Perceptions of Meditation
We are all a unique expression of an infinite source. Whatever your belief we can all agree on that. As a result, we all receive information in our own individual way.
Imagine a window, that window is designed to allow light in and for those inside to see the world outside. Each of us have our own window. No one can look through another’s window, not really, we can try but, in the end, we are in our own room with our own windows. This window frames how we see our world, this window dictates our experience in our room (our life). Things that impact our view are;
· who installed the windows & room (culture & family of origin)
· the orientation of the window (Where we live)
· frosted or dirty glass (things taught from childhood)
· how many windows are in our room (experiences, variety)
· how big the window(s) are (how open we are)
· are the curtains open or shut (our engagement with our life)
· are the windows locked or open (safety & security as a child)
These elements combined create your unique view of the world around you, from individual ideology to larger more global belief structures.
Why do we discuss the analogy of the window? To discuss how our beliefs are formed assists in deepening our understanding of ourselves and others around us. Perceptions are born from this, so what does this have to do with meditation and a personal practice.
Your perception of meditation is dictated by your “window”, and how, if at all, it has framed meditation for you. The term meditation is used loosely in the west to encompass anything from, 10min relaxation to reflective prayer and “meditation” time as part of religious study. In the east meditation is seen as more specific practice, again dependent upon where you were raised in the world. It also depends on the time and era you were raised in throughout the west as to what this word “meditation” means to you.
What I am saying no matter where in the world or what time period you are from we all have a “window” for this term. We may see an image in our minds eye when we hear this word. These things can vary also from a feeling of ease or curiosity or even that’s a bit weird or that’s not for me, “I’m not into all that voodoo shit”. (That is a direct quote from a close friend when I started my study to be a meditation teacher.)
Regardless of your frame the important thing to know is there is no right or wrong way to address that loose term Meditation. Things begin to shift and change as we move into our motivations and goals within our own meditation practice. For the purposes of this blog and touching on my own practice and how I guide, we are looking at the reality of a daily practice and how it is relevant and what it can do for us individually. Take the expectation off yourself and allow yourself to be human, faults and all. We are all challenged by things, we don’t get it right all the time. Being honest with yourself will open a healing door for yourself. Not all practices work for everyone. Not every experience is love and light or ah ha moments and that is fine and NORMAL. You may struggle readying affirmation or engaging in a practice that a friend has raved about that “you just have to try”. That is ok!
Remember there is no right or wrong way. Be honest, be real. Real in the challenge as well as the joy! As you accept your experience with a personal practice you can feel more comfortable and confident to try new things. Learning about yourself as you grow. A change in view of yourself or experiences, belief etc. are fantastic this means growth. Things are supposed to change and progress in life. It is up to us their speed and trajectory.
Meditation is wonderful for personal development, deepening spiritual practice, along with improving physical & mental health. The motivation to engage in a meditation practice of any kind is a personal and private thing. How you engage with a practice is then up to you and can be shaped by all traditions you are then called to. Our perception of meditation is then how and where we will be directed to engage with our own practice. Allowing yourself the ability to be open and grow as you build your own practice will then give you the ability to be drawn to the elements of meditation that will be serve you for your growth and healing.