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Hello! Recently, something happened that either was “intended” by some higher intelligence, or was a very lucky fluke. There is no one of my acquaintance that would be willing to repeat what I did, and which might give me reasons for thinking that by chance, I have discovered a powerful method of meditation. Several months ago, I posted in this forum about a practice of rotating the head, which was (and still is) done by me as a physical exercise, for the benefit of the neck. In my posting, I explained that it had powerful effects on the spiritual side of one’s being also, which was a gratuitous (and very welcome) spin-off in addition to the physically beneficial effects. It surprised me, very much, when a reader of my post remarked that the practice I described was enjoined on participants in a Zen meditation class that he had attended! Remembering that remark has emboldened me to post about a different exercise, prescribed by my GP as a possible cure for my recent spells of dizziness and vertigo.

The exercise is called the “Brandt/Daroff Exercise. Directions for doing it are easily found on the Web, but rather than sitting on my bed to do this (as is advised), I sit on the floor of the lounge, and lower my head onto cushions placed on either side, using my elbows to prevent falling over suddenly. It’s much easier and more convenient, than using a bed. Now, although one is advised to lie on one’s side, with neck twisted as advised, for about twelve seconds or so, I find that the relaxation that ensues makes it very easy to stay on that side for well over a minute and more. On several occasions, I have fallen asleep! In fact, the peace, relaxation (and occasionally, bliss) that has been experienced is such that it takes lots of determination to sit up and rock over onto the other side. The effects are all felt in the region of the abdomen.

I have tried to find comments on the Web (from others that do this exercise) about the extraordinary effects that I have experienced, without success so far. One factor that might make this exercise different in its effects for me, is that I regularly practice meditation. I am happy to remark that nowadays, many times, meditation occurs spontaneously (sometimes, even if I am watching the news, on the television).Yet, I certainly don’t see “myself” as being spiritually developed. In fact, one of my concerns is that when meditation occurs, I am unsure what to do, so I just observe. In short, I bumble along and hope for the best. Yet, despite my many faults and failings, I cannot deny to myself that these states do happen, bringing blessings that cannot be described in words. The word, “peace” is only a noise, and has no relation to the state that I know as “great peace”, and which sometimes is found in meditation. And love — this man is not capable, on his own resources and in his usual nature, of knowing such love as arises on many occasions. Oh that those states would remain when I stand up, and start the day’s chores! It just goes to show that, whoever you are and whatever your all-too-human nature, you do not know what you really are.

To return to the subject of the exercise that I must do (until given permission to stop), it may be that the physical effect on the spinal cord (caused through twisting, and holding the position) may be augmenting the meditation practice. Or it may be (for aught that I know) that the exercise itself has effects that are unknown to the medical people. I doubt whether it would do any harm to try it. One last remark: the instructions say that this exercise can induce temporary dizziness. It has yet to happen in my case, and I have been at it for about five weeks.

Best regards,
Q.

You might find this sort of thing of interest
https://thunderhoneysnowstudio.ca/video/quick-treat-neck-release/

We have tons of posts on meditation methods
Treeleaf is an online Zen meditation service
https://www.treeleaf.org/

You will also find many similar beneficial exercises in Qi-Ong and Tai Chi, which is considered a form of meditation...