Why do we meditate and why does it work for some people and not others? Is the energetic approach to meditation as important as the meditation?
The importance of the energy in meditation is momentous. Meditation can be either a head game or a heart centered time of connection. It has been said that the energy behind what we do is more important than what we are doing. From giving flowers to asking for a pen, there is an energy exchange which is felt subconsciously which is stronger than any words or actions. The same can be said about meditation. When there is an agenda or energy behind meditation which is not in alignment with the practice of meditation, the benefits are lost. As an example of agendas, when we are talking, we are not listening to what is being said by another. The same can be said when consumed by mind chatter . . . We cannot hear what is being said by another, nor are we able to meditate to save ourselves. When we are not listening to another, or we are meditating with an agenda, we tend to be regurgitating the same thoughts over and over again in our heads. There is no need to agree or disagree with what we are listening to, but the act of listening helps stop the constant cycle of repetitive thought. Become the witnesser of conversations and our thoughts and see the mind chatter slow. Try meditating without thought, concepts, purpose or an agenda of meditating. When a thought comes, let the thought pass through like a train passing through a train station. Let thoughts be just like noise, a chant or some music. To try to stop our thoughts is only unwanted additional activity for the mind! Letting go of thinking or not thinking, is one step closer to having a quieter mind. Distracting the mind can be very helpful, where there is a guided, musical or breathing meditation etc, which can be very helpful. Chanting brings a whole new dimension to meditation with the energy of chanting elevating us to a higher state with little thought or effort. The most basic and yet the highest vibration of sound which can be chanted, is OM. When it comes to breathing, just watch the breath and see that breath is happening with intention or without intention. Be the observer of breath and let breathing occur naturally. Slowly our inner and outer worlds come together as one. Postures are important, but it is also more important to be comfortable, but not so comfortable that we drift off to sleep. I sat cross legged for meditation for years and meditated quite successfully. Many teachers will insist on the Lotus position. . . . Which is ideal, but in the west, we need to start sitting in the Lotus position at an early age to achieve a degree of comfort while meditating in this position. I was recently questioned by a priestess in training about my back, and whether I suffered any discomfort in my lower back. I smiled and sheepishly said yes. She smiled back and explained the link between sitting cross legged and lower back problems. I felt conscious of my age and attempting the Lotus position, but the pleasant young lady quietly suggested the half Lotus position would be a great alternative. So, the half Lotus is with only one foot up on the thigh. Within three days, my back was feeling a lot more relaxed. Being mindful of balance, I alternate having one foot up on my thigh each meditation to get an even stretch across my lower back What are our options? Being comfortable is most important. Not being slumped is also important as this restricts our breathing. Having our backs too straight is not good either, as holding this position will be stressful to our backs and spread right through our body. If you need to be seated to be able to meditate, being seated is fine. Kneeling is also a great option, which is common in Burma and parts of China. What is not so good is the standard western cross-legged position, which is very common in the west. Then there is half Lotus and full Lotus positions which are preferred. Do not be concerned with progress, as this just becomes more chatter in the mind, and is like trying to still rough waters with a paddle. With time, as we continue to let go, meditation will happen with less and less effort; but the yin and yang comes into play here, as we must decide to let go while meditating. Happy meditations <3❤
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One who looks outside dreams; one who looks inside awakes. - Carl Jung
There is nothing wrong wanting to be awake or to be happy, but what is futile and can be seen not to work, as is to look for happiness externally to ourselves. To receive happiness externally to ourselves can only be a temporary experience of happiness. Real or long-term happiness can only be found within yourself. Distractions like TV and social media, stimulate our mind/thinking to create cravings and desires, triggering our external search for happiness. What is the answer? The old saying; "know thyself," is to know yourself by going beyond the limitation of our minds and what stimulates our thoughts. In contrast to knowing ourselves, is to be embroiled in uncontrollable external influences we rely on to create our happiness. When the pain of unhappiness gets great enough, or we see through the veil of illusion of thought, we can choose to look within. Only from the heart can you touch the sky. – Rumi. |
The AuthorTrevor has been on a spiritual quest of sorts since the age of nine. In the last twenty years there has been a dramatic increase in questioning, attending retreats, a year long workshop and listening to the masters from the East or closely connected to the masters. ArchivesCategories |