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Meditation Fountains
by Paris Mannion |
Meditation seems to be universal and many techniques have been developed by
all spiritual traditions. In the 21st century, indoor fountains help set a
calming, natural tone for many practices such as mantra meditation,
Vipassana or insight meditation, breath counting meditation, gazing
meditation, and moving band meditation to release muscular tension.
A table top fountain also enhances ch'i in your environment. The flowing
water increases the balance and harmony which links man and universe. As a
tool to help us focus and become aware of the our surroundings, a personal
fountain facilitates mental relaxation. The natural melodic water sounds
create a mood to go within. Here are three steps--location, path, and a
fountain project--to make a Meditation Fountain:
1. Make a Time and Place for the Sacred.
Setting aside a sacred area may seem a luxury, yet in one form or another
we all do it. Photo collections, groupings of special stones and crystals,
or a shell collection are examples dedicated space. Although not
essential, a special place set aside for prayer, contemplation or spiritual
renewal will establish meditation as part of daily life. It also helps to
have a quiet place.
The meditation fountain can be an altar centerpiece, a place of creative
incubation. As Joseph Campbell said, "If you have a sacred place and use
it, something eventually happens." Change the center display when you want
to reflect a new soul perspective. As an aid to meditation, as a
reminder
to attend to the here and now, your fountain helps quiet mind and spirit.
2. Some Paths for a Meditation Fountain
a. Crystal healing meditation with crystal on top of the slate or glass.
The simple technique of following the breath through the center line will
kindle the soul's response. Internalize awareness and consciously attune to
the vision of wellness represented by a special healing crystal.
b. Second chakra or water meditation with focus on the energy flow of
creativity, desires, prosperity. The water chakra lies between the pubic
region and the navel. This part of the body houses the lower colon,
bladder, and reproductive organs. Another word for "reproduce" is
"re-create" mentally by imagination or memory. Water symbolizes creative
power to begin new life and to create in one's own life and prosper.
c. Prosperity meditation fountain focusing on the abundance of
possibilities. One aspect is the association between money and water (cash
flow, liquid assets, pool our money, money spigot). A wealth affirmation
might include "Money flows to me freely and abundantly and there is
always a divine surplus." Another aspect is seeing prosperity as releasing more
and more of the beauty, truth and riches of the deeper mind.
d. Draw strength from your water sign if you are Scorpio, Cancer or
Pisces.
In my birth chart I have no water sign so fountains are a much
needed
balance for me.
e. Fountain of Youth meditation. In a 15th c. Spanish manuscript is a
drawing of youthful women playfully bathing in the basin of a large
fountain as water drops down on them. Around them are young men in groups;
one group plays on horn instruments, another sings. The tree lined garden
is surrounded by a high fence with two arched doorways. A playful spirit
embracing joy and nature fills the picture. Recapture a joyful memory of
your youth and bathe in its happy spirit. By meditating on qualities we
desire, we come across opportunities to express these qualities.
f. Water represents intuitive wisdom, the life force, the fertility of
spiritual life and the preserver of terrestrial life. Unfortunately the
quality of water is deteriorating world wide. A fountain might be the
focus of an environmental healing meditation as you imagine yourself beside
a forest stream. Water is also associated with the moon and the feminine
and might be used in the center of a sitting group meditation.
3. Selecting the Accents.
Gather materials quickly or slowly as suits you. Build the fountain with
intention; make it with your hands and heart. Display on the centerpiece
ritual items or things that make you happy. The top of the slate or
glass
centerpiece will become damp so protect your items. Here's a list to start
you thinking:
a. candle
b. flowers in vase
c. aroma therapy set
d. crystals and stones
e. power animal
f. incense
g. wind chime
h. statue
i. i-ching coins
To your
success!
© Copyright Paris
Mannion. All Rights Reserved.
Paris Mannion, author of
Create Your Indoor Fountain!, studied at the Carl G. Jung Institute in Zurich,
Switzerland, exploring symbols of alchemy, particularly the fountain of 'living
water' and the garden or sacred space. Later researching Feng Shui, the
ancient Chinese art of placement, she learned that moving water increases
harmony, prosperity and the flow of energy or ch'i. More sensitivity to our
environment leads to greater self-awareness overall. "Fountain crafting is
a reminder of our connection with nature as well as a connection to an inner
self," says Paris, a certified personal coach.
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