by Thela Foxgood
For years I tried meditation. I came to the conclusion that “meditation” was just a nice-sounding word for a concept that was completely beyond my grasp. It appeared to me, at that time, that meditation was for a select group of gifted individuals.
And, that I was not one of them.
I mean…
“f o c u s – o n – y o u r – b r e a t h”
was interesting for like five seconds.
I kept hearing Crush in Finding Nemo saying, “Focus dude.”
Despite my setbacks, I knew there was something in it. I just kept coming back to it.
While it wasn’t yet within my grasp, I could see it in the distance… something important, almost within reach; if I could just find the right key to unlock it.
Then one day, I was reading a book called Celtic Myth and Magic by Edain McCoy, in which there is a section on meditation.
In her book, she mentions holding the image of a symbol in your mind:
“When you can sustain an image for five to ten minutes without your consciousness wavering, begin to allow your inner-self to feel a kinship to the symbol.”
I looked at the clock thinking, “Kinship? OK. Five minutes. I’ll try this one more time.”
The symbol I chose was the triquerta.
This is how it happened:
I set my timer for five minutes.
- I visualized this symbol
- It was hazy at first, then became crystal clear
- I gazed at it from a distance
- Then I stepped closer, scrutinizing every point and curve intently
- It began to slowly rotate, and I looked at it from all sides
- I traced it, as though I was drawing it
- I was fascinated at how the symbol was one fluid line
My timer went off and I reset it.
- Small tongues of flame leaped up from the symbol
- I reached my hand out and touched it
- I was surprised that, despite the flames, it had a safe and comfortable warmth
- I let it rest over the palm of my hand
- The triquerta then changed from flames of orange, yellow and red to frosty blue and white
- Icicles clung to its frozen surface
- An icy heat made my hand tingle like drops of peppermint essence
My timer went off again.
Ten minutes! It was the first time I had ever successfully meditated.
From starting out with one symbol or image, you may find in time, that you can add more symbols, motion, color, scent, temperature, taste, and more complex scenes.
Reflect on the meaning this symbol or picture has to you, and a message you may find.
Now, I use images all the time. Art and symbolism are wonderful tools. You never know what journey you may take!
If you haven’t found a specific way of meditating that works for you yet, don’t give up! It’s out there. You’ll find it.
Now I lead meditations, and this gift that I found for myself has become a gift I share with others.
My Wish
I wish you success in finding that key (or keys) that unlock doorways along the path of your personal pilgrimage, journey or quest.
Edain McCoy
Pilgrimage Studio 