Don’t get confused – elders meditation is not a unique meditation technique for elders, instead it’s a collection of profound thoughts and prayers shared by Native American Elders that anyone can practice while meditating.
Imagine you’re sitting with a very wise old person who has lived his life and has many experiences and memories of the world to share. They can also share their feelings and thoughts about spirituality with you.
That’s precisely what elders meditation is about! You have to repeat some quotes by the elderly. This meditation technique can:
- Help you form a connection with nature
- Enlighten you with the wisdom and experience of elders
- Help you with the spiritual concept of gratitude, forgiveness, and interconnectedness
- Promote your personal growth and well-being
Meditations with Native American Elders: The Four Seasons
It’s a famous book written by Don Coyhis and an excellent resource for those who are willing to try elderly meditation. The book will help you understand the teachings of Native American Elders.
Additionally, it follows a year-long format, with each day dedicated to a different quote from an Elder, followed by a reflection by the author. Key features of the book include:
- Four sections that are divided into four seasons.
- These seasons include winter, spring, summer, and fall.
- A new meditation quote for every day of the year.
- Teachings from various Native American tribes.
- Prayers for you to deepen your spiritual practice.
- Some blank pages to write thoughts and intentions.
There are limited resources about elders meditation on the Internet. So, if you’re willing to start with this technique, this book can be of great help!
Elders Meditation White Bison and the Wellbriety Movement
Both of these movements are for the well-being and betterment of the Native American communities struggling with addiction and related issues. However, both are different.
White Bison
It’s a non-profit organization based on the prophecy of the White Buffalo Calf, which symbolizes a time of healing. They provide culturally based healing resources and support for the next seven generations of Indigenous people.
Wellbriety Movement
The wellbriety movement is similar to White Bison, but it’s not an NGO. Instead, it’s a philosophy centered around wellness and recovery. It’s a set of principles and practices that you can adopt.
The movement primarily focuses on wellness, healing, personal growth, cultural identity, spirituality, and community.
They also have a website that provides daily motivational quotes for you to practice. Also, it helps them to increase awareness about the movement and collect donations.
What is Elders Daily Meditation?
It’s a similar technique to Just for Today Meditation by Narcotics Anonymous. However, the method is based on the book Meditations with Native American Elders: The Four Seasons by Don Coyhis. A typical session of daily elders meditation includes:
- Find yourself a peaceful place where no one will disturb you.
- Start with the daily meditation quote of Native American elders on the website of the WellBriety movement.
- Repeat the quote by the author, Don Coyhis. You will find it in the book.
- Say a prayer or affirmation. You can say your own prayer or find it in the elders meditation app on the app store.
- Once you finish repeating the prayers, sit in silence for a minute or two before winding up the session.
Benefits of elders meditation
Over time, our bustling city lives often cause us to lose our connection with nature. But ultimately, you and everything you own belong to nature.
Elders meditation helps you connect your roots, which makes you feel grounded and profound. Also, after practicing this technique, you will be able to:
- Focus on the present moment which also reduces stress and anxiety.
- Have a deeper understanding of yourself and your place in the universe.
- Gain knowledge of valuable perspectives to tackle life’s challenges.
- Cultivate resilience, gratitude, and forgiveness.
Additionally, the benefits will vary for each individual, and it may take some time to notice any changes. Please remain consistent with your daily practice and aim for sessions of 5-10 minutes. However, to achieve deeper levels in meditation, consider exploring different techniques.
More on Meditation
How long should you meditate? Beginner to Pro!
6 Steps to Start Practicing Gratitude Meditation with PDF
Top websites for Just for Today Meditation Quotes
FAQs
1. How meditation and yoga affect elderly?
Both techniques are beneficial for older people. Meditation helps reduce stress, improve sleep, boost mood, improve focus, and may even slow cognitive decline. Yoga helps manage chronic pain and enhance flexibility and balance.
2. What are Native American daily readings?
These readings can be found on the Wellbriety Movement website or in Don Coyhis’s book. They include spiritual reflections based on traditional wisdom and teachings of Native American Elders.
3. What is Wellbriety prayer?
It is a form of prayer used in recovery programs, often incorporating Native American spiritual beliefs. The Elders Meditation app on the app store has these prayers.
4. What meditation is good for elderly people?
Mindfulness meditation is one of the best for older adults because it helps them focus on being present and accepting thoughts without judgment. It reduces their anxiety about future uncertainties.