The plane’s crew was engaged in last minute formalities before take- off.
As usual, I was comfortably ensconced in my favorite window seat, and had just fastened my seat belt when I spotted a car on the tarmac racing towards the plane.
A couple of minutes later, a pretty stewardess escorted the man into the cabin.
Nodding a curt hello in my direction, he sank into the aisle seat next to mine, and dropped a newspaper on the seat between us.
My companion fastened his seat belt, threw back his head and closed his eyes, affording me an opportunity to scrutinize him closely.
I saw a man in his mid-fifties, and a quick glance at his shoulder epaulettes told me he was a Major General, a two-star General, in the Nigerian Army.
A minute later, I saw a look of comprehension in his eyes as he threw a quick, furtive glance in my direction.
The look of surprise on his face told me had recognized me as the man on the tabloid’s front page.
As it turned out, he was the General Officer commanding one of the Army’s divisions in the southern part of the country.
“General, quite obviously the command authority inherent in being a two-star General is not sufficient to cope with the demands and responsibilities incident to your high martial office. What you also need is a TWO-STAR STATE OF MIND!” He gave me a look that was both startled and amused at the same time.
“Please explain, doctor.” “Peace of mind is that elixir that we all seek, and this is because peace of mind is the ultimate human good. Without peace of mind, we do not really possess anything. Your bank account could be brimming with millions, yet without peace of mind that account may not mean much, and may even be as well as empty.” The General nodded vigorously in agreement.
“Please, tell me a bit more about meditation. I have always been fascinated by the subject, yet I am not sufficiently knowledgeable about it.” I settled more comfortably into my seat.
“Doctor, please teach me how to meditate.” I told him to sit comfortably in a straight-backed chair.
Continue to repeat this word while ensuring that all your muscles are relaxed, keeping your mind on your word, “ONE.” It is only natural for your mind to wander.
When you achieve the state of complete relaxation, your breathing will become slower and shallower, and your head will feel heavy.
You have entered the Alpha state of brainwave activity, a state in which subconscious activity is at its peak.
Continue with your meditation for twenty minutes and then slowly come off the relaxed state.
If you practice meditation even once a day, and on a consistent basis, feelings of stress, tension and irritability will become less and less a part of your life.
” We sat in thoughtful silence for a few minutes, and I could see that the General was deeply affected by all I had told him so far.
A couple of months later, he sent me this e-mail: “Doctor, what you actually meant was a two-star power of mind, and not a two-star state of mind! I have discovered that peace of mind is power of mind. Accept my gratitude.”
Find Balance in your local area
