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Alternative Textual Submission is as follows:
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Meditation
It is the gateway to one’s inner self, the Force, and also higher planes. Such simple in appearance, yet so complex in it’s hidden workings. The potential benefits goes without saying, both in embracing the light, and mastering the dark.
Preparation
Practicing daily, for five minutes at a time if need be, but it must be done everyday when possible. Timing is also an important factor in daily practice, often before bed, or even immediately after. Immediately after rest is often preferred, so that fatigue will not impede focus. Once a habit is made, however, of daily routine, it is when the increased time spent under meditation should occur. From the minimum of five minutes to perhaps ten, and onward till you find yourself lost for hours at a time when it is available. However, after spending much time developing the inner techniques and focus to expedite the steps necessary in meditation, often times the lost hours becomes minutes once again. The mind is a muscle, and possesses the capabilities of muscle memory just as the body does. When exposed to a routine, even in meditation, it can efficiently repeat the steps, allowing the practitioner to delve into a deeper mastery in a shorter period.
Along with time, space too follows the same procedure. Areticus often would conceal himself in complete darkness, silence, and solitude. Little things, such as a small light, footsteps, or sensing others would cause a distraction that would only lead to a frustrating end. These mundane and semantic distractions however, fade both in daily routine and alternative available circumstances. When one develops the mental muscle memory, distractions fade, and one could eventually achieve the same results in any location. Often times practitioners would test this discipline with attempts of meditation under a cold waterfall, near a dangerous ledge, or with the howling wind of a raging storm.
Although all one needs is the self, there is one object that has made Areticus’ initial practice more efficient. It was difficult to obtain, but upon acquiring a singing bowl made of seven distinct metals, he would utilize the vibrational frequency it resonated. This frequency was met with the frequency of his mind causing a sync meditative state. He has no use for them now, but will often play them for students in need it’s aid.
Last but most certainly not least is poise. Often the cross-legged, back straightened, with hands gesture accordingly is the preferred position instructed by masters. Areticus abided by this at first, but learned, just as it is with timing and spacing, that these are but aids for the beginning adept. He has often done so by simply resting his eyes in a chair, or lying down. He has heard of the great elders achieving meditative states during motion in conscious activity, with some in more extreme circumstances as combat. As extravagant as that would be, Areticus remained skeptic to its validity. For now, he selects his posture given the circumstances he finds himself in, always preferred with the seated posture that was initially instructed. Although unecessary, it is a display that is familiar, and sends incomers a message as to not disturb him.
Instigation
First Areticus begins relaxes his body. If need be, the aid of a calming bath or changing into a more comfortable attire allows for easier relaxation. The entirety of his body needs to achieve a heavy state of relaxed, however this cannot be done all at once. There is a seven step process, beginning from the bottom and up, that he must perform before his meditative trance can be achieved. Often times a slight itch, chill, or ache from the body can damper the mind. This relaxation instigation minimizes the distractions of the physical body and allows the mind to begin it’s trance.
He begins focusing on the base of his spine, the root of instinct in his body, until it is still and stable. Next he moves along to just below the naval, where sacral and hormonal functions are depressed. He then moves to make his stomach, just above the naval, still and null. This is where he can alleviate the distractions from his stomach, be it for wanting of food or unsettled from too much. Afterwards he moves to a more complicated center, the heart. He focuses on relaxing in this area in two fronts, both in the cardiovascular system by becoming mindful of his breathing, and sorting out any current emotional duress that may impede him. Once the heart is at peace, the throat, which governs his physical self expressionary tone and communication is relaxed. One of the most important aspects of the body is the mind, especially to an academic as Areticus. From the throat he moves to the center of his forehead, which puts the mind into a waving trance. He goes beyond more than emptying his thoughts, but rather hypnotizing himself in memory, cognitive function, and focus. The final step, is to relax his connection to the Force. There is no certain body position that is a conduit, for the Force resides and penetrated through the body. It is taught however, to allow the crown just above the head to represent the Force connection symbolically. Once all has achieved the relaxation instigation, the meditative paths open it’s way to Areticus.
Inner Self
Through the path of the Inner Self, Areticus becomes self aware of himself physically, mentally, and spiritually. He reviews over the different areas and aspects of himself, which of his seven aspects is out of balance, or perhaps consciously increasing one or decreasing the other. These seven aspects are given many names, the nomenclature adopted by Areticus and his instructor however is “Chakras”. This technique takes practice even after the self training it took to get here, it allows for manipulation of his whole being. Perhaps, given his circumstances, he would decrease his acclamation for charismatic communication and working with others, as he relaxed from the throat, by refocusing the inner self from there to understanding and ingesting new experiences, represented physically when relaxing his stomach. Another example to be to alter his affinity with his emotions, and recenter on the ability to use the force; from the heart to the crown; a Jedi technique. Or perhaps, in order to find himself versatile and at peace with himself, a balancing of all aspects takes place. It is this path of the inner self through meditation that Areticus can decide who he wants to be.
The Force
Through path of the Force, Areticus attains adherence to both the Living Force and the Unifying Force. This practice is the most taught and common of force users. When tapping into the Living Force, Areticus becomes mindful of force reliant consciousness. All beings that the Force moves through, both living and dead. When tapping into the Unifying Force, each time Areticus would find himself lost in the grand metaphysical connection that hinges all of reality together. It is read that visions of the past and future can be obtained through attunement in the Unifying Force, a feat Areticus hopes to achieve. It is through this path of meditation that Areticus becomes more familiar with the Force.
Higher Planes
It is said, through rare holocrons and ancient tomes, that there is a meditative practice which allows one to separate the consciousness from the body and roam in a plane beyond the physical. Validation of this plane’s existence is put into question by those who have heard of it, with the only evidence revealed through experience of practitioners. This requires an adjustment of a very particular frequency when relaxing the mind. This frequency will make the body cold, swing energies throughout all seven aspects, and create a violent and radical vibrational sensation. Once you swallow that fear, and let yourself go to the vibrational sensations, it is said that the consciousness drifts away in a shell befitting the plane that overlaps it, and reveals to one an expansive universe with much more to learn. It is through this path of meditation that Areticus attempts to explore what possibilities lie beyond.
Reflection
In the wake of one’s journey through meditation, reflection is a vital part in progression. Although Areticus favors his sharp memory, taking record of his experiences and lessons learned from them safeguards those lessons for later review. Often times if he thinks one meditative experience was identical to another he had before in the past, he would find the recorded archive and include it in his reflection in order to avoid repeating the same mistakes going forward. In addition, seeking guidance through his experiences from more experiences practitioners and masters offer insight and wisdom to better himself when exercising meditation. If perhaps a problem cannot be solved through self reflection, a guide in either the physical, and sometimes in a Higher Plane, can illuminate the issue from experiences of their own. It is because of this that Areticus reminds himself to be humble in the presence of those who possess more experience, and absorb as much knowledge as he can from their judgement and teachings.
Songs
Preparation: Mercy in Darkness by Two Steps From Hell
Instigation: 7 Chakras Magical Chants by Meditative Mind (Choose Any)
Inner Self: Release My Heart by Ivan Torrent
The Force: The Force Theme by John Williams
Higher Planes: Dawn of Discovery by Brand X Music
Reflection: Sorcerer’s Secret by Brand X Music