Are you a meditator? Have you thought about trying it out? It’s all the rage, you know?!
Over many years, my dabbling in meditation has become more regular and frequent, showing real results. I’m thinking more positively and less involved with wild horse emotional fluctuations.
My ongoing research into meditation through books, classes and retreats include work with Adyshanti, Pema Chödrön, Self-Realization Fellowship, Transcendental Meditation, Goenka Vipassana, A Course in Miracles and a month-long retreat in India. Over a couple of decades, these explorations have given me a compelling foundation to inspire more consistency in my meditation practice.
But, hear me loud and clear; this does not mean I continued with any sort of regularity.
In fact, I thought, “this should be easy, what is wrong with me for not sticking to this?!”
A few years ago, I asked a friend who sits daily; “what do you experience in your meditation practice?” Her eyes softened and slowly she answered, with indescribable peace painted across her face, “Pure bliss.”
Before talking with my friend, I had signed up for and cancelled a 10-day Vipassana retreat. The daily schedule is rigorous with minimal meals, silence and hours of mediation. After talking with my friend and other participants, I regained my courage, along with heeding the ‘call to go’ and actually attended the 10-day retreat in August 2019.
My dabbling with consistency is creating greater ease and confidence in the simple act of ‘sitting’ (or lying down).
If you are a meditator, or considering trying it out, your path will look different than mine. However, the journey is destined for the same inner solace, which has many names, but is ultimately nameless.
Currently, I’m enrolled in a 21-day Meditation for Healing online course. The first four days we covered
1. Starting a meditation practice
2. Meditation for self-awareness
3. Meditation for focus and visualization
4. Meditation for grounding
So far, the program is insightful. The teacher covers theory and technique. With her gentle guidance, relaxation follows. There are no expectations for what is ‘supposed’ to transpire.
Whatever happens, happens.
The course is providing space for daily practice and it feels really good. The simple act of observing the breath is remarkably calming.
Perhaps reading this will inspire you to take a break, sit for a few minutes, and enjoy your next inhale…and exhale.
Peace.
Clay Artist: Caroline Douglas
