Natural Balance
Overcoming chaos, and the simplicity of meditation
If you have been on any social network for longer than a day or two, you have undoubtedly seen someone promoting the benefits of meditation. While millions of people engage in the practice, there are millions of others who are interested but either have not been shown how, or are uncertain about it due to pre-existing beliefs.
There has also been a lot of effort put into exclusifying [new word alert], vilifying, and complicating the practice, to keep it out of the hands of us commoners through fear and intimidation. That… I cannot abide.
As I am ever seeking natural methods for dealing with both the physical and emotional aspects of Temporal life (in defiance of the doctors and shrinks who rely upon Pharma-Rot, manipulation, and brainwashing), I have a strong desire to overcome those barriers. Once an individual is able to strip away the elitist pontifications and forced spiritual associations, they oft agree that a powerful - very natural - means of balancing life becomes available.
Unfortunately, amongst those who advocate for meditation, there have been more than a few unscrupulous souls (throughout history, truth be told) whom suggest engaging in it involves vague, secret rituals which are extensive and complex, frequently based on specific religious dogmas. Add in our modern consumerist culture, and we get grifters who claim to have ALL the ultimate answers, and…
“If you want to unlock those answers, and unlock your super-maximum potential?! I am offering them to you right now, for the low-low price of [insert excessive price-tag here]!!!”
Let me tell you a little secret, and I’ll not charge you one dime for it: Meditation is not complex. You do not need a guru, nor a series of video classes, nor even a how-to book with aesthetically-pleasing cover art; while these can enhance one’s practice, depending upon the source, they are not necessary.
Indeed, anyone can learn how to engage in meaningful meditation in less than ten minutes, without spending any money OR violating any currently-held spiritual beliefs. All it takes is knowledge, time, and effort.
Again: It is not complex.
Welcome to the latest entry from the upcoming “Book of Pages.” This ‘Page’ discusses a specific mode of meditation I have ‘developed’ (I use the word loosely here), which is called ‘Olena’ [pronounced oh-LEE-nuh]. Yes, I created a name for it, because there really isn’t an existing label for this kind of practice, at least none I have been able to discover.
With that noted, please understand: Just because I created the designation for this method does NOT mean I created the method itself. Truth be told, this is the most basic of meditations available, which I fostered from existing techniques that are time-honored and well-tested.
It is also very simple… like, ridiculously simple. That does not mean it is ‘lesser,’ however - just because something is ‘simple,’ after all, does not mean it is inferior.
Think of it this way: You own two automobiles - an older model with a basic engine, and a newer, high-tech vehicle with all the bells-and-whistles. If you take great care of the older car whilst ignoring even basic maintenance on the newer… guess which one is going to get you where you need to go? As is written in Natural Law, “You can draw from something only that which is put into it.”
In fact - and this may be the true secret - the benefits of meditation are found in your efforts and intentions, not in the methodology itself. While a specific practice may be the vehicle you are using to get you where you wish to go… you are still the one driving it. That’s what we will discuss below.
Before we do, however, a reminder: Being that what is before you is one of the ‘Pages’ from my upcoming book, it is personal canon; as I have had many ask about meditation over the years, I wanted to finally share it here.
Only you can determine if it is right for you…
PAGE OF OLENA
Within this - and every - moment, the Koa (soul) and vessel (body) are integrated as One. As time passes and chaos rises, an individual can begin to feel disconnected, on a myriad of levels. The challenge of remaining whole can be vexing indeed, for logic and instinct oft battle each other for supremacy. That you may connect all aspects of self while stabilizing and sustaining continuous balance, engage daily in Olena.
Olena is a basic yet intensive mode of meditation. Designed to be accessible to both neophyte and adept alike, it is a discipline of focused stillness combined with intentional breathing, allowing one to reconnect Koa and vessel while naturally overcoming the tilts and sways of life.
While sitting in a comfortable position shutter your eyes and focus on taking one slow, deep breath after the other; be utterly still, concentrating entirely on the air slowly inhaled through your nose and exhaled from your mouth. Fret not if your thoughts drift - this is natural, for the mind wishes always to be busy; just relax, refocus, and let go.
Through this calm stillness and controlled breathing your mind will become tranquil, your body will drain of stress, and your emotions will attain serenity. Whether you engage in it for a minute (to find immediate harmony in the moment) or an hour (to explore deeper states of awareness) or between, these benefits will all occur naturally without additional effort; be still and concentrate on every breath (every inhale, every exhale), and allow the meditation to do the work for you.
Critical indeed is Olena when it comes to processing emotions, for Temporal living involves a vast array of them. Moments of grief and fear and anger and heartbreak, walking in hand with love and euphoria and confidence and contentment, are natural aspects of this journey. Immerse yourself in this meditation, without expectation, and you shall organically master these ebbs and flows when they rise, becoming centered and dauntless and resolute in the now.
Being that it is a simple practice, Olena can be performed any where, at any time. Please note, however, that it is called a 'practice,' which means one must actually practice it; as with any discipline, mastery takes time and effort. Commit yourself to doing so daily, with an open heart and Koa, and you shall reap all the benefits it offers.
After-Thoughts
As I said - ridiculously simple. But. It. Works.
Naturally, with this being a solitary practice, personal flourishes are yours to explore. They can include prayers beforehand, a physical item upon which to gaze, or added ambiance like background music or favored incense. Indeed, you can incorporate any of these, or something other… or, you can stick with the format in the ‘Page’ and nothing more. This is your practice, so do as you will.
And IF you decide to engage in other, more complex meditations? Of course, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. And if you choose not to? That… is okay, too. You are in control.
By the way, if you are already an aficionado of meditation? That does not exclude you from Olena, even if you are already familiar with more complex or even 'group’ practices. ‘Simple’ occasionally comes in handy when the need arises, so this is just another possibility available to you.
All of which brings up an important point: As with all of the ‘Pages,’ this is not written to be a rigid dictation telling you what you must do - I’m not a guru, nor do I have any desire to become one. This is designed instead to provide a basic yet firm foundation upon which you can rely, from which you can build. How you choose to use it - if at all - is totally up to you.
The only question you have to ask yourself is, “Does it work for me?” If it does, that is all which should matter; the rest is just hot air.
And now, my usual ‘Page’ boilerplates. As I consider brevity vital to such writings, the ‘Page’ above is deliberately written in a terse, baroque style. I find this stylistic choice allows one to more-freely interpret as they wish, within the framework of the core ideas found therein.
As to the book-in-question? We are very - VERY - close to a release date being announced. Before then, however, I still see another ‘Page” or two being dropped here on The Stone Age, so stay tuned.
With all of that noted, we will now return to regularly-scheduled shenanigans. Thanks as always, for reading… and for your support.
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Notes…
-- Unless otherwise credited, all images were created by the author, using Substack’s AI Image Generator.
“The only question you have to ask yourself is, “Does it work for me?” If it does, that is all which should matter; the rest is just hot air.”
Just like yoga or exercise or writing—there are always people who profit from the how-to. Good for them—not for me. Simple stillness has worked for me for years. Mediation can be a simple or as complex as we make it.
Thanks for diving into the topic and sharing your path. 🙏
Namaste, sir.