I have been meditating as part of my creative process. I start with a Om Meditation which is just a breathing exercise and on the exhale I make a sound like Oooom. It clears my mind enough to go deeper to meditate on things such as brainstorming for ideas for my jewelry. It is a way to purify the thoughts before delving deeper.
I consider myself not particularly religious, as far as practicing one doctrine goes, but deeply spiritual and like to draw from different religions in order to attain a spiritual awakening. I have read several of the Dali Lama's books, specifically "The Art of Happiness" and "How to Practice a Meaningful Life". Both have taught me that meditation is not the mystical or dangerous practice that I was brought up to believe. Was made to think that dark forces were in play and that self levitation was a goal. Nothing could be further from the truth.
The laughing Buddha is a representation of an actual Chinese monk who lived a thousand years ago who is attributed to contentment and abundance. He is so adorable that I can't help but smile when I'm wearing this bracelet. It helps me meditate on blessings in the here and now, "in the moment" if you will. If you already think you have everything you need, the universe will give you more. Give up any feeling of attachment to things and you will experience a joy unbounded.
