleep and dream, awaken to new experiences, only to later fall asleep and dream again. Yet we remain the same person. This process could also apply to souls as well, having to pass through different dreams (spheres of experience) until they awaken fully. 

Jimmy Henderson is a philosopher, metaphysical teacher and the author of a number of books and articles on self-development. He has an Honours degree in philosophy (metaphysics) and a Masters degree in Psychology. His books ‘Multi-Dimensional Thinking’ (2007) and ‘Multi-dimensional Perception’ (2010) are available on Amazon.com and Kalahari.com and can also be ordered via the Metavarsity website as well as his own website www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com

The reconciliation of the sciences

The reconciliation of the sciences 

By Jimmy Henderson

 ‘Relativity teaches us the connection between the different descriptions of one and the same reality’

Albert Einstein

The selective way in which the human mind extracts knowledge from the universe, and its ability to construct a personal sense of reality, provides a framework within which science, psychology, philosophy and religion can be reconciled. In other words, the fact that all human experience is shaped by the mind, packaged and represented in highly selective perceptions, thoughts and beliefs (schemas), explains how a single reality can be differentiated and interpreted in terms of scientific or psychological theories and philosophical or religious ideas, depending on which perspective and framework of interpretation is applied. In this regard, many scholars have spoken of a ‘golden thread’ which connects all knowledge. 

The selective nature of the human mind also explains how a singularity of pure existence and consciousness can be legitimately viewed by religionists as a personal God and at the same time by scientists as a universal energy source or substance. Acknowledging this truth should therefore result in an improved tolerance of the opinions and beliefs of others.

However, this selectivity also serves a practical purpose, in that it allows us to extract, process and unravel the otherwise unfathomable content of the universe one mystery at a time. In this way we are able to interpret the shifts, changes and movements taking place on a universal scale in terms of concrete and understandable world-events and situations and manageable concepts. In other words, our current mental processing allows us to function adequately on this level until such time as we are able to evolve higher mental processes which will enable us to engage more dimensions of reality simultaneously.

This also suggests that, as our consciousness and perception unfold and become more encompassing, our ability to explore the unknown and to interpret, conceptualise and understand these experiences, should naturally grow. 

At this present time such unfoldment is gradual, as the fragility of the mind will not permit rapid shifts in perception. However, a huge potential exists to consciously upgrade our mental processing, creating the opportunity for even greater insights into the nature and existence of self and reality. 

 Jimmy Henderson a well-known metaphysician and regular radio talk show guest. He is the author of many articles as well as two published books entitled ‘Multi-Dimensional Thinking’ and ‘Multi-Dimensional Perception’ which are available at Exclusive books, Amazon.com and Kalahari.com. 

www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com

          

Human purpose and the Universe

Human purpose and the Universe

By Jimmy Henderson (Hons BA (Phil) , MA (Psychology)

The (second order) systems approach in psychology may provide an (abstract) explanation for the fundamental question relating to mankind’s purpose and existence. 

For instance, the operations of the human mind and the complex, dynamic interacting scenarios which frame the actions of living things suggest that we may be existing within a larger, meta- or universal system (of mind) in which all of life and reality are inextricably connected. In terms of this framework, human experience and action would represent an ongoing process of inner communication, movement, structuring, change and expansion taking place in the 'communities' of sub-structures that exist within this universal singularity, in which human beings can be seen as archetypal sub-personalities or forms. 

   

Evolution and mental advancement would be linked to interactions taking place between the different archetypal forms, as well to adaptations to challenges produced by the natural internal dynamics of the Meta-system. On the level of human experience, these exchanges and challenges would be experienced as a series of interactions, situations and events occurring in the life of each individual which would be designed to promote growth and development and ultimately contribute to the content, structure and development of the whole. In fact, in terms of this approach, all the different levels and sub-systems within the Meta-system would, as a result of sustained interaction and activity, naturally shift and tend towards greater levels of complexity. 

A suitable metaphor for the unfolding of the individual human mind and consciousness within this Meta-system would be the image of a burning coal being placed in the middle of a paper ball comprised of many rolled-up sheets. The heat of the hot coal will slowly burn its way from the inside out until it reaches the outer layers of the (paper) structure. 

Applying this to human history, this would imply that we, as individual archetypes of this Meta-system (of mind), also play our part in mediating the passage of consciousness to the outermost levels of Being. 

Jimmy Henderson is a philosopher, metaphysican and cognitive specialist and the author of a number of books and articles on self-development. His books ‘Multi-Dimensional Thinking’ (2007) and ‘Multi-dimensional Perception’ (2010) are available on Amazon.com and Kalahari.com and can also be ordered via his website www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com

Religious concepts and ideas

The development of religious concepts and ideas 

by Jimmy Henderson 

Hons(phil), MA (psychology) FRC

The rise and waning of various religions and religious practices throughout the ages could be a reflection of natural changes and shifts in human consciousness and perception. For instance, with the evolving human ability to form abstract concepts, ideas involving God could have shifted between different levels or groups of archetypal figures and sub-personalities available to inner experience.

For example, the earliest religions consisted of the worship of spirits which were said to animate mountains, trees and rivers, and the actions of these spirits were seen as responsible for natural phenomena. Later a series of polytheistic religions emerged, such as that of the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and Aryans. This suggested a movement away from an almost infinite amount of spiritual sub-personalities to a more finite number of gods or deities, which could very well be representations of archetypal personalities existing within the depths of a single universal singularity (a sort of collective mind).

It has also been suggested that polytheism occurred at that time in history precisely because the human mind was still unable to conceive of a single being having so many different powers, aspects and attributes as has subsequently been revealed to the world. This would have only have become possible later with the further evolution of language, during which time monotheistic conceptualisations of God became possible.

As a result of the connection between the active role of the mind, differences in cultural-historical interpretation and linguistic development, no conception of God can ever be viewed as illegitimate, only more or less complete.

‘Conscience is the highest religion’

J . Henderson

 Jimmy Henderson is a metaphysician and the author of a number of books and articles on self-development. He has an Honours degree in philosophy (metaphysics) and a Masters degree in Psychology. His books ‘Multi-Dimensional Thinking’ (2007) and ‘Multi-dimensional Perception’ (2010) are available on Amazon.com and can also be ordered via his own website www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com

Further Universal principles

Universal principles :

Inclusiveness

By Jimmy Henderson

‘Pick up a flower in a field and you may disturb a star in the sky. All is interconnected. Nothing is separate. Everything has its place, its function. Nothing is here for nothing. Everything is here for                                                                                             everything. Take Care’      Tishan

Another important principle is that of ‘inclusiveness’. This is related to concepts of ‘wholeness’ and ‘interconnectedness’. As revealed in one of my earlier books, this principle can be summarised in the following statement: ‘The universe is so much more than I can imagine, and that which any person (including myself) believes or can see, is only part of a far bigger picture’ (Multi-Dimensional Thinking, 2007).

‘Inclusiveness’, fits well with the Ecosystemic approach in psychology, which supports the idea of a Universal Meta-system incorporating all that there is. In terms of this approach, systems use ‘information’ as their ‘currency’, and with human minds being currently unable to process such complex multi-dimensional information,  ‘chunk up’ this single relational system as well as its content into three-dimensional views of reality, personal subjective experiences and seemingly unrelated relationships, situations and events, rather than seeing them as all part of one vast system or network.

Consequence

‘Sometimes I feel like a mouse running through the maze of life’.

J. Henderson

This particular principle explains how a number of factors mutually influence each other and eventually combine to produce a natural outcome or ‘consequence’ in the form of everyday situations or events. Once again, if viewed within on universal meta-system, this principle describes a balanced network of interconnections in which a change to any one of its sub-systems would affect the others.

Second, in terms of this approach, a universal system would also be ‘self-correcting’, in other words, able to adjust to minor actions or ‘perturbances’. More radical changes, however, would tend to unbalance the system and it may act to correct itself, and any resulting response would be a natural process in which the outcomes or ‘consequences’ are fair, impersonal and impartial.

This principle of natural consequence also applies on a smaller scale to the lives of individual persons. After a number of years of being together members of a family ‘system’ eventually adjust to one another’s idiosyncrasies and there is a balance in the relationships which leads to matters running quite smoothly. However, any serious destructive behaviour on the part of a family member, whether it is a parent or a child, can have serious consequences for all and may even lead to the breakdown of the entire family system. 

Although ‘consequence’ itself is an impersonal principle, most people in everyday life judge the results as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ and ‘right’ or ‘wrong’. This normally depends on the particular thinking paradigm that is being used to make the judgment. For instance, within a religious worldview, certain unfortunate world events such as epidemics could be interpreted as the judgment of a wrathful God, whereas within a scientific or medical framework, they would merely be seen as the natural outcome of a combination of factors accumulating over a period of time, such as conditions for the spread of the diseases, actions which render one vulnerable to infection, a failure to take proper precautionary measures and the absence of cures.

As it exists within a meta-system, ‘consequence’ would therefore be a developmental principle moving one away from error and limitation. However, if common sense and reason is not properly exercised, be it in one’s personal or social life, the meta-system will move to correct itself by introducing certain adjustments or outcomes which, on a personal level, may not always be experienced as pleasant. This perspective should really inspire one to take personal responsibility for one’s actions in life.

However, this principle is not without its exceptions, as there is a degree of randomness still existing within the Meta-system which is as yet, still shifting and not fully actualized. This randomness could emerge in situations and events not related to one’s own actions, choices or decisions, such as (freak) accidents or even being a victim of crime.

‘When you think everything is someone else´s fault, you will suffer a lot. When you realize that everything springs only from yourself, you will learn both peace and joy’

Dalai Lama

Jimmy Henderson is a metaphysician and the author of a number of books and articles on self-development. He has an Honours degree in philosophy (metaphysics) and a Masters degree in Psychology. His books ‘Multi-Dimensional Thinking’ (2007) and ‘Multi-dimensional Perception’ (2010) are available on Amazon.com and can also be ordered via his website www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com

The principle of Universality

Universality

By Jimmy Henderson

 

‘All religions, arts and sciences are branches of the same tree. All these aspirations are directed toward ennobling man’s life, lifting it from the sphere of mere physical existence and leading the individual towards freedom’.

Albert Einstein

‘Universality’ normally refers to an idea or situation that can be applied universally to all persons and nations. In this case, the principle of ‘universality’ would also apply to one's concept of God, which would, by definition, be equally available to all and all-encompassing. 

This principle also links up with psychological research which suggests many possible (subjective) versions of truth and reality. Metaphorically, what each group or person therefore sees or understands of the world, could be explained as different pieces and shades of cloth cut from one universal fabric.

The further implications of the principle of universality can be explained using the analogy or metaphor of a cardboard puzzle. If a very large, complicated puzzle is presented to a group of small children, due to their immaturity, inexperience and limited ability to reason, it is unlikely that it would ever be completed (Multi-Dimensional Thinking, 2007). However, if one separates the puzzle into much smaller pieces and gives each child a section to complete on his or her own, be it a corner, a border or a certain patch of colour, it is quite possible that each child will be successful with his or her section, and later, if they agree to work together and combine their different sections, the entire puzzle will take form.

The implications of this metaphor are that each school of scientific, psychological, philosophical or religious thought existing in the world today could be said to have a piece of the great puzzle containing some answers to the mysteries of life, mankind and the universe. However, at present, each group believes their small section to be the entire puzzle and are unable to see that what they have completed is only a small part of a far larger, more comprehensive, many-faceted and multi-layered picture of the collective nature of Being and existence.

Even within each completed section there are still parts missing, pieces of the puzzle that could enable the various groupings to see their inter-dependence and relationship to each other. It is these missing pieces that give rise to the confusion, contradictions and paradoxes that one experiences in everyday life, and it is only in coming together in cooperation and being willing to share knowledge and information with each other, that mankind will ever discover a more integrated, holistic and multi-dimensional view of the universe and reality.

 Jimmy Henderson is a well-known metaphysician and regular radio talk show guest. He is the author of many articles as well as two metaphysical self-help books entitled ‘Multi-Dimensional Thinking’ and ‘Multi-Dimensional Perception’ which are available at Exclusive Books, Amazon.com and Kalahari.com. He is also a facilitator with Metavarsity and based in Durban, South Africa.

Website - www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com

The ego

   

  The Authentic Self and the EGO

   By Jimmy Henderson (Hons (phil), MA Psychology,          FRC) 

    We all have an 'authentic self' which embodies that most moral and ethical part of ourselves. Unfortunately, after many years of feeding basic instincts and accepting flawed social learning (conditioning), the innocence of the ‘authentic self’ is usually reduced to the ‘ego’, a false sense of self which is little more than a collection of highly personal drives, thoughts, perceptions and beliefs. 

    In view of its self-centeredness, the ego has only a limited awareness and understanding, and this can account for the many errors that creep into human thinking and actions as the result of ego-based perceptions and decision-making. The ego results in the average human mind being filled with unhelpful emotions, negative thoughts, memories and desires which all form a natural barrier to the expansion of awareness or consciousness. 

   In my previous book, ‘Multi-Dimensional Perception’ (2010), I explained this 'blocking’ process in terms of the analogy of a goldfish in a bowl, in which the water in the bowl represented the human mind and one’s present understanding, and the world outside of the bowl, reality. I continued by explaining how the water in the bowl is murky as the result of our jumbled-up thoughts and perceptions, painful memories and emotions, limiting beliefs and fears which so clog up our minds that we have only a dim view of what is actually out there and cannot see things as they really are. I also pointed out that the saddest thought of all was that we have become so conditioned and accustomed to living in this ‘bowl’ of limiting beliefs, thoughts and perceptions, that it is difficult to even conceive of a larger universe out here. 

   This action of the ego and the process of social conditioning can therefore limit one’s imagination, ability to dream and to realize one's authentic self. 

Transcending the ego

                                              

   Trying to overcome the ego a little bit at a time by learning from our mistakes and their consequences, could take us an entire lifetime. However, this is the normal course of events, and if one looks carefully at the problems in our day-to-day lives, they often seem to follow a

specific pattern or trend. For example, the same bitter experiences with relationships or finances can arise time and time again until we are forced into a process of self-evaluation and the need to make better and more mature choices. In this way, even everyday life can be seen to be directed at growth and development and the eventual release of the limitiations, selfishness and pettiness which relate to the ego.

   However, a release can also happen quite suddenly during a life-changing experience (usually involving extreme humiliation or loss of identity), sometimes called the ‘dark night of the soul’. This could come in the form of the ending of a marriage, a long-term relationship or career or some other equally traumatic experience. Those times when we feel totally shattered, empty and alone and we are virtually forced to let go of our old sense of self or ego.     

         

   Sometimes we can get lost in the intensity of the experience, and struggle for many years to recover. However, if we are able to recognise it for what it is, an opportunity to transcend the ego, we can shorten the period of suffering. Obviously, it is still important to take time to fully process the thoughts and feelings relating to this experience and for a while we will be certainly be mentally, emotionally and spiritually vulnerable and naked. However, when we eventually stand up again, our slate will be clean and ready for new experiences in consciousness.

   The third possibility for transcending the ego is a conscious process of self-development and growth such as this path of light and consciousness, in which we bring about the dismantling of the ego at its source, in the mental programs and ideas which feed and sustain it . This particular process involves challenging our present ego-experiences with powerful new insights relating to our identity and life’s purpose and formulating positive affirmations and intentions which help to change our existing view of self. 

Jimmy Henderson is a well-known metaphysician, counsellor and author of two books on body, mind and spirit titled ‘Multi-Dimensional Thinking’ and ‘Multi-Dimensional Perception’ available at Amazon.com, Kalahari.com or from his website www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com.

The phenomenon of visions  

By Jimmy Henderson

‘Your vision will become clear when you look into your heart. Who looks outside dreams. Who looks inside awakens.’
C.G.Jung

  It has been noted that during advanced levels of visualisation, spontaneous images can enter into one's inner visual field. This reveals how it is possible to receive sensations, impressions and even symbolic images directly from our subconscious during highly subjective states of mind. 

   This was also suggested by the famous psychologist Dr. Carl Jung who believed that the content of the subconscious can become conscious under certain conditions. 

These impressions are sometimes regarded as intuitive moments or intuitions. However, it can also happen that entire three-dimensional dramatisations can unfold spontaneously in our inner visual or perceptual fields during these subjective states.    

   These scenarios or enactments are symbolically assembled at a subliminal level in the subconscious mind before being presented to consciousness and can be described as similar to a dream (or a daydream). However, as in some cases, these images can be quite vivid due to their ability to superimpose on our everyday sense of reality for brief moments. 

   As in the case of a dream, a vision can be a communication from the subconscious mind regarding an issue to be resolved, and therefore take the form of a warning. However, with the subconscious being the conduit between our normal consciousness and the external world, the vision could also relate to other factors. 

   For example, metaphysical practitioners and religious devotees have reported many cases of visions relating to divine guidance and even to visitations from a higher spiritual level. Due to the many cases presented, these experiences can no longer be simply discounted as pure fantasy. 

Jimmy Henderson is a metaphysician and the author of a number of books and articles on inner self-development. He has an Honours degree in philosophy (metaphysics) and a Masters degree in Psychology. His books ‘Multi-Dimensional Thinking’ (2007) and ‘Multi-dimensional Perception’ (2010) are available on Amazon.com and Kalahari.com and can also be ordered via his website www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com

Basic meditation

                               The techniques of basic meditation

                                                           By Jimmy Henderson

   
There are a number of steps to effective meditation. The first step is to be seated comfortably in a private place, preferably with the lights dimmed. You can use soft, background music and incense to enhance the effect, if required. Try to relax your body until your mind is quiet and at peace. This relaxed state is essential for meditation.There are a number of methods to maintain this state of inner stillness.
Method 1.    Breathing
Focus all your attention on your breathing whilst you are performing the relaxation exercise. This shifts your mind away from any thoughts.

Method 2.    Using a mantra
It is also possible to ignore intrusive thoughts by calling on a mantra or holy name, repeating it over and over again in your mind until it is free of distractions.
Method 3.  Focusing one’s attention on an object
Another method is to focus on an object such as a burning candle, religious  image, icon or symbol and allow your mind to relax. Keeping one’s mind clear of intrusive thoughts
during meditation is more a process of ‘letting go’ rather than forcing your mind to be quiet.  

You will need to practice regularly to be able to maintain this quiet state of mind for any     length of time. This should be practiced once a day for at least a week. You will know that you have achieved a measure of success when you are able to maintain a still,clear mind for at least thirty seconds and feel more conscious and perceptive. 
Meditation is usually linked to an increased sensory awareness. Once you have achieved this state of relaxed mindfulness, try to move your focus away from your     body, especially your hands and feet, until you are no longer consciously aware of them. If you feel stressed, you are trying too hard. Meditation is a very gentle process. Whilst in this state of quiet mindfulness and keeping your eyes closed, begin to slowly open your consciousness to your immediate surroundings. The way this is done, is to first shift your attention slowly to your sense of smell and try to detect scents, such as flowers or burning candles in the room.
Second, you should refocus your attention to your hearing and begin to listen more acutely for sounds in the room and outside (such as insect or animal sounds). Do not focus on your body or your sense of sight, as this will distract you. Now slowly release your focus on your normal senses (smell or hearing) and relax your mind completely.    Continue to keep your eyes closed.
After a few seconds, re-open your awareness (without thinking) and try to become aware or receptive to any sensory cues (sensations, feelings or impressions) you may be sensing. This new state of ‘mindfulness’ can be likened to a combination of ‘listening’, ‘receptiveness’ and most importantly, ‘feeling’. The way you will know you have reached this state of mind is when you start to become conscious of sensations, feelings or impressions with which you are not familiar. Some of these impressions seem to be from inside the room, but others feel as if they are within you. At first they will not make any sense at all. This is fine. Interpreting the feelings only comes later on in the process.  At this time, do not panic or doubt yourself. Simply and gratefully accept the new experiences that are being given to you.
When you have spent a few minutes in this state, slowly begin to activate your thoughts again and set an intention to exit slowly from the meditation. You can do this by slowly becoming aware of your body and breathing more deeply, feel your hands and feet, move them around and slowly open your eyes. Another way of disconnecting from a meditation is to count down from ten, and at different stages, and tell yourself that you are disconnecting. For example, ‘disconnecting, ten, nine, eight, disconnecting, seven, six, five, disconnecting, four, three, two, one’ -open your eyes.

Practice this regularly until you become familiar with the process above as well as the sensory cues that are presenting themselves to you. You will know that you have achieved a measure of success when you begin to feel at ease with these new experiences.

  Jimmy Henderson is a metaphysical teacher and the author of a number of books and articles    on inner self-development. He has an Honours degree in philosophy (metaphysics) and a            Masters degree in Psychology. He is also a Metavarsity facilitator and based in Durban. His      books ‘Multi-Dimensional Thinking’ (2007) and ‘Multi-dimensional Perception’ (2010) 

   are available on Amazon.com and can also be ordered via his website 

    www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com

   

A simple meditation to reduce stress    By Jimmy Henderson

‘In the interval between words, between thoughts, comes understanding’.

Krishnamurti

   Meditation has great health benefits and aids in the relaxation of the brain. As a form of de-stressing, it brings about a temporary detachment from everyday issues and problems, allowing one’s mind to reset itself and has also been shown to increase one’s sense of mastery and control. This is especially true when meditation is conducted outside in the garden or in some natural setting. The presence of trees, flowers and even running water greatly enhance feelings of well-being and relaxation.

   Meditation is based on sound psychological principles such as mental relaxation, mental creating and conscious mind control, which can bring about changes in one’s brainwave pattern and subsequent state of mind. In fact, it has become a recognised practice in some forms of therapy and is also finding acceptance in mainline religious and spiritual movements today. For instance, the ‘centering prayer’ as taught in a number of churches is a simple form of meditation.

   Meditation is also a powerful tool in one’s personal growth and development, as it  introduces a state of ‘mindfulness’ which increases one’s awareness and sensitivity to inner sensory cues such as sensations, feelings and impressions, opening one to a new experience and understanding of self. It is usually combined with visualisation or imagery to further deepen one’s relaxation and develop the imagery centres in the brain.

   The following exercise is a simple form of meditation to release stress which can be practiced at home or at the office.

   Sit quietly and comfortably, close your eyes and begin to breathe to a count of one to five. Focus on nothing else but the counting (either aloud or in your mind). Breathe in 1,2,3,4,5 hold your breath, 1,2,3,4, 5 breathe out 1,2,3,4,5 hold your breath 1,2,3,4,5 breathe in 1,2,3,4,5 and so on.

  Carry on with the counting and breathing until your mind is free of all thought, completely quiet and you feel totally relaxed. Try to meditate in this way for at least twenty seconds, a few times each day.

Jimmy Henderson is a well-known metaphysician and regular radio talk show guest. He is the author of a number of articles as well as two books entitled ‘Multi-Dimensional Thinking’ and ‘Multi-Dimensional Perception’ which are available at Exclusive Books, Amazon.com and Kalahari.com and his website www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com

The benefits of meditation

By Jimmy Henderson hons (phil), M.A (psych) FRC 

 ‘Not to be able to stop thinking is a dreadful affliction, but we don't realize this because almost everyone is suffering from it, so it is considered normal.  This incessant mental noise prevents you from finding that realm of inner stillness that is inseparable from Being.’

Eckhart Tolle

   Due to the fast pace of life, as well as work stress and family demands, our minds are usually filled with a constant mental chatter. This persistent cognitive activity masks much of our self-awareness, as well as possible moments of intuition, and as a result, we never really stop and take the time to notice the subtle sensory cues (sensations, feelings and impressions) from our natural surroundings.

   Meditation is therefore a useful tool for self-introspection and a reintegration of the psyche and is recommended by psychologists as a form of de-stressing and for returning a sense of self-mastery and control. However, it does require commitment in terms of time and effort. 

During meditation we apply specific breathing and mental exercises to slow down our brainwave activity, which allows for a temporary detachment from normal thinking and produces a state of mindfulness and the ‘mental space’ ideal for self-introspection and increasing sensory awareness. This quiet state is also ideal for conscious imagery (visualisation).

   Regular meditation can raise one’s level of conscious awareness and perception by increasing activity in those areas of the brain involved in subjective and abstract thought, and also assists in the development of intuition by creating pathways which can bypass conscious thought. This results in a closer connection between unconscious and conscious mental processes. 

It is also useful for more advanced exercises in imagery which involve inner self-exploration, and when combined with special breathing techniques, can even result in trancelike states similar to lucid dreaming, in which one is able to access hidden areas of the psyche and attune with higher realms of the mind.  

   The basic steps involved in meditation have already been fully discussed in my earlier publication Multi-Dimensional Thinking (2007) as well as other articles on this blog.

 Jimmy Henderson is a metaphysician and the author of a number of books and articles on self-development. He has an Honours degree in philosophy (metaphysics) and a Masters degree in Psychology. He is based in Durban, South Africa. His books ‘Multi-Dimensional Thinking’ (2007) and ‘Multi-dimensional Perception’ (2010) are available on Amazon.com as well as his own website www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com