Welcome to Gaia! ::

I'm currently reading a book called Shamanic Spirit
I haven't gotten very far as it has very interesting meditations and discussions on the various levels of awareness. But I really like this meditation. It is great for opening the chakras and awakening energies as well as promote relaxation for starting into travels. It can also be used as an indicator of problem areas of the body. (blocks, barriers and even illness). I will explain later.

Smile biggrin

Find a location and time where you will not be disturbed for a couple of minutes.
Make yourself comfortable in a position that offers the best support to keep your back reasonably straight. (chair, floor, or bed)
When you are comfortable, allow yourself to breath normally feeling the way your body moves with each breath. Then close your eyes and take in a deeper breath, one that allows you to bring in more oxygen, but doesn't stress your body. Hold the breath for a second or two then slowly exhale. And repeat a couple more times continuing to feel the movement of your body.

As you resume a comfortable breathing pace, smile. Feel the muscles of your face form the expression of happiness. If it will help, think of pleasant things, activities you enjoy and those people who enrich your life. Then imagine sharing that smile with parts of your body. Starting at the top of your head and working your way down towards your toes. Feel the warmth your smile brings to each area.

Imagine smiling at the top of your head sending the expression of your smile and happy thoughts through your crown chakra. Move your smile towards your petuitory gland and your third eye. Smile at your throat and thyroid glands, continue to smile at your heart and lungs. Share your smile with your pancreas, your liver and kidneys. Send your smile to your reproductive organs and proceed to smile at your thighs, your knees and ankles.

Once you have completed smiling at yourself you may continue on with journeying, or return your thoughts to your surroundings. Take your time in opening your eyes and feeling the surface supporting you. Move your arms and legs, wiggle your fingers and toes. Rub your hands on the surface supporting you and your feet across the floor. Take a moment to reflect upon your experience. If you can, write down anything that might be of interest. Then when you are ready resure your day.

* * * * *
Usually when I meditate I draw a light down through myself anchoring it to each chakra as well as into the planet. It's something I have always done and never had any problems.

When I tried this one, I found I had some areas that were challenging to smile at. I'm probably not the only one that will have this problem. It's not something to panic over or worry that you didn't do the meditation right. Believe it or not this is a good thing.

It is an indicator that for some reason you can't accept that part of yourself. Your thoughts as you pass over the area will probably offer an explaination. Try not to ignore it. It is a sign that there is a part of yourself that you are unwilling to accept or doesn't feel deserving of a "Smile". This is not the case, everyone deserves a "Smile". All parts of ourselves need recognition and to be aware they are valued. It promotes a happy, healthy self.

Do what you need to heal and resolve this issue. Feel your importance and your value. You won't regrett the choice you made.

If you need someone to talk to or assistance in finding resouces feel welcome to pm me.