What is Meditation

Meditation is either a search for our True Self or a conscious resting in and as our True Self. While we are seeking, meditation is the method through which we seek, and it goes on until we discover what we are; until we "come back Home to our True Self." Or one could say; we search for our True Self, until it dawns on us that it was here all along, and that we have always known it. This moment of discovering the Original Nature, is referred to as "awakening." And after we awaken to the Source that we are, meditation becomes a focused resting in and as our True Self.

I keep using different words for our True Self because it is not definable. You will hear many different words referring to this same Source that we are beyond our physical, mental and emotional body. By alternating the words referring to our True Self, we avoid forming a specific image or idea of what it is. The more open we are, without expectations of what our True Self might feel or look like, the higher the likelihood that we will "find ourselves.." and realize it was never lost. From the moment we come into this body, we just turn our attention away from it and forget. Only to sooner or later have a desire arise to find it again. And this finding has so many immensely beautiful effects on our remaining time in this body. Worry, anxiety, regret, fear and depression are replaced with gratitude, trust, peace, love and a breathtaking intimacy with each moment.

Many people come to meditation because they have heard that it can decrease their suffering and bring some peace to their lives. And this is a fine reason and entry point. No religious affiliation is necessary nor do you have to be "spiritual.." On the other hand any religious or spiritual affiliation is fine as well. If your main motivation is decreased suffering and increased peace, you can certainly have some while meditating. But when meditation is used as a tranquilizer or as an escape from life, the peace will at best only last while you are meditating and a short time after.

When meditation is done right, initially the opposite of peace is common. When we sit down, get quiet and open ourselves up to the Unknown, our "stuff" and unhealed wounds often rise to the surface. But if we are willing to welcome this eruption with curiosity and respect, it is a fantastic opportunity to heal and release, and our life will indeed VERY SOON have less suffering and be filled with true and LASTING peace, and our meditation will take us on an amazing and beautiful internal never ending adventure.

The reason we sit still, quiet and often with our eyes closed during meditation, is because it makes it easier to let go of our outside world and focus on our internal world. Sitting comfortably in silence makes our attention available to be redirected and when we are still and quiet it is also easier to catch our attention when it drifts away from seeking or Source and into thought or other distractions.

But after you have been meditating regularly for a while, you will be able to rest in Silence even in the midst of chaos. This ability brings great power and liberation to your daily life. A gap between an event and your response is created. You will no longer be a victim of gut reactions or regrettable actions. The degree to which we react to life vs consciously chose our response is usually proportionate to our unhealed wounds and unquestioned conditioning. In my class "Living Meditation," I show you how to take meditation into your every breath and step.

If this blog has increased your curiosity about meditation, please enjoy my "Meditation 101" class or welcome to private meditation coaching.