What Meditation Isn't : An Honest Explanation from a Certified Instructor.
HOLLIE COPE, CMdT, LMT
Have you ever attended a meditation class and afterwards, found yourself even more confused about what you were supposed to learn? Did you have more questions after attending the class than you did before?
It’s happened to me more times than I’d like to admit. All too often, classes focus on the “style” or “method” of meditation and only emphasize the protocol that is meant to be followed. Sometimes the instructor will begin with something like, ”This is a Meditation by Osho, and here are the steps.” To me, it is much like being given a recipe that calls for certain ingredients to be mixed together in a certain order- but failing to mention whether the process will render a casserole or a cake! Before I engage in a special practice by Osho, I need to know who “Osho” is and what is intended or expected to manifest from such a specific practice. After many experiences and many hours of self-study, I have indubitably realized that the practice protocols of Osho are not for me; even though some of his teachings are universal and relevant. Your instructors will never be able to tell you what you should adopt for your personal meditation practice. At the same time, they should be able to concisely answer why THEY connect with the methods that they are teaching to others.
The other common approach to teaching meditation is centered around the seemingly impossible directive of “clearing the mind.” Students are invited into a serene space, with walls painted in calming colors that “speak to healing.” Fountains tinkle in the background. Blankets and herbal tea are warm and plentiful. A Stephen Halpern soundtrack from the late 80’s that pays homage to the age of the instructor’s own healing journey chimes softly. Don’t get me wrong, I love Stephen Halpern and he is a classic new-age staple. His music is indeed healing; even more so if you understand that it isn’t just a collection of pretty sounds. It’s much like how meditation is far more than a collection of pretty thoughts; or in contrast, the purging of un-pretty ones. Still, you are instructed to finish your tea once the ten minute greet-and-meet comes to a close. You find a comfortable space to sit. You are told to breathe deeply and to observe silence for the hour. You are told to clear your mind. You are told that it will take a long time before you may be able to effectively master the practice.So there you sit; trying to adjust your body quietly or not move at all. Your joints and muscles scream against the silence that you are supposed to have invited into your inner space. Your thoughts race, and you desperately try to push them away like a swarm of angry river gnats. By the end of the hour, you feel physically exhausted and emotionally flayed. You have proven to yourself that you are completely unworthy of the practice of meditation. You assure yourself that since you weren’t raised in the Himalayas, that you are genetically insufficient for studies such as this. That is, until you begin to pay attention to the chatter from the other attendees who are paying their $10 class fee and refilling their cups of chamomile and chai. You hear a few testimonies from those who are in regular attendance of the “class” that say they have been coming for months but still can’t clear their mind. One proud student admits that her meditation practice of five years has never fully allowed her to grow spiritually or mentally; but she’s gradually pushing past the discomfort. Teaching herself “to sit on the floor has been great for opening her hip-flexors.”
You see, this is what Meditation ISN’T.
Meditation is not about following a pre-determined template. Meditation is not the practice of copying the “Masters.” Meditation is not merely “clearing your mind.” Meditation is not about a perfect space or a ceremonious time in which to practice. Meditation is not about external influences lulling you away into a facade of relaxation or comfort. Meditation, as I have come to understand from my own journey and a variety of teachers and experiences, is actually the opposite of all of that.
Meditation is about observing your thoughts.
Meditation is learning to control how your mind reacts to stimulus at any time, or in any place. Meditation is about expansion and not restriction. I am going to say that again, just so those in the back who are fidgeting with their yoga mats or who might be fingering pieces of quartz held by knotted hemp threads will hear me. Meditation is about expansion and not restriction. Meditation is about your individual, unique needs and the ownership of your own patterns and practice. There is no master, guru, mala, crystal, mantra, mudra, magical tea or romantic room that will ever guide you into becoming the master of your own mind. Like water, your thoughts will always try to find a place to seep in and seek level stillness; and many times, that level is higher than your shoulders. Therefore, you must adjust the elemental nature of your thoughts, and you must identify the source. Now, you wouldn’t have grand stories and legendary tales about meditation masters if it were all that easy- but the most major fallacy about approaching mediation as a beginner is the concept of “clearing your mind.” Try observing your mind instead. See if your practice deepens rather quickly by comparison. In order to effectively observe your thoughts, understanding their source and adjusting their elemental nature- you will, indeed, need initial intervention from a teacher. That teacher may be online, in person, or in print. If you have experienced the aforementioned scenario when attending local group classes, try the following tips to help shape a growing meditation practice that will create space and healing in your life.
Eat Right and Move Your Body.
Did you know that the practice of Yoga was primarily designed to prepare practitioners for Meditation study? The Western concept of Yoga is like most other fitness programs; it is approached with a specific fitness goal in mind and tends to compete with the body rather than create balance within it. Yoga is a discipline; just like eating well. Your physical body must be given loving discipline for it to better connect with your mind. If you have trouble sitting on the floor and haven’t mastered “Lotus Position,” try sitting in your favorite chair and continue to eat clean and stretch daily. You will get where you need to be in time.
Set a Realistic Time and Duration.
Depending on your personal goals and lifestyle, you may need to determine what time of day is best for you to practice. Also, don’t try to sit for an hour your first time. Just try 10 minutes to start.
Keep a Notebook Nearby.
At first, you may not be able to remember all of the things you find yourself wanting to keep track of by the time your session ends. While some may argue that opening the eyes and focusing on writing would break the brainwave activity specific to certain stages of meditation, as a beginner, stop and write things down. If you feel that you can remember everything you would like to, try to make it to the end of your session before jotting it down.
If you are Spiritual, Invite a Spiritual Anchor To Your Practice.
Meditation is not a religious practice; nor does it require spiritual focus. Meditation is a practice for all people, regardless of their personal religious or spiritual affiliation. At the same time, if you are a spiritual person or subscribe to a particular religion, let your practice reflect that. Did you know that Paul, in his Letter to the Romans (found the in the KJV Bible, 8:26) says “In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” Greek is the original language of this Scripture and the phonetically spelled transliteration of word for “Pray” is “Proseuchomai.” The prefix “Pros” means “to come before, or be in advantage of.” “Euchomai” means “To ask or to wish.” Therefore, “Proseuchomai” more specifically means “Before we ask,” or “Before the Asking.”
Effectively, if you wish to apply a Christian perspective, meditation is actually the practice of prayer. By observing the word “pray” with the all of the nuances from the original language, “prayer” seems to be intended to first understand our petitions to God; therefore rendering us more open to listen and receive God’s response. No matter your spiritual affiliation, this is a universal concept. We have only in modern times, reduced “prayer” into mere petitioning. At any rate, whether you are a devout Christian, Muslim, Jew- or find yourself devoid of spiritual affiliation, it is wise to create an anchor. Personally, as a “Believer” in Lord Jesus, I invite Him into my practice. I envision His presence with me, and I ask that anything untrue or negative be filtered by His Grace. The same concept can greatly help a beginning student of meditation who may be atheist or agnostic. For instance, a positive anchor could be “Love.” When you set a word or theme for your practice, let your thoughts be filtered by your anchor. If the thought doesn’t resonate with your anchor, let it pass by without further attachment or introspection.
Don't have expectations based on peer experiences or trends.
It is common to hear people excitedly share about their amazing experiences in meditation; especially within certain styles such as Transcendental Meditation, made famous by the iconic Rock and Roll Band, ‘The Beatles.’ Meditation is not about seeking outward or having visions, nor should you set a goal to “see” or “understand” anything in particular. The psychedelic and out-of-body experiences reported by practitioners of this style have never been of interest to me. However, many eyes have widened upon my mention of it. It is also common to hear stories from practitioners about their personal achievements or experiences. While it can be a mutually beautiful and expansive exchange, do not set goals based on the shared experiences of others. Do not have expectations for your practice. As with many self-actualizing practices, concepts of “reality” can easily be challenged and the acknowledgment of such can be very exciting. However, if you find yourself interested in Meditation for any reason other than building a healthier life through developing self-disciplines, you may need to explore your curiosities before starting a practice. Speak with a teacher or experienced practitioner who can assist you with your questions. If you have specific questions about what Meditation IS or ISN’T, I hope that you will find me to be a compassionate and helpful resource.
Hollie Cope is a Certified Meditation Instructor from the Shree Mahesh Heritage School in Rishikesh, India since 2016. She has practiced as a Clinical Bodywork Therapist and Licensed Massage Therapist in Georgia since 2003, and is currently pursuing professional endeavors as a creative content designer and Complementary Health Consultant.
One Comment:
Dr. Robert Webb Simmons
Excellent website. Extensive, very thorough. Smart, just like you! One section on contact not yet working, know this is a work in progress. You know me well so will talk it better than I can key punch it in on my iPad. Will call.