What does meditation really do for us? Does it give us a few moments of relative quiet or do the benefits go further? What’s your experience of meditation?
In an attempt to answer the question posed at the top of this blog, I’ll share my experience and journey with meditation. Back in 1998 I first attempted meditation, for a couple of weeks I read a book, listened to tapes (no CD’s or iPods back then!) but no matter what I did, I couldn’t get the noise of my mind out of the meditation experience. Which meant that I wasn’t meditating properly as I understood that meditation was about quietening the mind. That was it! The tapes and book were consigned to a cupboard until many years later when they were given to the charity shop.
Do you recognise that kind of experience? Or perhaps you know someone whose experience something similar.
Looking back, I realise that I simply wasn’t ready for meditation. The very fact that I was judging my meditation experience showed that I wasn’t ready. There was more work for me to do on me. At the time, I though that meditation wasn’t for me, that it didn’t offer me anything.
But, here’s something to think about; when we are ready, we are ready…..
Roll on 15 years. 15 years of work on me, with input and support from many wise, loving and talented mentors, guides and coaches. My next attempt at meditation was about to commence!
What a difference! Within the first couple of days I learned that every meditation is perfect and what an amazing insight that turned out to be. Because, not only did that free me from judging mediation experiences but it opened the path that freed me from judgment in every aspect of my life.
Understanding that everything is perfect, just as it is, has completely transformed my life. Because when you know that everything is perfect then acceptance of each and every moment is a given. What else can you do other than accept the divine perfection of the moment?
That moment by moment acceptance can only be experienced through presence in the moment. And there is a basis for a life of gratitude. Because by being present and accepting the moment, we are being grateful for the perfection of every moment. The acceptance can only take place whilst we are being grateful.
The power of meditation, the power to bring us to the present and to accept the present with love and gratitude serves millions of people every moment of every day.
Returning to the question at the top of this blog.
I hope you can see through my story that meditation is a path, it is one of the paths to heartfelt connection. It’s not the only path but it is a well-trodden path.
Try it and see if it’s the path for you.
With love
x