This is the last edition of JMvoice Ezine. The good news is that I will be converting the Empowering Practices from a Monthly Ezine to a Weekly Ezine. It will be published each Tuesday beginning January 8. If you are already subscribed to Empowering Practices, you will receive the December edition next week and the first weekly edition in January.

If you are not already a subscriber to Empowering Practices, please go to the Ezine Subscription Page. I will publish only one comprehensive Empowering Practice each month, on the third Tuesday, which will also be published on the Internet. On the other weeks, the length and format will vary.

I welcome any suggestions or feedback, now or any time along the way.

In the Mini Course & Ezine Meditate Now: 21 Days to Meditate Regularly, I recommend a wide range of resources to support the process of meditating. Please explore the Meditation Recommended Resources.

If you have not already subscribed to Meditate Now, please join us. We now have subscribers from all over the world. It is a joy to hear from people as they email their Statements of Intention and Commitments as well as other comments.

Your breath is always with you. It is a wonderful focus for your attention while you are meditating. I start and finish my guided meditations and my own personal meditations focusing on the breath. In today's Meditation Tip, I discuss using a word or words as part of your meditation practice. You can use any point of focus that you find pleasant or neutral to smooth your energy and lift your vibration.

Finding the Balance in Your Breath Purchase CD or MP3 at Voice of Jeanie Marshall | Purchase CD at Amazon

If words are really important to you, you may find that using them as part of your meditation practice is a helpful strategy.

I'm not suggesting you have a conversation during a meditation or that your words stimulate a lot of thought, because then you will very likely not be in a state of meditation but in a state of ordinary consciousness. It is possible to be in a meditative state while conversing, but I will discuss that at another time.

Here are some highlights for your further exploration.

Chant. As you know, a chant is a word, phrase, or slogan that is said or thought repeatedly. In some circles, it is a meaningless sound or mantra that is repeated; in other circles a chant is intended to have inherent meaning. The key is not the meaning of the chant, but that it provides a focus for meditation. Many chants are sung, so they have rhythm and a slight melody, if any. Whether you chant silently or aloud, alone or with others, you are focused on the chant, which gives your mind a place to rest. With your mind at rest, you can more easily achieve a meditative state of consciousness.

Word. Some people find that a single word can become a focal point or grounding mechanism for a meditation. A word such as "relax" or "peace" or "love" can be comforting -- a reminder that it is time to meditate. Some meditators find that they get immersed in the chosen word; others find that the chosen word is more like a launching pad or a gateway into the meditation state.

Affirmation. An affirmation is a statement. A simple statement is the most powerful when used as part of a meditative practice. For example, "I am at peace" or "I am ready to meditate" or "This is my time to align with the Divine." As with any use of intentional affirmations, it is important that you choose one that truly resonates with you. It does not matter who composed it, but if you use it, you want to be certain that it comforts or guides you. In other words, do not choose an affirmation that you are in resistance to, do not understand, or do not believe, as that will be counterproductive. You want the affirmation to lift you up. Say it only once or repeat it.

Generally, I think of meditation as a time to rest the mind, not stir it up with thoughts and ideas. So, my encouragement is that you use words wisely as part of your meditation practice. You may find self-talk coaxes you into meditation and then returns you to your daily activities.

Articles by Jeanie. Find forty articles on empowering subjects. Many of my articles are circulating the Internet. Here's the list at Ezine Articles Directory, which is one of my favorite directories, with many other authors participating. Also check out the Alphabetical Listing of Articles for one of my blogs.

Recent Articles on Meditation. Here are some articles I have recently written on meditation: When is the Best Time to Meditate for Greatest Benefits? and Meditation is a Quiet Revolution.

JMvoice.com. The Voice of Jeanie Marshall offers a few articles and sells my guided meditations on CD albums and MP3 files.

My Yoga Online

My Yoga Online is an extraordinary resource for anyone who wants to learn and practice yoga and similar methods. At My Yoga Online, you'll find samples and libraries to help you to decide if this is an appropriate resource for you. This is a premium subscription service offering a large selection of On Demand Yoga, Pilates, Meditation, and Health and Wellness classes broadcast directly over the internet with no commercial interruptions. The subscription fees are very modest for the quality and variety.

Copyright 2007, Marshall House. Jeanie Marshall, Personal Development Consultant and Coach, writes extensively on subjects related to personal empowerment, meditation, and effective use of language.