Originally published 9 August 2009. © Torey B. Scott
This meditation is designed to bring you closer to the concept of ‘darkness’ as it relates to the unseen etheric substance of the Universe, the vast expanse of ‘space’ and ‘time’. It is also an exercise which serves to open your subsconscious to subtle messages or impressions. This exercise ‘unites’ you with the fabric of the Universe. It is helpful in developing your sensitivity and receptivity to psychic experiences.
Firstly, this meditation is best done in a very dark room. If you are uncomfortable meditating in complete darkness, feel free to use a candle or dim nightlight. You will need to find a place to sit comfortably. Be sure that the room temperature is comfortable and not too hot or too cold. You should wear comfortable clothing or, alternately, meditate naked. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Ideally, you should learn to breathe in such a way that you slow your mental processes, but not in such a way that it is distracting. What I like to do, to begin, is to breathe in, counting to four as I do so. Next, I hold the breath for a count of four, also. I then exhale, counting to four once again. So the process would be: inhale (1-2-3-4), hold (1-2-3-4) and exhale (1-2-3-4). You are free to use any method that works for you. After a few of these counts, I breathe a bit more normally, drawing breath in through my nose and exhaling through my mouth. It sometimes helps to make an audible sound as you exhale, whether it’s a marked audibility of your breath escaping or something akin to a ‘k’ sound, followed by the exhale.
The point is that you be as comfortable as possible and follow a breathing pattern which works for you.
Clear your mind of all thoughts. Focus on your breathing at first and then let your mind become aware of the stillness and blackness surrounding you. In your mind’s eye, see before you and all around you an all-encompassing and vast darkness. ‘Feel’ it against your skin, flowing into your mouth and lungs as you inhale and flowing out again as you exhale. Become aware of the sensations in your body and on your skin. How does the darkness feel to your skin? Is it cold? Is it hot? Is it lukewarm? How does it feel when it enters into your throat and lungs as you draw breath?
As you feel the darkness brushing against every inch of your body, envision it begin to pervade your skin, soaking into your pores, your arteries, your muscle tissue. As you breathe it in, see it color each part of your body deep matte black until you are entirely engulfed, your form indistinguishable from the surrounding darkness. You are one with it.
Take a moment to feel yourself immersed in this nothingness and, at the same time, everything. It is the adhesive which holds together all that is the seen and unseen worlds. It is the Ether. There is nothing separating you from all that Was, all that Is and all that Will Be. You are all-knowing, all-seeing, omnipresent. There is nothing that is beyond your potential to achieve, there is nothing that is beyond your potential to conquer.
Pay special notice to any smells, tastes, sounds or visions you may experience at this point. Your mind is open to receiving now – be attentive.
Once you are satisfied with your experience, pay attention to your breathing once again. Envision the blackness draining from your body as your exhale, coursing backwards through your veins and seeping from your skin. Perceive your form distinct against the backdrop of the all-encompassing darkness; see yourself glimmering, renewed, empowered.
Bring your awareness back to the mundane. Listen to the sounds around you, wiggle your toes and fingers. Slowly open your eyes and take a moment to observe your surroundings. If needed, you may wish to ground yourself, especially if you feel light-headed or uneasy. A simple way of doing this is to kneel and press your palms against the floor or ground, envision any excess energy (you may choose to visualize the energy as light) flowing through your arms and out of the bottoms of your palms into the ground. If you are in a building, envision the energy seeping through the floor of the building and down into the earth itself until it has completely vanished.
Write down any notable sensations, ideas or experiences you may have had during the meditation. Pay attention to any impressions you may receive afterwards.
You can perform this meditation to help open yourself to psychic experiences and to develop your ability to perceive.