Monday, 24 November 2014

University of Metaphysical Sciences & Investors



We have been approached by many investors who have said, “I can make this a huge enterprise! You can make millions! I can get this school to the top of the game, and get famous people on board! Just make me your partner!” We have turned them all down. They simply don’t understand what University of Metaphysical Sciences is about. They don’t have the purity in the heart that is necessary for truly being Christ-like and working in the world for something other than material gain. They were all operating from a point of view as seeing UMS as a money making machine, a get rich quick plan, and we don't see it that way.
University of Metaphysical Sciences is at the top of the game anyway and we are the biggest school of our kind already. We are in the process of translating all our courses into other languages and in negotiations for opening branches in other countries at this time. We are in the process of researching and asking for grants from philanthropists for our scholarship fund (which we have not attained yet so if you are a philanthropist, please help the needy spiritual seekers who wish to become students). We get requests more and more as people sink lower into economic need and cannot even afford the $50-60 per month payment plan. We invite wealthy people to give from their hearts and contribute to our scholarship fund in order to assist spiritual seekers and the future teachers, leaders and healers, but we do not allow anyone to imagine University of Metaphysical Sciences as a possible money making machine for themselves.
We are working for change in the world. We see that the best way to go about this is to make University of Metaphysical Sciences affordable, reachable and doable by people from every kind of budget. We are even in the process of doing translations into languages for third world countries we will never make money in. We are finding ways to put this information for free into prisons and mental health institutions. We are finding ways to offer free things online through videos, teleconferences and weekly meditations.
Reaching the masses and doing our part in order to create world change is what this is about. It is not about making big money. We could do that, but that is not our purpose. Our purpose is to be here for you so that you can do your part to assist humanity in its spiritual evolution. University of Metaphysical Sciences is not driven by materialistic purposes. That is what makes University of Metaphysical Sciences so rare in this age of materialism and financial gain.

Why Are UMS Prices So Low?



University of Metaphysical Sciences keeps its price low for a specific reason, even though the course work is very involved and integrated. We care about people getting their work out into the world without financial burdens collecting interest. We want you to start doing your part to assist humanity in its awakening without being hindered by large student loans you cannot pay back because the interest gets out of control in the long run.
UMS is a non-profit organization, unlike most metaphysical schools, and refuses to put a solid metaphysics education out of the reach of ordinary people. We have been told multitudes of times that we should charge $15,000 to $20,000 for our education, that our education out-performs the curriculum of even the most expensive metaphysical school, but we won’t.
This is not an era focused on amassing great wealth for a few at the top of a business. This is an era of change and awakening of the masses. We are here to assist in that process. When you get to the other side, they don't care how much money you made. They ask you how you affected the world. We consider our karmic bank account far more important than any earthly bank account! For University of Metaphysical Sciences, it is about assisting humanity. Very few schools operate from that prime directive, but the founder and the organization behind UMS do.
Not once have we ever received a complaint about our price. Quite the opposite. Our students always ask us why we didn’t charge them more because they are amazed by how much they get. They end up with bookshelves worth of material, literally a reference library, they have a large CD collection of meditations, and they have more than they could have bought if they collected all this information on their own. We want you to feel thrilled and fulfilled to have received a high quality education at a low, affordable tuition cost and we want to see you get on with your life work in the world.
To University of Metaphysical Sciences, wealth is something different than money. We get emails everyday from people thanking us for making this affordable for them, that their lives have completely changed after going through our courses, their spiritual career has taken off, and that even their families and friends have seen the changes in them. That is what we consider our wealth to be. This is why we bring you the $15,000-$20,000 education for only $2000-$3000.
Each of our students have important work in the world to carry out, books to write, classes to teach, and people to counsel and heal. We are here for those who are ready to play their role in the shift that is happening for humanity. By working with the future teachers, healers and leaders, we assist many by the ripples that reach out from the thousands of our students to others in the world who we may never meet.
People who are only in our school in order to attain personal enrichment and don't plan on launching a metaphysics career, even they change the world around them by the people who benefit from knowing them. The world is changed by each of us touching the part of the universe we can each reach. If everyone reaches the part of the world they can reach, then the whole world is changed.

Is UMS A Diploma Mill?



Many people abuse this term without really knowing what they are talking about. Religious schools are called that by those who don’t understand how religious degrees work. Some people like to say any school not accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education is a diploma mill. That is not correct.
Religious degrees are not subject to governmental oversight or required to have similarity between courses like secular courses are at secular schools. Spiritual courses are rarely transferable, even among religious schools, because religious teachings are so different from one school to another. Secular accreditation is an unnecessary expense both to the school and to its students when it comes to spiritual studies. Courses are literally non-transferable from one school to the next concerning spirituality of any sort.
There are thousands and thousands of schools that do not need secular accreditation nor do they seek it even though they would qualify for it. This is because their curriculum is so unique to the particular teachings they endorse.
A diploma mill offers degrees based on life experience or very little coursework, and has an extremely low price for the degree. If there are courses at all they will probably be written by one person or two. Yes, there are some diploma mills that cost very little in the field of metaphysics and you will probably come across them in your searches. Some of these diploma mills have even been around for decades. A diploma mill metaphysics doctorate degree will cost somewhere under $1000. We have even seen diploma mill degrees in metaphysics for as low as $200 with the requirement of just writing a 3-5 page letter about why you deserve it, pay the money, and immediately you get a piece of paper in the mail.
UMS is not in that category. University of Metaphysical Sciences was the first school to see the need for a true education in metaphysical studies and put together the first real curriculum for metaphysical students. UMS students have to work hard to get through our curriculum. This is not an easy "write a 5-page paper and you get your degree" kind of school. There are 80 courses, 80 exams, and 70 meditations. The meditations serve as lab work that you would have in live classes, and gives direct experiences in what you are learning.
Students have a vast amount of dialogue and interaction with the faculty at University of Metaphysical Sciences if the student chooses to take advantage of that. We also provide interactive chatrooms, webinars and teleconferences with faculty, teachers, and other students, as well as forums, videos, and virtual classrooms where students take live classes online. Diploma mills offer nothing of the sort and have no interaction between faculty and students. University of Metaphysical Sciences offers large amounts of interaction between faculty and students, and is always finding new ways to assist students in connecting with staff and each other as new internet technologies emerge.
Also, University of Metaphysical Sciences does not offer any credit for life experience, which is a common diploma mill practice. We have students from all levels of spiritual knowledge, from beginners to those who have been running their own retreat centers for 40 years or have bestselling books. No matter how much life experience someone has, we must be sure that everyone who graduates from University of Metaphysical Sciences has the same knowledge as all other students who graduate from University of Metaphysical Sciences. There must be consistency among graduates.
Even those who have been in metaphysics for 40 years or more have gaps in their knowledge. An education at University of Metaphysical Sciences fills in those gaps. UMS is setting a new standard for an education in metaphysics. Our courses were heavily researched and organized by over 50 writers and instructors who specialize in the field that course is about. The viewpoints of thousands of famous teachers are presented in our courses without having to pay famous people's prices for those viewpoints. Needless to say, and education at University of Metaphysical Sciences is priceless for someone who is seeking spiritual enhancement on a personal level as well as seeking the training necessary for being a guide to others on the spiritual path.

Metaphysical Schools Claiming They'll Get Accredited



We have spoken with professional accreditation consultants about this situation. It would be wonderful if metaphysical schools can be accredited by secular agencies someday. If that trend starts, we will be right in line to do it with any other metaphysical school if we decide we want to do that. The accredited version of our school would have to be more expensive because the program would be a little different. However, we will always preserve and operate a less expensive version of our school that remains a spiritual exempt school, with spiritual accreditation rather than secular accreditation. We do not want to see anyone left behind.
At this time there are court cases against accrediting agencies for not allowing alternative spiritual schools other than Christian schools to be accredited and "compared to their peers." At this time, that is the barrier against metaphysical schools. It is considered religious discrimination in the accrediting field, so this is being challenged by non-Christian spiritual schools now. Needless to say, it is going to be hard work to break down secular barriers in this field.
University of Metaphysical Sciences has decided to wait until the battles concerning religious discrimination in the secular accrediting agencies are over. At that time, we will then acquire secular accreditation if it is appropriate once those battles are over. In the meantime, we have the spiritual alternative accreditation with the agencies we are currently with because at this time that is a true collection of our peers which we have been compared to.
Metaphysics is considered a "new and emerging field of study" by the secular accrediting agencies and they are not likely to think outside the box anytime soon. It will take time and money to make them do that. They will have to be forced to do it by law. You cannot at this time use your government student loans and grants on a metaphysics degree, although some states and rehabilitation programs have allowed it if it is a state or private foundation benefit for the person using it. We have been able to accept grants and student loans from state and private agencies supporting people in rehabilitation programs.
Expensive metaphysics or spiritual degrees with a "we are going to apply for accreditation, but we don't have it yet" marketing approach are somewhat iffy at this time. Realize that if you go for education at a school based on a promise to attain accreditation, you could be spending a lot of money and end up not studying at a school that is any different than spiritually accredited schools like ours and others. Your money would be spent on a promise rather than the real thing.
If a school is not accredited by a secular accrediting agency at this time, do not be influenced into working toward an expensive degree based on a "promise to apply for accreditation." Even if schools don't get the accreditation, they can claim for years that they are going to apply for it, making themselves look more important than other metaphysical schools while selling extremely high priced degrees that will amount to nothing more than what other metaphysical schools have to offer.
There are schools from several spiritual backgrounds doing the work to break down secular accreditation barriers at this time. We are using University of Metaphysical Sciences resources differently at this time. We have already had our hands full preventing religious discrimination in the education systems at state levels, working to establish fair and clear laws concerning schools in the United States through state senate committee meetings and communications with lawmakers. That is our share of doing the work to clear the way for metaphysical schools to exist, so we are doing our part. By all schools doing their part, it comes together!

Is A Student Loan Right For You?



University of Metaphysical Sciences does not encourage students to take out loans. Student loans accrue interest.
The trouble with taking out a large loan is that you will be paying it back for many years, long after you have finished your education. You will regret taking out a large loan because you will pay twice or even three times the original amount after you finish paying all the interest on the loan.
That is why University of Metaphysical Sciences keeps the prices low and offers a modest payment plan so that people are free to continue their spiritual work without burden after their education at University of Metaphysical Sciences. It could take decades to pay back a large student loan accruing interest. There is something out of balance with the student loan system and you don’t find out about that until after the fact.
If you're going to be a doctor, engineer, lawyer or other professional, then yes, those types of large loans and expensive paybacks are appropriate. However, we don't believe that a metaphysical education should cost that much. Accredited or not, a metaphysical degree is not going to get you a high paying job in the secular career field. This degree is only for bringing credibility to your spiritual offerings and life work, and for being in service to others as they are awakening. That is what a metaphysical education is training you for. We don't want to make it cost as much as a secular market degree would cost because it is not likely that you will make the same kind of money that a doctor or lawyer will make with their degree.
We want to see you get on with your life purpose and work. University of Metaphysical Sciences is assisting humanity in its awakening by training those who are the teachers, leaders and healers in this quickening process that is happening in the mass consciousness. You are the future teachers, leaders, and healers. We want to see you succeed in your spiritual work in the world, not be saddled with a loan you cannot pay back, which then hinders your spiritual work in the world. Our foremost concern is making this education affordable for everyone, rich or poor, and we will stick to that prime directive. We care deeply about our students and do not want to create a financial situation they will regret later.
University of Metaphysical Sciences offers a plan for every budget. Even if people have to take a break for a while from their payment plan, we work with everyone. We have a systematic way of allowing for it through Leave of Absence periods. This way you can still continue to work on your studies and complete your exams that you already have if you want to, but payments and course deliveries would be put on hold until you are in a better situation. We have seen it all, heard it all, worked with it all, and we get everyone through who wants to finish without putting them in a situation where they are saddled with interest accruing debts they cannot afford. We believe that operating our school with integrity at every level of business is of utmost importance.
Metaphysical schools charging exorbitant prices, we don't see why. We know what a great education in metaphysics can be offered for and we offer it. That is why we keep our non-profit status intact and continue to offer this for a price that everyone can afford. Many who have been to more expensive schools than UMS, and decide to continue their studies with UMS instead, are shocked at how much more we offer, how thoroughly our courses are researched and presented, and how much free interaction we provide for our students to take advantage of. It is not about making money for us. It is about assisting humanity, and those who are its future teachers, healers and leaders.

University of Metaphysical Sciences In California And Minnesota



Students pursue their undergraduate studies at UMS California, and graduate students pursue the Ph.D. doctorate degrees at UMS Minnesota. Students will earn their Bachelors, Masters and Doctor of Divinity degrees in California. Those who wish to obtain a Ph.D. study at University of Metaphysical Sciences /Minnesota to finish their studies.

In each state, our corporate non-profit holding company is Wisdom Of The Heart Church. Please visit the respective Secretary of State websites or call them if you would like to verify our non-profit status under Wisdom Of The Heart Church 501(c)3. If you would like to check on verification of the university's religious exempt status, which means that UMS is exempt from registration and licensing, contact the Department Of Postsecondary Education in each state, California and Minnesota.

University of Metaphysical Sciences /California
P.O. Box 4505
Arcata, CA 95518
University of Metaphysical Sciences /Minnesota
P.O. Box 3022
Mankato, MN 56002

Withdrawal And Refunds



If within the first 30 days of enrollment the student decides to withdraw, for whatever reason, all monies will be refunded minus a $150 processing fee for the first packet of course materials and administration expenses. If the student withdraws between 30-60 days after enrollment, all monies except $300 will be refunded. After 60 days, no refund will be given. Course materials and monies already paid are non-transferable to other incoming students. There is a $75 fee for re-enrollment if a student has already withdrawn.
Lack Of Aptitude Policy
If a student does not have the aptitude or commitment to succeed in completing studies at University of Metaphysical Sciences, first, the student will be contacted and the situation will be discussed. The student will be given a chance to remedy the situation, clarify that personal time is needed before resuming studies or talk to a curriculum representative if assistance with a particular course is needed. If the student cannot complete necessary assignments, after dialogue with the student, dismissal might be determined by the curriculum committee. University of Metaphysical Sciences will determine the refund amount depending on the time passed since enrollment and what materials have already been shipped. An additional administrative fee of $185 will be levied against the refund amount for administrative expenses. If the student is unreachable by phone, email or postal mail for six months, withdrawal from studies will be assumed and dismissal will be enacted. Any of the afore mentioned students may resume studies within 3 years from dismissal date if the student would like to study again later. See Refund Policy page here.

Tuition Credit For Work/Life Experience



University of Metaphysical Sciences is not in a position to determine monetary value for work or life experience in the field of metaphysics. While University of Metaphysical Sciences has great respect for prior work experience and realizes its importance, monetary value for this cannot be determined fairly. Students of every level, from beginner to advanced, come to University of Metaphysical Sciences for their degrees. Many have been working in the field of metaphysics for quite some time, yet are now interested in getting credentials because they have run into the limitations resulting from not having a degree.
It would be too subjective, confusing and time consuming to examine the work experience of every individual who enrolls. Besides, the tuition reduction would not be very much because University of Metaphysical Sciences has tried to keep its tuition prices as low as possible to begin with.

University of Metaphysical Sciences can stand behind its graduates only if the university can be certain the student has been exposed to all material in the curriculum pertaining to each degree program. Therefore, no prior work experience can be considered for tuition reduction. The advantage the student has who possesses prior work experience is that he or she can move through the courses quite quickly.

University of Metaphysical Sciences



Degree Graduates of UMS

UMS alumni have completed a very powerful journey, opening themselves up to facing their fears and embracing their strengths. Each of these amazing people has persevered through each challenge, proving their dedication to their personal and spiritual growth.
Not all of our graduates are listed here, as it is up to each individual whether they would like to share their information on this page. While we do not list students’ websites, we do encourage you to search a student’s name if you are interested in their work; if they have a website, you will find it.

UMS is very proud to stand behind our graduates as they go forth and do their work as healers, counselors, writers, ministers, spiritual teachers, and lightworkers, each offering their love, energy and guidance in his or her own special way.



Scholarship Guidelines & Work Trade



UMS offers partial scholarships by waiving the $195 down payment on the long term four year payment plan. If you are able to make the monthly payments (roughly $60 per month), but coming up with the $195 down payment is a hardship, we encourage you to apply for the scholarship.
The scholarship application must be filled out completely in order to be considered. All scholarship awards are given only for the long term plan prices. No scholarships are awarded on the pre-pay, short or medium term plan prices. If you eventually end up paying your classes off early, the $195 must be paid back.
Work Trade Opportunities
Catalog Distribution: Scholarship / Work Trade
This work trade scholarship entails UMS sending you boxes of course catalogs to distribute to your local metaphysical bookstore, health food store, yoga center, and other places where spiritual seekers frequent.
Language Translation of Courses: Scholarship / Work Trade
UMS is currently translating UMS courses into other languages besides English. We run the course through a couple of different computer translators, and then we need a human to straighten up the 30% of the course that didn't come out exactly as it should. Computers and software don't get it all perfect! We are working on Spanish translations specifically right now, but we are also open to other languages as well.
Work Trade
Work trade arrangements are limited and you must apply for them to see if there is space. Please feel free to apply for these positions if you are interested and can do these types of work.
All work trades are at the price of the long term payment plan, even if you complete the trade in less time. There is a lot of work for staff in providing these work trade options for study at UMS, so we cannot do the work trade scholarships for less than the full price of the long term payment plan.
There is no work trade for the course materials payments. Only tuition can be reduced by work trade scholarships. All students must pay for course materials. If you are getting internet downloads, it is only $155. There are also affordable payment plans for the postal mail course materials.
Tuition can be reduced through the work trade program, but students must still pay $15 per month toward tuition and the rest can be worked off. Your first payment would be $56 plus your choice of course materials delivery (about $10), as the remainder of the $195 down payment is spread out over the next few months. Between the $15 per month toward tuition and the $10 per month toward course materials, you can attend UMS for only $25 per month and work the other $35 per month off in work exchange.
You can work the tuition off sooner than later if you want to, so if you do more than $35 per month worth of work exchange, it will be counted toward your work exchange for the next month.
Attend UMS For Approximately $975
Through Work Trade
In essence, the work exchange program allows you to attend UMS for approximately $675 if you do internet downloads, and the rest can be done through work exchange. (Work Trade scholarships do not waive the $195 down payment or the course materials.) This is a different kind of scholarship.
Your first payment would be $49.89, the first month of tuition, plus the course materials plan you choose. Approximately, your first month would cost about $60. Every month after that your cost could be about $20 and even get lower to $10 if you finish the course materials plan. The rest of the tuition can be worked off through work trade.
We do verify that work trade is done. We check on your work with various stores you report as locations by randomly calling them now and then to make sure the catalogs are there. We check each blog to see that it is done correctly and recheck to make sure they are still there later, for these are expected to be permanent posts. Translations we see as they come in and determine the quality as it comes in. After your work is verified, the work trade credit is posted to your tuition balance. We do reserve the right to discontinue a work trade agreement if the work is not being performed or is not satisfactory.
Here is the breakdown on the financial outlook you are undertaking as a work trade student:
Tuition: $766 total for long term plan with work trade
$56 first month, and then $15 per month x 47 months
Course Materials, your choice: $465 or $209 total
depending on delivery method
$9.69 x 48 months postal delivery, $465 total
$9.50 x 22 months internet delivery, $209 total
To do any of the work trade opportunities below, you must also qualify for receiving the scholarship. Scholarship Application Form must be submitted on the same day that any work trade application is submitted.

Saturday, 28 June 2014

What Is Kundalini Energy?



Kundalini energy is a important force that is related to the chakra system and metaphysics itself. This energy force is considered by many to be the blood of the chakras. Awakening it and its powers is something that can bring about great change in a person on the physical, emotional and spiritual levels. This awakening, however, is something that requires, or should require, years of training to achieve.
Kundalini energy is said to reside in the root chakra, which is located at the base of the spine. It is a power force that emits from this area and moves throughout the entire chakra system. In much the same manner as the blood works through the circulatory system, kundalini energy affects the chakras and feeds them.
Every person has kundalini energy present in their bodies at one level or another. This energy flows from the spine up to the top of the head, passing through each chakra on its way. Kundalini energy can awaken the specific energies contained within individual chakras as it passes. When this happens, it can bring about a higher level of awareness, an awakening of abilities and the attainment of enlightenment or divine states of being.
The release of kundalini energy is said to be an experience like none other. When this energy releases from the root chakra, it tends to feel as if waves of heat or pulsations are rising through the body. While this release is sometimes subtle, many do feel extreme sensations as kundalini energy rises toward the top of the head and outward to meld with the universe’s spiritual energy. As kundalini energy is released, the human body undergoes a cleansing.
The release of kundalini energy is often said to essentially be a divine state of consciousness. This state can last for a mere few hours or as long as months. The release of this energy typically occurs when a person is able to unblock multiple chakras simultaneously. As this happens, the cleansing affects the physical body, emotions, mental status and consciousness.
While many people practice casual meditation and study the chakras, it is a rare individual who can actually release kundalini energy. In fact, many yogis warn not to attempt to raise or release this energy without a full understanding of it. This understanding comes not necessarily from books, but from years of training on the spiritual and metaphysical level. It is seen as the endgame or goal of a long-standing pursuit of enlightenment.
Gaining a keen insight and understanding of chakra meditation and unblocking the aura of negative energies can assist those on the path to be able to release kundalini energy. When a person is fully successful in this quest, he or she will have achieved a state that few on earth can claim. An individual who completely awakens this energy will have a balance of mental, physical and emotional clarity that few can ever boast. This state is said to be the closest to perfection one can attain on earth.

The Benefits Of Meditation



Meditation is a practice that is used in many different metaphysical pursuits. No matter its ultimate goal, this practice can have very positive impacts on the body and the mind.
At its very heart, meditation is an exercise that seeks to clear the mind of the unnecessary clutter of daily life so more important realizations can be focused upon. Meditation generally takes place in a quiet, safe setting where a person can feel free to let go of conscious thought and tap into the subconscious. There are a number of different types of meditation and the goals for the pursuit can also vary.
The types of meditation include:
Guided meditation – This type of meditation can take place in a teaching setting or in the privacy of a home with a tape, CD or computer program leading the effort. In guided meditation, the leader or teacher helps direct students’ thoughts so they can gain a high state of relaxation.
Chakra meditation – This practice involves clearing thoughts to hone in more deeply on different points of the chakra, or human aura. These energy vortexes serve as the focal point of meditation. It can involve the use of chakra stones to help focus thoughts on a specific point of the body.
Healing meditation – This can relate to chakra meditation or stand on its own as a form of meditation that seeks to heal the body and/or the spirit.
Zen Buddhist meditation – This form of meditation is used by Buddhists to help raise an awakening of spirituality and higher consciousness.
The goals of meditation can vary rather greatly based on the individual practitioners. They can include:
Relaxation and stress relief – Meditation is a powerful and proven stress reliever and relaxation technique. When people learn to let go of the maelstrom of thoughts that plague the mind, they can lower stress levels and the impacts this state has on the body.
Self-awareness and healing – Meditation can be used to gain a greater insight into self and it can also be used to assist with physical and spiritual healing. When thoughts are directed in a positive manner, a person can learn more about who he or she is on the inside. It is also possible to direct positive thoughts to help overcome illness.
Enlightenment – On the far end of the spectrum, people use meditation as a tool to help them gain enlightenment. This is a state of great understanding and wisdom not only about self, but also the universe that surrounds humans. It is also described as a state of great peace, bliss or nirvana. This is the ultimate goal of many metaphysical pursuits and results in a deep understanding of the connections between the body, mind and spirituality.
Successful meditation can have a number of positive impacts on those who practice this art. Whether the form is self-guided, guided, chakra or otherwise, meditation can lower stress levels, encourage relaxation and help a person focus thoughts on more important matters than daily comings and goings. It has also been shown to assist with healing and helping people gain enlightenment on a much higher level.

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Guided Meditation Can Kick Start This Practice



Meditation isn’t exactly something a person can read about in a book and then master in a day. It can take on many forms and styles and require years of discipline to truly master. Guided meditation can serve as an excellent starting point for those who wish to explore the self, the unconscious mind and other states of consciousness. It provides a safe way to learn more about this practice and the techniques that can move it forward.
Guided meditation, in fact, is one of the most popular styles in the modern age. In this practice, a person leads an individual or an entire group on a journey through the mind to achieve a number of different goals. The objectives of a guided session of meditation can range from simple relaxation to increasing spiritual awareness and even enlightenment.
Although guided meditation is commonly practiced today, it does have roots that spread deep into the past. The use of a teacher or guide to help people on the path toward spiritual enlightenment and higher consciousness is found in many different cultures and traditions. Shaman, yogi and other spiritual leaders, for example, would help their students explore the benefits of meditation and tap into the powers of the mind.
In the modern world, guided meditation can take place in a variety of settings, including:
Formalized courses – Yoga and other similar practices may hold classes that involve guided meditation to further the study at hand. In this type of setting, a group of people will generally be talked through meditation, which typically focuses heavily on imagery to help students learn the ropes, heal and even gain a better sense of self awareness.
Medical offices – Psychologists and psychiatrists may engage their patients in guided meditation to help them gain a better sense of self awareness. In this type of setting, meditation will generally be highly focused with a specific goal in mind.
Stress relief classes – Guided meditation can also be used to help people learn how to release stress and overcome its effects. On this level, meditation will not generally seek enlightenment as its ultimate goal. Instead, the goal might be teaching people proven and beneficial relaxation techniques.
Home – Thanks to CDs, DVDs and computers, it is possible for people to engage in guided meditation in the comfort of their own homes. In this form of the practice, a leader is not present physically. Instead, he or she prerecords messages that students can use to put themselves on a path to higher states of consciousness. Meditation recordings for at-home use can range in their focus from very basic stress relief tapes to more advanced studies of the chakra and awareness-raising techniques.
While guided meditation isn’t the only form available for practice, it is an excellent spring board for beginners. It can teach people through imagery to become aware of the unconscious mind and higher states of consciousness. It can also put them on a path for further self exploration down the road. Even for those adept at the practice, guided meditations can prove very useful in raising ability levels and consciousness.

Getting On The Path To Enlightenment



Enlightenment is the ultimate goal of many metaphysical and spiritual practices. This increased level of consciousness is one that plenty of people strive for, but few attain. It can take a lifetime of practice, discipline and study to even come close to attaining enlightenment.
When enlightenment is attained, a person gains a greater understanding of self, the world around him, the divine and even the universe. This status is almost Christ-like in its awareness and is often associated with Buddha, Shiva and a host of other gods and prophets. In addition to heightened awareness, enlightenment can help people unlock powers to access the astral, psychic abilities and more.
Putting oneself on the path to enlightenment is typically a lifelong pursuit. Some of the practices that can ultimately lead to this level of consciousness include:
Yoga – This discipline involves more than postures and breathing. While these are two pillars of the practice, proper nutrition, meditation and relaxation also play a role. The ultimate goal of yoga practitioners is to gain a level of enlightenment through the combination of these five things. The path toward enlightenment through yoga can take years and many will simply not attain this level of peace and understanding. Despite this, yoga is a pursuit that can have positive impacts that ripple throughout life in the physical, mental and spiritual realms.
Chakra meditation – Gaining a mastery over the human aura and its energies is the focus of chakra study and meditation. When the chakras are mastered through meditation, a deepened sense of awareness and extraordinary powers can be unlocked. Ultimately, the study of chakras can lead to personal healing, self awareness and enlightenment.
Religion – Many of the world’s religions lay out their own paths for spiritual and self enlightenment. Zen Buddhism, for example, has its own highly disciplined route with enlightenment as the final goal.
While reaching a higher state of consciousness is not an easy path to put oneself on, it is one that many choose to tread. Why is this?
When a true state of enlightenment is reached, a person can enjoy:
A greater sense of understanding on the spiritual level – Those who are enlightened are said to have a much greater understanding of the divine than others. They can see beyond this realm to the connections man has with the universe and divinity.
A greater sense of self – A person who has truly reached enlightenment, understands his or her own strengths, weaknesses, desires, fears, motivations and limitations. Though this understanding, an individual can gain wisdom and mastery over self.
A high level of peace – While enlightenment might not necessarily answer all the questions of man and the universe, this state can produce a great sense of inner peace about an individual’s place in physical and spiritual realms.
An ability to tap into hidden powers – On the path to enlightenment, some people are able to tap into powers of which others only dream. Astral knowledge, telekinesis and other similar powers, for example, may open up through such pursuits as yoga and chakra meditation.
Achieving a true state of enlightenment is not a path for the weak at heart. It can take a lifetime to even come close to gaining this level of mastery over mind, body and spirit. The pursuit, nonetheless, is one that can deliver very tangible rewards along the way. The journey itself can be as important, and even more so, than the destination.

Exploring Consciousness More Closely



Consciousness describes a state of awareness and control over the mind. At a rudimentary level, it means having control over the mind during an awakened state. In metaphysical pursuits, however, it is often a goal to gain a higher level of consciousness that transcends into other forms of awareness.
Higher levels of awareness can center on the connection between the mind, body and spirit. They can also involve an ability to awaken the chakras and gain entry into higher plains of existence, such as the astral.
The pursuit of higher levels of consciousness is one that can encompass a lifetime. Buddhists, for example, often spend decades trying to gain spiritual awareness and a state of enlightenment. There are a variety of ways to tap into a higher level of consciousness, but many do focus on meditation as a way to open the mind to the possibility.
Meditation is a focused exercise that seeks to clear the mind of everyday thoughts and open it up to higher realizations. It tends to encompass both mental clarity and deep breathing techniques to raise a state of elevated consciousness. Through meditation, people can awaken their chakras, focus their thoughts, gain stress relief benefits and tap into greater powers, such as astral awareness, telepathy, telekinesis and more.
So, why is it that people seek to gain a higher state of consciousness beyond the everyday? The answers are many and include:
Gaining a better understanding of self – Through meditation and tapping into the mind/body/spirit connection, people are often able to gain a better understanding of who they are. When consciousness is raised, they can see more clearly their motivations, desires, strengths and weaknesses. When the subconscious is tapped into during an exploration of self, this part of the mind can even help people gain an edge in life, project more positive energies and assist in the breaking of bad habits or the developing of good ones.
Gaining an ability to heal – Medical science has been unable to explain how some patients with grave illnesses “miraculously” recover by changing their thinking patterns. Through meditation and gaining a higher level of consciousness, some people have been able to heal themselves physically and even heal others.
Gaining access to untapped powers – Chakra meditation and awareness on a spiritual level has been said to awaken powers in some individuals that transcend the everyday. Astral awareness, telepathy, telekinesis and more are all linked to operating on a higher level of consciousness.
Gaining enlightenment – Spiritual understanding and enlightenment are the ultimate goals of raising consciousness levels. This state is generally gained through a lengthy pursuit and years of practice. Whether the method to achieve this involves yoga, chakra meditation, religious practice or another metaphysical pursuit, true enlightenment and a state of full consciousness is generally not achieved overnight.
Raising personal consciousness can help a person tap into the mind, body and spiritual connection fully. At its pinnacle, consciousness involves not only the physical senses, but also a deep understanding and peace on a highly spiritual level.

Awakening The Self



Awakening is one of the goals of many metaphysical pursuits. The state of spiritual awakening involves an understanding of self and the truth of the divine. It is achieved by following a path that foils the illusion of a separation between mind, body and spirit. By fully accepting that these three things are intimately related, a person can transcend normal consciousness to gain an awareness of self and the surrounding universe.
Although awakening is a goal of pursuit like yoga and meditation, it is only the initial goal. Ultimately, enlightenment, a deep understanding of body, mind and spirit, is the true goal.
Awakening generally refers to gaining an awareness of the connections between mind, body and spirit. It can, for example, refer to an awakening of the third eye or brow chakra that enables people to see beyond the physical. A spiritual awakening can involve gaining the insight and wisdom to better understand the divine.
There are a number of ways to experience an awakening. In the metaphysical arena, practices that can lead to awakening include, but are not limited to:
Chakra meditation – This pursuit focuses on the body’s aura and certain points within it. The brow aura, also known as the third eye, is said to be related to senses. When it is tapped into, people can experience an awakening of sorts. An awakened third eye can lead to an ability to experience the astral and to open up such psychic abilities as telekinesis, telepathy and remote viewing. Although the chakra is often used in healing, it is also a key focus for many who wish to pursue a path toward enlightenment.
Yoga - This ancient Indian practice relies on mind, body and spirit to help put people on a path toward awakening and enlightenment. Its five points of teaching, in fact, completely focus on the body, mind and spirituality. Yoga’s points include subscribing to proper exercise, diet, relaxation, meditation and breathing to achieve self awareness and eventual awakening of consciousness on a higher plain.
Meditation – Basic guided meditation or self-meditation can also have awakening as one of its goals. This practice, used in yoga and chakra studies alike, seeks to have a person clear the mind for thoughts on a higher plain of consciousness. At the very beginning of the spectrum, meditation can ease stress and help a practitioner gain focus. Advanced meditation can lead to an awakening of self and spirituality.
Hypnosis – Although hypnosis doesn’t necessarily seek to put a person on a path to enlightenment, it can help awaken the subconscious mind. When the subconscious is tapped into, people can gain a tremendous ability to overcome negatives in their lives. An awakened subconscious, for example, can help people break bad habits, focus on positives and achieve success in areas they never thought possible.
Awakening describes a higher state of consciousness where the mind, body and spirit come together. It is one of the primary goals of many metaphysical sciences, designed to enable people to see beyond the daily grind to better understand the self and the universe around them.


A Look At The Seven Main Chakra Points



The human aura, or energy field, is broken up into hundreds of important areas. Called chakras, these areas relate to the senses, specific organs and even spiritual abilities. There are seven chakra points in particular that metaphysical healers and those interested in chakra meditation often focus upon.
The seven main chakra points are considered vortexes. Through these vortexes, energy can enter and leave a human body. This energy can have an effect on the mental, spiritual, emotional and physical aspects of a person.
The chakra points that make up the main seven are:
The root – This chakra is found near the very bottom of the spine at the coccyx. This energy point is related to the adrenal glands, the spinal column, prostate, blood, kidneys, colon and anus. This chakra is often associated with primal energy and can have an impact on self image, as well. When this chakra is awakened it can lead to primal intelligence. It is associated with dark orange or red.
The sacral – Located about three inches below the naval, this chakra point is associated with the gonads, the ovaries or testicles and reproduction. This particular point on the aura is often linked to emotional states, sexuality and vitality. When this chakra is fully awakened a person can gain a clearer insight into birth and death or creation and destruction. It is associated with the color orange.
The solar plexus – This point is associated with the pancreas, stomach, liver, gall bladder and nervous system. It is considered the power center of the body and is often related to personal will, as well. When this chakra is awakened, it can enhance personal power. This point is associated with the color yellow.
The heart – This chakra is related to the thymus and is said to govern the blood, vagus nerve, circulatory system and, of course, the heart. This chakra is often seen as the bridge between the astral and physical worlds and is the location of the astral body. It is also the center of intuitiveness, compassion and love. When this chakra is awakened it raises awareness about others and empathy. It is associated with the color green.
The throat – This chakra is found in the throat area and is associated with the thyroid. It is said to govern the lungs, alimentary canal and bronchial and vocal abilities. This particular aura point is heavily connected with self-expression, communication, the spoken word and sound. When it is awakened a person might gain clairaudience and higher communication abilities. It is associated with light blue colors.
The brow – This aura point, found between the eyebrows, is linked to the pituitary gland and is said to have an effect on the nervous system, lower brain, nose and ears. Often called the third eye, this chakra can raise astral awareness and the ability to see into other dimensions when meditating. It is associated with dark blue or indigo.
The crown – Located at the top of the head, this chakra is linked to the pineal gland and has control of the upper brain. It is often associated with deep peace, bliss and nirvana. When fully active, it can help a person gain a greater understanding of intelligence, wisdom and life in general. Powers gained from its awakening include astral projection. It is associated with many colors including silver white, white, gold and violet white.
Chakra points are an essential part of many metaphysical pursuits as they are the windows into the body for positive and negative energies. A mastery of these points can assist with healing and self-advancement.