Post by Alena on Dec 26, 2006 21:37:05 GMT -5
First I would like to apologize for my extended absence from writing or just being really active. I took on some other responsibilities, overhauling the Jedi Resource Center, that decreased my ability to spend time here or just writing in general. Also as some of you already know my Father suffered a heart about two and a half weeks ago which really made me look closely at my own health since I am very similar to his body type. I have made some major lifestyle changes in my eating and exercising. He is fine and we looked at it as a great wake up call for a couple of us in the family. We actually have a weight loss challenge going with each other which makes it fun..lol. Anyways, back to one of my favorite things to do, write ;D
Looking through many different sites and material you hear and read all about what the Force is, how to meditate, and etc. You don’t hear much about how to actually feel the Force. There is some writing on the topic but not a ton and this is one of the most fundamental aspects in becoming a Jedi. Many people from the beginning really struggle with this aspect sometimes. They have no problem meditating but actually being able to feel the Force and knowing what it feels like can take minutes for some people or months for others. Once you establish how it feels that first time it gets easier from there and will become quicker to do. Just be patient, if it doesn’t happen right away don’t sweat it.
First of all where is the best place to begin doing this for someone who is new to the Force? Well you are obviously here because you believe in the Force which means you have already felt it in one way or another or at least acknowledge its existence which is the first big step. When learning to feel the Force in your beginning stages I would do it in a comfortable, relaxed, and peaceful environment where there will be absolutely no distractions. It’s understandable sometimes that it’s totally impossible to mute everything around you. If you live in tight quarters whether it’s with roommates or in a busy city apartment building be creative. Unplug your phone and turn off any of your cell phones. This might sound weird but many times closets can be a very quiet and peaceful area. As long as it’s clean…LOL. Once you have an established location determine if you have a scent or some sort of music that helps you relax, unless you are already skilled at meditation then do as you normally would. Many people find certain smells like candles or incense to be very soothing or a certain type of music. Find what works for you, you might not need anything at all.
Now how do I know if I am feeling the Force or if I am doing any of this correctly? Well as far as the relaxing yourself you will know if you are doing that correctly. There are plenty of things you can find on the internet that deal with relaxation. If you have any specific questions though don’t hesitate to drop me an email or PM with any individual questions. People feel the Force in different ways but here are a few of the more common feelings people have mentioned. Some notice a tingly feeling in their body, kind of like that feeling when a part of your body falls asleep. Many people including myself feel our bodies warm up a bit. Sometimes you can even feel a central focus point in your body where it all stems from. This is what I call my center. If I am in a tough situation, meditate, or anything this is where I concentrate and from there it just expands. For me it is in the center of my body just below my breast bone. It might be different for you. Some other things is it might feel like you are weightless. Sometimes I don’t even feel like I’m in a body or have anything attached to my Force Spirit. I just feel like I’m air.
Some things to remember when doing this is concentrate on your breathing and make it steady. Deep breathing in a pattern is the biggest aid in achieving this. Again, do not rush this, it will happen. You might find any of the different ways I mentioned above won’t be how it is for you. I encourage anyone to add to the list of how it feels. Each time you do this you will be able to connect with the Force more rapidly and eventually it will just be something you can and will always feel and know is there. You might not always realize it as when you are concentrating on another task but in the back of your mind you know it is always there. Again please don’t hesitate to ask me in here or through private correspondence if you have any problems or questions.
Jedi Meldog
Looking through many different sites and material you hear and read all about what the Force is, how to meditate, and etc. You don’t hear much about how to actually feel the Force. There is some writing on the topic but not a ton and this is one of the most fundamental aspects in becoming a Jedi. Many people from the beginning really struggle with this aspect sometimes. They have no problem meditating but actually being able to feel the Force and knowing what it feels like can take minutes for some people or months for others. Once you establish how it feels that first time it gets easier from there and will become quicker to do. Just be patient, if it doesn’t happen right away don’t sweat it.
First of all where is the best place to begin doing this for someone who is new to the Force? Well you are obviously here because you believe in the Force which means you have already felt it in one way or another or at least acknowledge its existence which is the first big step. When learning to feel the Force in your beginning stages I would do it in a comfortable, relaxed, and peaceful environment where there will be absolutely no distractions. It’s understandable sometimes that it’s totally impossible to mute everything around you. If you live in tight quarters whether it’s with roommates or in a busy city apartment building be creative. Unplug your phone and turn off any of your cell phones. This might sound weird but many times closets can be a very quiet and peaceful area. As long as it’s clean…LOL. Once you have an established location determine if you have a scent or some sort of music that helps you relax, unless you are already skilled at meditation then do as you normally would. Many people find certain smells like candles or incense to be very soothing or a certain type of music. Find what works for you, you might not need anything at all.
Now how do I know if I am feeling the Force or if I am doing any of this correctly? Well as far as the relaxing yourself you will know if you are doing that correctly. There are plenty of things you can find on the internet that deal with relaxation. If you have any specific questions though don’t hesitate to drop me an email or PM with any individual questions. People feel the Force in different ways but here are a few of the more common feelings people have mentioned. Some notice a tingly feeling in their body, kind of like that feeling when a part of your body falls asleep. Many people including myself feel our bodies warm up a bit. Sometimes you can even feel a central focus point in your body where it all stems from. This is what I call my center. If I am in a tough situation, meditate, or anything this is where I concentrate and from there it just expands. For me it is in the center of my body just below my breast bone. It might be different for you. Some other things is it might feel like you are weightless. Sometimes I don’t even feel like I’m in a body or have anything attached to my Force Spirit. I just feel like I’m air.
Some things to remember when doing this is concentrate on your breathing and make it steady. Deep breathing in a pattern is the biggest aid in achieving this. Again, do not rush this, it will happen. You might find any of the different ways I mentioned above won’t be how it is for you. I encourage anyone to add to the list of how it feels. Each time you do this you will be able to connect with the Force more rapidly and eventually it will just be something you can and will always feel and know is there. You might not always realize it as when you are concentrating on another task but in the back of your mind you know it is always there. Again please don’t hesitate to ask me in here or through private correspondence if you have any problems or questions.
Jedi Meldog