Primordial Sound Meditation – Joy for a Reluctant Meditator

On June 3, I participated in a full day seminar to learn Primordial Sound Meditation. Things have been going well in my business and personal life. I did not enroll with conscious thoughts of fixing or healing anything. Sound as a gateway to consciousness had flooded my awareness a lot lately and I was open. Well known by family and friends to be a fidgeter, I was hoping to finally find a way to sit still and be still. Up to this point, my meditations have been either extremely brief or took place while running, walking or doing my yoga practice. In spite of this, I arrived with a simple intention: “Show me what I need for the next phase of my work and my life.”

Our mother-daughter team of certified trainers, Jennifer and Charleene Closshey, were welcoming, present and inspiring. They both exuded health, joy and authenticity. We would soon be enlightened in this technique developed by Deepak Choprak MD and David Simon MD at the Chopra Center.

Primordial sounds are the vibrations of nature. The individualized mantras we would each be given later that morning were developed based upon the soundtrack of the exact time and place of our birth and related to lunar position. We are told that silently chanting these words has the effect of drawing you inwards so that you can fully connect with pure conscious awareness. The most shocking information during this phase of the seminar was the recommendation that we meditate for 30 minutes, 2 times each day. Holy Mackeral Batman – that’s an hour! I was seriously starting to have my doubts about the practicality of this process. At this point, it’s all entirely theoretical. We are given set appointment times to privately meet with one of the instructors to receive our mantras.

Receiving my mantra was a profound spiritual experience. The instructor guided me to chant the words aloud, then we whispered the mantra until told to silently repeat it in my mind. A brief meditation in the instructor’s presence followed. I found myself dropping into the energy of it easily. Tears welled up and my chest heaved as I felt BIG LOVE and intense assurance that I would be supported as I used my mantra. I am filled with gratitude for the gift I have been given! The mantra itself is secret, so don’t ask me to share it.

After a short time meditating in the presence of the instructor, I was asked to bring my attention back so that I might go to another room to continue my practice for another 10-30 minutes on my own. Not sure how this part would go, I was pleased to be able to settle back in again. It flowed and the reconnection brought another flood of tears. Eventually as the tears subsided, I found myself in a rhythm of breath like waves on a beach. Effortless! I meditated 15 minutes before checking my watch. Hurray!

The first experience with my mantra was followed by an exquisite and peaceful lunch break. The group had been instructed to practice silence during this time and I gladly complied. Colors glowed brighter, sounds were more intense and the flavors of my lunch were delicious. Had meditation made this better I wondered?

The seminar reconvened after lunch with plenty of time for participants to share experiences and ask questions. We were reminded that the key to Primordial Sound Meditation is to simply sit still, close the eyes, repeat the mantra and return to the mantra whenever thoughts distract the process. It’s okay if you fall asleep, although to date I have not yet had that happen.

Now back home and fully engaged in my busy life again, I strongly believe this workshop helped me to integrate the ACEP conference experience and gave me a tool to use each and every day. I am happy to report that I have meditated 15-30 minutes, two times each day, every single day for ten days. I am finding that I come to meditation gladly, need less sleep and awaken a bit earlier each morning. One of the most noteworthy benefits has been writing and work productivity during this time. I am on my way with this powerful new habit in spite of reluctance. My hope is to consistently increase to a steady 30 minutes twice a day as I continue. I now feel confident on my prospects for success at this new habit.

I hope ACEP will offer this training again as a post-conference option for the 2014 meeting and invite anyone reading this to consider taking the workshop if you have a chance. It may just open up some great things for your work, life and the world you serve. Go with an open mind and see what happens.