YH December 2018 | Page 48

M E D I TA T I O N MEDITATION & the Life Cycle Money can free up your time, and eliminate financial struggles or exposure to stressful work conditions, but it does not guarantee that you will make spiritual expansion an important focus of your attention. W hat are the implications for starting meditation at an early age? These and other questions relating to meditation at different periods of the life cycle will be examined in this article. Charles Shahar is a clinical psychologist by training and social researcher by profession. He has lived and studied Vedanta philosophy in India. He has also taught yoga and meditation for over 17 years to diverse groups, focusing specifically on stress management for health care workers. 46 www.yogicherald.com Dec. 2018 Even before a baby is born meditation can play an important role. The pregnant woman who meditates is providing an exceptionally welcoming and nurturing environment for the coming soul. When she sits in deep silence, both her energy field and that of the child are strengthened and purified. During meditation she can focus on sending loving vibrations to the child. A fetus can easily pick up on any negative or harsh emotions around the mother, but will also delight in her bliss. If the pregnant woman spends much time in a spiritual environment, fewer complications during pregnancy, resulting from the resistance of the child to incarnate, can be expected. Meditations by the father and relatives around the time of birth will help settle the atmosphere and set a welcoming tone. If birthing is done at home candles can be used to purify the space.