Introduction to Spirit or Soul

In many of the ancient healing traditions, with their great wisdom and insight, the body was always respected as a 'whole' and this included healing the highest level, the soul. When imbalances arose, one of the main objectives was to protect the soul while the weaknesses in both the body and mind were treated. Science (including the World Health Organisation) now accepts the validity of biological energy that radiates outward to create the electrical field that surrounds you (aura) as it can be measured and photographed electrically. Therefore, in Level II,* a meditation is included to protect and reinforce this phenomena.

Many of us are aware of the importance of self-time, however, finding a time to reflect and be at peace with ourselves has become the inevitable casualty of life in the new millenium. The storms of life can throw us out of balance and the constant fluctuations between being centred and at peace or uncentred and in a state of turmoil, teaches us to be more aware of the here and now enabling us to retain our inner centre and equilibrium. Without spending time alone to appreciate and enjoy solitude, to think, dream, feel, develop and be still, we cannot grow and evolve spiritually. Like any other new routine, once you begin to enjoy this time, to reflect, meditate and be creative, you will actually find yourself reserving time on a daily basis to take these necessary steps to a lifelong journey of soul nourishment.

Creating a sacred space in your home can help to establish the right atmosphere to allow this process to develop. Make this a tranquil haven of peace, somewhere that is a special place for you to be alone. Play music that touches your soul, burn aromatherapy oils that instil a sense of well being and let the soft glow of candles light the area. With the act of meditation and visualisation, energy should be used to engender powerful images of strength, vitality and radiant health, coupled with the desire to stimulate the body's natural healing mechanisms to over come any imbalances.* However, before making major changes on a spiritual level, first ensure that your body is physically nourished with proper food, regular exercise and sufficient rest as this will give you a firm foundation on which to build as with a holistic approach, the focus is not only on the spirit, but includes balancing the physical and emotional aspects of our being too. It is also essential that you are properly grounded in our body before meditating as the deeper your roots reach into the core of the earth, the higher your soul will be able to soar.

* Seasons of the Soul Meditation CD by Dr Jennifer Harper contains all the mediations recommended in both books along with other healing visualisations and meditations.

"Today I will lovingly nurture the God or Goddess in embryo that lies deep within my Soul. I will pay attention to the spirit within me that animates both my body and my mind."

Deepak Chopra