I've subtitled the book with a marketing tag for Boomers 
, but in truth the content, experiences and lessons transcend such demographics and their limitations. We're all the same Self regardless of age or Age.
[BTW, writing has always been a niche I have monetized well. If it is your niche too, I am launching MYN Publishing to help authors get started or get published. And I have a group on Facebook devoted to "Monetizing Your Niche" if you're interested.]
I think the book's structure is unique: it is both thematic and chronological at the same time with "Flashforwards" that will take you on "time travels" that support the thematic content being addressed. Each chapter begins with a prologue in which Sagara (my spiritual name in Sanskrit meaning "ocean") reminisces about or takes a psychic journey that sets the tone for the remainder of the chapter. Some of these "journeys" were guided in deep meditation. I am at heart a mystic...
However I do not espouse a religious position in the book, although you will see I claim India and the East as my spiritual roots. I am neither Christian nor non-Christian [I enjoy reading the works of a "Christian Yogi," for example, which offers up an interesting blend of spiritual traditions, doesn't it?] I am a believer... and what I believe is that the Universal Truths and profound experiences described herein -- despite the idiosyncrasies of my personal story -- are common to ALL religions.
Likewise, there are many meditation, contemplation, and visualization techniques explained in the book; there are sections devoted to mantra initiation and repetition and other spiritual practices that can help deepen your faith and your spiritual journey... whatever it may be.
The entire memoir – what has been written and what is yet to be written – is my calling, my destiny and legacy. I believe that some of its contents – particularly the recounts of the numerous "Shaktipat Intensives" – have the capacity [through the Guru Principle] to give you, the reader, an actual experience. [I do NOT purport to have this power myself, nor have I been commanded by my Guru to give Shaktipat.] The way I envision it, though, when you put down this book, you will have taken my journey and a trip of your own!
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The Story of Sagara... My Spiritual Memoir Likewise, there are many meditation, contemplation, and visualization techniques explained in the book; there are sections devoted to mantra initiation and repetition and other spiritual practices that can help deepen your faith and your spiritual journey... whatever it may be. |
Download the first chapter FREE!
"The way I envision it, though, when you put down this book, you will have taken my journey and a trip of your own!"
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eBook Price: $9.95 |
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The Story of Sagara... My Spiritual Memoir I am pleased to announce that the book is also available as a Kindle download on Amazon.com and will soon be available through other book sellers and distribution channels. Download a Free Chapter NOW. For other great books on spirituality and meditation, Shop at Amazon.com! |
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| Kindle Price: $14.95 |  |
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How to Set Up a Daily Meditation Practice -- By Jim Alvino
Environment, Time of Day and Length of Meditation
Pick a quiet place, the same place everyday if possible, preferably dedicated to meditation and nothing else; no lights, no media, no distractions; this is YOUR time with your SELF. Early in the morning is best but any time during the day or night will do if early in the morning is not possible.- Meditate at the same time every day, if possible, and gradually extend the length for as long as feasible within your daily schedule/routine. You may set a timer. Start out with 10-15 minutes or 20-25 minutes.
- Twice a day is ideal – upon awaking and just before bed… but don’t pressure yourself to get in two sessions; don’t lay a guilt trip on yourself if you only meditate once per day or occasionally miss a day.
How to Meditate
- Sit in a comfortable, upright position with your eyes closed and your hands resting palms down on your thighs or knees (chin mudra = thumb and forefinger touching). The most important thing is to keep your back straight.
- Take several deep yogic breaths – filling the lower lungs first, then expand the diaphragm, then fill the upper chest. Exhale in the same order: bottom, middle, upper.
- From this state, just begin to focus on your breathing as it moves in and out. Breathe through your nose, and “watch your breath” as it arcs its way in and down, and then up and out. Gently notice where the in-breath rests before flowing out again… and where the out-breath rests before flowing in again.
You may simply watch your breath in this manner or repeat the mantra, “Om Namah Shivaya,” which means “I bow to my Self within,” or another mantra of your choosing, once on the in-breath and once on the out-breath. The mantra is a sequence of sounds/syllables that resonate at the frequency of Divine Consciousness.
If thoughts arise, don’t fight with them, just watch them go by as clouds in the sky would, and gently bring yourself back to your breathing and mantra repetition. Regardless of how you’re feeling on a given day [i.e., good or bad], stay seated in meditation for the amount of time you set… and come out of meditation slowly.- This is a good time to repeat any affirmations or declarations you are working on as your mind is very receptive during and immediately following meditation. Keep a journal or note pad to jot down any insights, directives, actions, etc. that might come up for you.
Helpful Hints and Things to Remember
- We meditate [focus] all the time on external things.
- Become aware of [the presence of] Awareness.
- Meditate on the One who’s meditating on you.
- The purpose of meditation is to connect with and have a vision of “God” [Self, Life Force, Love, Universal Energy, etc.] within.
- “Remembering the Self” in and through meditation is an act of devotion and gratitude.
- As like begets like, gratitude attracts greater abundance.
Benefits of Meditation
Increased serotonin levels in the brain [feelings of well being and tranquility]- Reduced agitation and anxiety
- Greater capacity to handle whatever comes up in our lives with ease, confidence, dignity and compassion
- Connection to and with the divine
- Enhanced creativity, energy, purpose and love.
- Greater capacity to tap into and fulfill our true potential.
More Information
For more information on meditation, yoga practices and related topics, see The Yoga Advisory below. Also, I have found this high-tech set of Holosync® CDs from Centerpoint Research Institute to be very effective. Click Here to learn more.
My friend and meditation expert Sally Kempton, aka Swami Durganda, has a new book and CD coming out on January 1. You may pre-order Meditation for the Love of It: Enjoying Your Own Deepest Experience and its accompanying CD Beginning Meditation by clicking on their links. Sally is an extraordinary human being and teacher; I highly recommend her resources, but even more importantly, connecting with her.
