Why I prefer Zikr to Mindfulness Meditation; An Elegant Existence

In order for people to succeed in a seemingly short amount of time on earth, we have to stop trying so hard to constantly achieve and let our transcendent selves show up.  This is the self that receives inspiration, in dreams, in silence, in the surrender of not knowing.

It is necessary that people realize that there is something lacking in their approaches to life.  If we have say, 100 years in a stretch of infinity, and we are stumbling around trying to accomplish meaningless tasks with hectic itineraries, then how elegant is our existence?  Once people can self-reflect somewhat, then they can realize that their state of existing on a daily basis may be lacking, and have room for improvement. They could have more joy if they were present in each moment.

There are genius inventors who have been inspired while in their states of peace. Can you recall times when you have let go, and then seen outcomes that surpassed your expectations?

The breath is a great tool for helping people to be present in their bodies.  I actually don’t have a lot of belief in the mindfulness technique as “simply stopping and being” is, in my experience, counter to the nature of the mind and is an uncomfortable struggle for most people.   To empty the mind for a few moments is possible but as is known in psychology, to get someone to give up a habit, such as addiction, or thinking, one must replace the activity with something else.  To simply stop something is often not a reasonable task.

The meditation that I recommend is called zikr (or dhikr), meaning remembrance.  It involves breathing out negativity and breathing in peace, on every breath.  This can be modified to specific emotions or feelings, such as breathing out anger, sadness, anxiety, etc. and breathing in joy, love, Divinity, etc.  Ultimately, if one does not feed the mind with something then the mind will probably take over. I have meditated alone in silence for years, so I can attest to this. So now I feed it with this breathing.

One can couple this with spiritual inspiration.  For example, I like to use spiritual music with lyrics about peace, God, love, angels, etc. That music steers my mind into a meditative state where I am grateful for God and life, where I can love and accept myself and others, and I can focus on peace, light and joy.  Practicing this meditation serves to alter my mind and body into a state of higher functioning since the heaviness and drama of life have been dropped from me.   So living continually in the state, as is recommended in mindfulness, is definitely an important part of this practice.

After meditating in such a way, life takes on a beauty that is reflective of my own inner state. The peace that I achieve never really has to cease, as I can keep my mind in a good state when I drive and listen to music, or walk outside and observe nature, etc.  When I work, I can stop and breathe peace occasionally if I start to feel tense. 

I do also value the use of visualization; watching peace fill the body, sending peace to others, and to the whole world.  Listening to the guided meditations can be helpful.  My practice has been cultivated to my personal meditation music; the playlist has been refined for my optimal meditative joy and immersion.  I sincerely hope that you find something similar for yourself!

Resources:

Kabat-Zinn, J. 2007. Mindfulness with Jon Kabat-Zin. Retrieved on Sept. 8^th 2015 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nwwKbM_vJc

Muhaiyadeen, M.R.B. 1999 Dhikr: The Remembrance of God.  The Fellowship Press, Philadelphia PA.