Methods that work to connect with the divine.

[celtica]

I'm not a very good meditator. That is, I am not the best at stilling my mind. When I pray it's usually as I am laying down for the night and I'm not sure how effective it is. Usually, I fall asleep as my mind wanders to other things. When I do a spell, I often feel that it's just me and my own thoughts without any other presence of watchfulness being receptive to my intentions.

So how do you connect with the divine and really feel a presence of receptiveness, a real connection?

[Little Billy]

So how do you connect with the divine and really feel a presence of receptiveness, a real connection?

I blaspheme. Creatively.

The results aren't always what I want, but at least I got their attention.

[celtica]

I'm looking for posts that may be of assistance. If anyone has productive input I would really appreciate it.

I simply don't feel a real connection to the spirits around me. What is blocking me and how do I get rid of the blocks?

[Jolantru]

Perhaps, you are trying too hard. Don't be stressed or anxious that you cannot connect with the spirits or that you feel blocked. Just go with the flow. Breathe. Sometimes, we feel blocks because we try too hard to reach the Divine. Sometimes, the Divine is just around us, right in front of our eyes. We just have to simply feel, that's all.

For me, if I want to connect to the Divine (or Life), I either go to a wooded area (forest, garden etc) or do some gardening. That's my way of connecting to the Divine. Or I might sit and do some drumming. It was hard, at first, to sit down by myself (in front of my altar) and drum, because I started feeling silly. I mean, I was singing to myself. How funny could it be? But I relaxed, went with the flow and the drumming was fun. And it did connect me to the Divine.

These methods are my own ways of connecting to the Divine. Others might have their own. The thing is that you have your own ways, though at the moment, you might be blocked. I understand the feeling, because being blocked is immensely frustrating.

Think about it. What are the things that give you joy or happiness or feelings of contentment?

Cheers,
Jolantru

[KEishin]

Celtica, I have the same problem at times. I can definitely try too hard, and not even realize it. I was pretty confused the first time someone told me that - how is it possible to try too hard? It then saw I was so focused on sensing things that I forgot to focus what I was trying to sense them for in the first place! :)

It helps to let go of the need to have the Divine there with you. They are no less important by doing so, but that resolution allows you the freedom to accept what happens. What you resist persists; what you accept disappears.
Their prescence shouldn't make or break your ritual. I found that once I just stoped fussing so much they were right there all along. I was just thinking too loud to notice!

Jolantru was right on - what makes you happy and relaxed (even if it's silly)?

[Toby Stimpson]

I agree with my other esteemed wickers. One thing jumps oput at me with their examples though...its all a matter of concentration and focus.

From my point of view....what is meditation? meditation is merely centering yourself to focus on soemthing...we can focus when not meditating. What i do is introspection introspection intrspection...I think, I take the spirituality down from it's high pedastel down to the dirt and gritty and try to see spiritual lessons in everything in my life...take a walk when stressed and just try to ignore emotion and look at anything from multiple perspectives...and then well, to me, that is divine in it's self isnt it? like when im alone and I start thinking, and I suddenly see the moon rising over the lake...Im like wow thats amazing...and you see it not for just what it is but as something more...becasue you are focussing ;)...if that amkes any sene. I dont know, I think it's different for everybody but thats how I go about it...look and appreciate the inner world and you'll begin to connect to the outer reality.

Namaste

Tobias

[Kalika]

The point is not what other people do to connect with the divine... but what you need to do to connect with the divine. Everyone is different, and feels the God/dess presence in different ways and in different places.

Where do you feel most in tune with yourself? That would be a good place to start. :) The more in tune you are with yourself, the more likely you are going to be to make that connection that you are looking for.

I also agree that "trying too hard" can also cause a block... just be open. :) The connection will happen when its meant to.

[Little Billy]

I'm looking for posts that may be of assistance.

Well, see if I ever try to help you again.

LB,
Won't.

[Toby Stimpson]

Well, see if I ever try to help you again.

LB,
Won't.

So vindictive...love it

[cartweel]

It might help to try and find more specific ways of connection for specific forces. Pinpoint a god or other energy that you want to work with/commune with and find ways that those entities have been worked with in the past. Maybe putting in more effort to make a "Cosmic Statement" will get someone's attention.

For example, if you are interested in working with Hecate, find ways to honor Hecate from the original Greek sources. Pray using hymns specifically designed for her; perhaps before going to bed and meditating, perform a short ritual including elements designed to honor her. She then may be more willing to hang out for your meditation.

This might work if the techniques others have pointed out don't seem to help. It's not a better or a worse approach, I think, just a different one.

[Little Billy]

So vindictive...love it

*scribbles in his Book of Grudges*

[Xentor]

Well, see if I ever try to help you again.

LB,
Won't.

Dude, stop the trolling.

[Little Billy]

Dude, stop the trolling.


Who's trolling?

LB,
Was being serious.