Everything Under the Moon

My life's been kind of insane lately. Trying to get work, and figuring out more college hooplah has been driving me crazy, among other (imo, more problematic) spiritual conflicts in my life.

As I may have mentioned before (like... a billion years ago - sorry again for not posting in ages, guys), I'm in the 1/4~ Yaqui Indian heritage from my mother's side. Once again, I've been connecting strongly with my native blood, and felt that I could really use some natural meditation. I love using my native flute to get my spirit to say through it, what my voice can't.

Long build up for a fairly simple post; I apologize.

At any rate, what are some good techniques for meditation? I have a fairly secluded back yard with many plants, yet we are still suburban. On the other hand, we have canyons and mountains right up the street by about 14 minutes, which I adore visiting. Does anyone have any methods of meditation for either at home, or in nature? I'm just looking for alternate ways to clear my mind and soul, so that I may clearly see where I need to go in life. I find that sometimes the best meditation is the kind that comes naturally. Hiking alone safely/in very small groups of like-minded-people. That sort of thing. Er. It's been a while since I've been around, so I apologize if this is an unnecessary post.

Hi there Gregory, simple meditation? well...the hardest thing for me is just getting off my butt and doing it. You say you have a garden?...I would make a little sitting area, bring a candle and some sage or incense, light the candle and the incense and cleanse yourself in the smoke, sit down and take at least 3 really deep cleansing breaths, (9 are better) and imagine that you are in one of your favorite places hiking, try to sense all that would be there...the clear air, the sent of pine trees, the sound they make when they are blowing in the wind, the landscape...is there rock outcroppings?, what kinds of plants, and animals would you encounter? Try to do this for at least 5 min. and increase the time the better you get at it. ......If you can really go the mtns. find a spot and just chill, breathing in...12345 and out....12345. Trying to clear your head as best you can, when something comes up...don't dwell...recognize it and send it off with the next breath. When you are done, stand up and stretch out, shake your hands and/ or stomp the ground, and then touch the earth...this helps bring you back into your body.
Blessings, and best wishes, Firebird

Ah! Thank you, that sounds like it'll be good to go ahead and give a shot. Fortunately, I happen to live close enough to the hills/mountain that I can probably head out there every now and then. My yard is also good, as I've been tending the plants and flowers, so it's getting back into a nice little enclave of nature. I'm also fortunate enough to have a little "New Age/Native American" shop nearby in the Old Town part of the city, which is small, and great for picking up incense and other similar things for nice prices. (Four Crows for anyone in or going through the Tustin area) Thanks again!