Across the millennia, there have been many paths that use what we can call “active meditation.” Eurythmy, the Ghost Dance of the Sioux People’s, the Sufi whirling dervish dances. These use physical movements to accomplish that detachment sought through meditation. These can be done in conjunction with a guided approach or just with raw emotions to the beat.
Another form of active meditation is chanting and singing. This can produce the alpha state, as some call that elevated consciousness, through focus on the meaning of the words, or through the physical reaction people can receive from harmonious performance.
We can also achieve the state through athletic performance. Athletes refer to being “in the zone,” and the sense of intuitive understanding they feel in the middle of their push to their best. Similar to dance, it is the rhythm and focus that creates the conditions.
Being part Native American, we often combine a mix of these, with the addition of the act of drumming. In a drum circle, we become one being, flowing with the rhythm we create for others. This also produces that inner peace and oneness we all seek.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention something else: people on “the spectrum” of ADHD and Autists will often do what we call stimming. This is the rhythmic tapping of feet or hands on ourselves, or on another surface. This may be bouncing a leg, a pattern of drumming fingers, or even a rocking motion. This behavior also produces a meditative state that soothes emotions and helps focus thoughts.
Pretty much everyone has had that moment when pleasant shivers occur from a song, ir a person’s voice, or some other sound. Gentle waves attached to synchronizing of body with something else. This too can lead to a meditative alpha state.
Which forms have you experienced?