The popularity and practice of meditation is growing rapidly these days. With more and more people finding the benefits of hatha yoga (the practice of physical postures), the natural next tier would be for a desire to move to the next internal level through meditation. Though the science of meditation has been around for thousands of years in the East, we are still in the baby stages here in the West as to what meditation really means. For many it can be a desire, yet daunting! We hear we are supposed to make our minds completely still and defeat seeps in before we actually begin to explore how true this statement is.
Daunting as it may be, the pull for this practice in our collective consciousness continues to grow. While we may be attracted to and enchanted with the doctrines of the East, most of us in the West aren't really convinced of the validity of many things until it has been approved by the mainstream medical establishment.
Here from the Mayo Clinic is an endorsement that could open up the willingness from most doubting-Thomas's:
"Meditation is considered a type of mind-body complementary medicine. Meditation produces a deep state of relaxation and tranquil mind . . . resulting in enhanced physical and emotional well-being."
Why meditate? Here are some wonderful benefits that the Mayo Clinic has found to be substantial in both our emotional/mental and physical health:
Emotional Benefits:
New perspectives on stressful situations
Skills to manage stress
Increase of self-awareness
Ability to focus on the present
Reduction of negative emotions
Illnesses Aided:
Allergies
Asthma
Addictions
Cancer Heart Disease
High Blood Pressure
Pain
Sleep Disorders
"Yoga is the stilling of the modifications of the mind."
Patanajali (the Father of Yoga, first to record yogic practices in 200 BC)
Does the mind really become completely stilled and quiet? Some would say "Yes" at least for moments, here and there. But one very important thing to remember is, this is a practice. An ongoing practice that will indeed show movements towards the stilling of the movements of thought.
Can we expect to get there from our first attempts? I would say we are setting ourselves up for a disappointment if we hold that expectation.
Yogi Amrit Desai says this about meditation:
"Meditation is objective impersonal observation of whatever becomes the object of our awareness."
Clearly there is activity of thoughts, however, we learn to simply watch the thoughts without any attachment or engagement.
"Meditation is the development of non-judgemental witness which allows us to embrace opposites unconditionally."
Through practice we learn to not react to our thoughts, we don't have to label anything as 'good' or 'bad', that floats through the mind. We simply learn to watch and let go.
"Meditation takes us from the field of duality to the sacred state of unity and oneness."
We live in a world of separateness, me/you; good/bad; right/wrong; perceiving an inner lack/striving for completeness; etc. This consciousness causes suffering. When we are drawn inward, when we no longer attach to our thoughts as being true, a peacefulness rises from within. This is the experience of Unity and Oneness. Yoga literally means 'Union', 'Oneness', 'Yoking', 'Integration', 'Whole.' Meditation is the doorway and the hallway into the room of Union!
From this state, when we have removed our engagement from the thinking of the mind, and go the next step to consciously concentrate the mind, a new world opens up! Eventually if we dive into the practice often enough, these skills are strengthened. All along the way we simply feel better and better. Our life changes and we begin to change, regardless of whether we still have thoughts while sitting in meditation. In that knowing, we can let go of perfection and rest in the Peace that begins to reshape the rest of our health and life!
The spiritual component, the sacred awakening is quite individual. It is there. If you are a seeker, you will be found. It will show itself, but this intention these days is not the sole focus, and that is ok.
There are many techniques in order to learn how to meditate. Some techniques work for some people, other techniques, for others. When facilitating this process with clients, I offer a couple of different techniques based on their desire, constitution, etc. For those individuals carrying a heavy stress load and a very busy mind, I have found that the practice of Yoga Nidra, a guided meditation is quite helpful to ease them into their own meditation practice.
Why Meditate? I suppose each will have to come up with their own motivation and inspiration, if and when the time is right. The reasons and experiences truly, are vast and pointed; simple, yet profound; worldly and beyond! Personally, I have seen my life and other lives transformed, as the path of mediation was embarked upon. Therefor, I encourage, support and rejoice!
If you feel a call to explore, Inner Journeys offers private sessions to help you on your way!
Peaceful Wishes ~
