Q & A Ghostly Encounters

I actually have tons and tons of emails filled with questions that need answers. I haven't had much time to sort through sort, answer & post them. However here's a Q & A session that's a bit dear to my heart sent in by Gina!

Back Story: Gina has recently had a ghostly encounter and thought she might be going crazy! Luckly for her, she has a half sister that can answer her questions, ease her fears and guide her through this "opening" to the other side.

Q: When will ghost show itself to me again?

A: Ghost/people that have passed on, in general, don't really have a set time or reason to visit. They really tend to come on their own whims. If, for example, someone in their family is going through a traumatic situation or perhaps even celebrating a event, they will make a showing. Just like they would when they were alive. The funny thing is if you didn't get along with the person while they were alive, you might not have a choice on whether or not they crash your party!

Q: I couldn't really see specifics of the ghost but only saw it out of the corner of my eye and it was a quick passing.

A: Almost everyone has had a ghostly encounter whether they'd like to admit it or not. There's also a even 50 - 50 split between believers and non believers. Most people who have the encounter either chalk it up to their imagination or become engulfed in trying to have more of them. Almost 90% of the time they see the apparition in their peripheral vision or "out of the corner of their eye". As they get over that initial fear and become use to the presence of spirit, the encounters can become more clear and substantial then just a "passing by". I liken it to meeting new people for the first time. The first time you meet a person, you may or may not be overly enthused about staying and chatting. You might make your presence known and see what kind of reception you get. If you feel safe and comfortable, you might stick around and make conversation. Remember....ghosts were one time physical beings too and sometimes still have the same apprehensions as they did when they were alive.

Q: How do I know if it is good or evil?

A: Well a good start would be to check for horns! I am soooooo kidding! *chuckling* Most of the ghostly encounters are usually by benevolent spirits, who for whatever reason, want to make their presence known. Most people "feel" the presence of spirits way before they see them. The hair on the back of their neck will stand or they will feel a bit colder in one area then any other. However there are some not-so-nice spirits who'd rather scare. These are usually spirits that are attached to someplace or something and tend to be territorial. Then, there is the rare occassion that a ghost might be addicted and feed off a certain kind of energy. But getting back to the original question, at first all deceased feel scarey and unnerving. Even those we are familiar with will have a strange feeling to them but depending on how they visit and what they're doing, some visits will be less scary then others. For example, if you have a relative that has passed and they visit you in your dream, you might find it more comforting then, say perhaps, them popping up while your watching American Idol. There might also be times when you have a ghostly encounter that just leaves you a deeply shaken. Those are the not-so-friendly ghosts.

Meditation.....the REAL deal

The New Age world makes such a to-do about meditation. It has gone from a fad for some to a way of life for others. Personally, for me meditation is a way of life. A very vital and essential part of my routine. It helps me to stay grounded; to clear the mind chatter and center on my "Be-ing" instead of always "Do-ing". It allows me to disconnect with the physical and re-connect with the Divine!

With that said, meditation is far from easy and fitting in time to do it is a whole other story!

Long ago I took a meditation class during a time when meditation was definately were the woo-woo was at! We sat in a circle and listened to a dude talk us through listening to our breathing. "Sit quietly and listen as you take a deep cleansing breath...as you exhale, simply release the cares of the day...yada yada yada!" That lasted a good 5 minutes before I found myself bored out of my mind and mentally adding things to my grocery list!

I also tried a different technique where you sat and focused on an object. I chose to sit and stare at a candle flame. As I did so, I found myself weirdly and incredibly aware of how irritating my yoga pants were. Suddenly every part of my legs itched and I could not keep still. If I was being graded I'd give myself a C+ for effort & an F for execution. I was utterly baffled at how this whole sitting still business eluded me!

Since I'm a persistant fool, I've tried my hand at many other techniques and found one that finally works! My salvation is guided meditation. Guided meditation allows me to focus on the directions at hand and keeps my mind semi busy till it effortlessly falls into the abyss of "Still-ness & Be-ing". For 30 minutes my mind chatter seizes to exist!

With today's technology I have also stumbled across another great way to do my guided meditation....using my iPod or iPhone. I simply download the meditation I want to use & set my earbuds in my ear and I'm off to the races! The guided meditations I use is awesomely put together by Kelly Howell http://www.brainsync.com/ Her meditations use specific sound frequency to take you to Theta state where meditation is at its deepest. If you're interested in getting to that deep state might I suggest you give the above link a try. She's got all sorts of great stuff!

Traditionally meditation is done seated in a lotus position with hands placed comfortably on your knees, palms facing up. While that works great for some, I happen to do mine in the supine position. Yep Supine! You heard me right....laying on my back face up & better still I do it right before bedtime. This not only helps to calm my mind but preps me nicely for a blissful sleep! Some might think that I fall asleep with this technique but personally I haven't found that to be an issue.

During the summer I took a bit of a hiatus from meditating and found myself to be quickly aggravated, scatter-brainish and extremely impatient. Now that schools back on and I'm back to my system I try to meditate every night. When I find it impossible to do so, I don't sweat it because I know I'll make it up the next night.

So if you're thinking about meditating may I make a few suggestions:

1. Try different ones till you find one that's comfortable and gets you to that place of Still-ness.

2. Figure out a position that works for you! There's no right or wrong way!

3. Find a time that works with your schedule! One that doesn't cause stress and doesn't add to all of the other crap you've got to do!

Meditation should be something that works FOR you NOT against you! Let it be an indulgence and not a burden!

Happy Meditating to you all!