The conscious mind is a mirror of physical life. The mirror is out of focus during meditation. When this happens, the mind is essentially inactive and the conscious connection to physicality is temporarily halted. This opens a doorway to the subconscious. In deep meditative states, similar to the state of dreaming, data flows through the door into awareness. Before the door closes, it is important to transfer this information to the conscious mind. Failing to do this means the memory will be forgotten. It is for this reason that dreams are easily forgotten. Mentally reviewing the dream before stirring the body would strengthen the memory. Similarly, reviewing what is given in meditation before stirring the body will transfer it to the conscious mind. Thus, an important aspect of meditation is mastering the state of being still.

Discovering the doorway to meditation can happen in several ways. When traditional avenues are unable to offer answers to the questions which flood into the mind, seekers explore non-traditional sources of information which may lead one to a meditation class.

Upon arrival at the doorway of the meditative journey, a multitude of questions and visions of euphoric experiences will fill the mind. Be ready with a positive attitude of expectancy or hopefulness. Put away any anxiety, take a deep breath, and be ready to embrace the state of calm. Have no expectations except for the answers to the questions which will fill the mind. These are the questions which will be the subject of the first meditation. 

Each life is unique and complex and would require several sessions to fully crack open the doorway which offers answers. For some, it may require a whole lifetime – but be not dismayed; for the prize will be worth the effort. 

Remember, meditation is a journey. Understanding the state achieved at the end of the journey is the purpose of this stage. Here lies the conundrum: The traveller is embarking on a journey to fulfill a purpose without knowing the goal. Life is complex. The state at the end of the journey is similar to the state of the journey when  it began, eons ago.

Such a journey requires faith. In the truest sense, transcend traditional denominational thought, and view faith simply as self-trust. It is with trusting that there is a greater purpose in life. It is trusting that this purpose will be achieved. It is trusting in the dynamics of life.

Each life is unique; thus the journey will be unique for each person. The challenges along the way which resulted in current state of being have been unique. Thus, the return journey back to the original state will also be unique. Remember this is the last goal. 

View the mind as a tool with access to all of life’s challenges and experiences filed away somewhere in the ethers. There are thousands, or even millions of files which represent the journey to the present. These files can enter the mind during meditation. Dreams can open the doorway into this gigantic filing system. Meditation and dreams are similar in this way. They both have access to that ethereal filing system. Meditation is a tool used to understand dreams and dreams are a source of guidance for meditative journey. As one embarks on such a journey, the embracing life force will offer guidance and direction from both sources.

Consider a mountain climber. The other side of the mountain only becomes visible from the summit. The journey to the top would not be direct but more-so a meander along navigable pathways. It would involve many days and many strategic trips and problem-solving. Unavoidable obstacles would be met. It would need strength, courage and perseverance to reach the summit. 

Consider a mountain-dweller, someone born on the mountain top. Propelled by curiosity, the mountain-dweller embarks on a journey to the valley below, following navigable pathways. Challenges along the way offer experience and wisdom. Then, due to the long and arduous journey, the true purpose is eventually forgotten. The goal of exploring the valley is no longer the focus. The challenges of physical needs and survival changes the focus. Eventually, the true goal is lost. The mountain-dweller now wanders through life from one experience to the other. In quiet, contemplative moments however, feels an emptiness and wonders what might be missing.

The mountain climber and the mountain dweller represents life in society. There is always progress in one direction or the other. It is the dual nature of this realm of existence. 

Meditation shows the nature of life regardless of the direction being navigated. Achieving meditative stillness is the state which reveals the answer to the original question. The great challenge in meditation is being still, not only in body, but stilling the tempestuous mind. The meditative state of stillness reveals how amazing life can feel and can always be.

Take a slow, deep breath and slow the pace within. Take a slow, deep breath, be still, and feel the silence. Listen to the silence. Be still and become embraced by the silence. Become one with the silence. 

Within the silence, there is a feeling of deep peacefulness. Within the silence, answers will emerge.

The purpose of this stage of meditation is first to recognize the silence within, and then experience the feelings associated with it. A doorway between past memories and the conscious mind will open when combined with an attitude of expectancy. Initially, emotions from the past experience will enter the mind followed by feelings associated with the experience. Know that from this point on, life is seen with new light and the trajectory of the journey on is forever changed. The doorway to knowledge of the past can now be opened. When combined with wisdom, this will be the start of the return journey.