It's interesting how "in this day and age" as the saying goes, many people still view meditation as some "new age", "hocus pocus" practice. Looking back through history, there are written records of many great people engaging, and reveling in moments of solitary, deep introspection, creating awareness from within.
Other misconceptions include the idea that meditation is about clearing your mind. Thinking about nothing. I've been practicing meditation for over 30 years, and I can tell you succinctly that you will not benefit from meditation until you dismiss this perceived expectation. As a matter fact, I'm going to share a "not so secret" secret here about meditation, what you should really expect, and how to gain the most from starting a practice of meditation.
Meditation - What to Expect
Here's my number one rule to getting the most from meditation:
Expect nothing.
That's right. Expect nothing. "So then why would I ever take a meditation class, or hire a guided meditation instructor if I should expect nothing." Fair question. Here's my best reply: When you look back on the most joyful, enlightening, altering experiences that entered your life, how many of them were planned or expected? And so it goes with meditation. Just as those experiences in your life that you just reflected on, there are only a few things required to allow for the greatest benefit from meditation, when just starting your practice.
Be present. Just take the time to make the time. Nothing happens without this simple gesture. And to make it easy, let's begin by setting aside 5 minutes. Who doesn't have 5 minutes to dedicate to their overall wellness?
Now that you've committed to making the time, you need a place. Keep in mind that your space for meditation doesn't have to be a dark quiet room alone, or on a beach with the ocean at your feet. But it definitely should be in a space where you won't be disturbed for those 5 minutes that you set aside. So, if wireless headphones and a lunch break in the car is what you have, use it. On the train to work; you've got 5 minutes. Are these locations what one might consider ideal? Not initially, but once you begin your practice and understand what meditation is, and is not, you'll be able to reap the benefits anytime, any place.
Ok - So What IS Meditation?
In prayer, people talk and ask for things. In meditation, we listen. We begin by becoming aware of our thoughts, sensations, emotions, and how they're all interconnected. Some might refer to this as the "mindfulness" stage. In meditation, we give ourselves the opportunity to hear answers. Early in life, we're taught that one cannot listen properly and talk at the same time. A consistent practice of meditation brings clarity and focus. Have you ever seen or had one of those massive jigsaw puzzles? You spread them out, and pieces are everywhere. However, with dedication of time, a few minutes here, a few minutes there, few hours here...Those pieces begin to come together, and form a definitive picture. How fast the picture comes together is dependent upon your effort, focus, and patience. If we commit to going deeper into our practice, some of are fortunate enough to experience a state of samadhi - a conscious state of oneness. This is where we experience those floating, weightless sensations, and loss of sense of time. This is true meditation.
Thanks for reading.
Ajani
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