A Journey in Meditation

Sometimes things are just meant to be. Have you ever had that experience? You know, when you think of how you’d love to do something however work, family, or just life in general gets in the way and you can’t seem to make it happen? Well that had been my experience in learning meditation up until a few years ago. I had seen classes advertised in our local paper and dreamt of attending them, however felt that the timing of the classes would cause additional pressure and stress, just for me to attend. And that, in my mind, wasn’t conducive of attending meditation classes at all.

Well, after a job change; freeing up some space in my life; and a chance glimpse of a meditation classes flyer in a local store – one and one have finally equalled two. The timing of meditation classes and my schedule were invariably aligned and I was about to embark on my journey into meditation! I may have been in my late forties, now early 50s, but I guess it’s better late than never – right?!

Let me take you on my Meditation journey, in the hope it encourages you to look at this form of healing, as that’s what I believe it is. Meditation can be described as many things - thinking or contemplation; and daydreaming or fantasizing. To me it has always been viewed as a silent period of time where you clear your head and literally think of nothing. Yep, nothing! How the heck can one do this? I have a monkey brain that takes quite a bit to shut off. Give me a predicament and I can run it through my mind 50,000 times. How on earth can people just shut off their thoughts?

Healing can be referred to in many forms, and can be experienced at all levels – those of Mind, Body and Soul. Just think of meditation as a way of healing the mind, and benefiting our mental health. There are so many mediums and devices in the 21st century that supposedly require our mind and attention. Meditation can be a way to alleviate some of that strain on the mind. Then there’s our body’s innate ability to regenerate skin where there once was a cut or a scar; or receiving a massage to loosen tight muscles and unblock stagnant energy. These too are described as healing. And then, sometimes often neglected, there’s the soul. You know, that thing that you find hard to describe, and can’t quite put your finger on, but it sometimes lets you know that something just isn’t quite right or balanced. Music is a great healer of the soul, along with connecting with others of similar mind and interests.

Anyway …. Back to my meditation journey. I was only week three into an eight-week course at the time of writing, and am relishing everything I am learning and experiencing through meditation. I am one of a group of approximately 30 who attend weekly meditation classes designed to develop basic skills of meditation to enable self-practice anytime and anywhere. Last night’s class is the catalyst that has prompted me to write about Meditation. It was a doozy!

So, cutting to the chase … What have I learnt? Well, I’ve learnt that:

> I can clear my mind. It can actually happen, and the more I do it the easier it is becoming. Focussing on the breath assists in clearing the mind, and chanting or guided meditation can also be of benefit.

> Thoughts can enter my mind during meditation now, but they attract no focus. It’s just like they’re passing through – without attachment. I’m actually loving the ‘space’ that this provides.

> Chanting in a group is just phenomenal!! Capital W - O - W!!! If you’ve never felt energy vibration before in your life then get to a meditation class where chanting is performed on a regular basis. If you have experienced that feeling before, and just want more of it, then get to meditation classes.

> I haven’t become as frustrated with circumstances outside of my control since commencing meditation classes. For example, I found myself calmly sitting and meditating while waiting at an appointment (where they were running 55 minutes late) AND, I didn’t get frustrated at the delay.

> I have found problems/issues/thoughts (whatever you want to call them) being processed in my mind only 10,000 times now – not 50,000 as in the past. Well the numbers are an exaggeration, but you get what I mean. Lol. I simply seem to be not sweating the small stuff as much.

> Chanting Aum during meditation increases the connection to your heart centre. Wowser again! How amazing does this feel!? Too often we spend most of our time in our heads, and to experience some time connecting with the heart is just beautiful. I’ve also found that the more I connect with my heart centre, the easier it is becoming.

> And another benefit is when I wake during the night. Rather than tossing and turning; getting frustrated that I can’t get back to sleep, I find myself in a calmer state; connecting with my breath, and drifting quite easily off into dreamland again.

So, here’s my five recommendations for you attending Meditation classes.

1. Go - with an open mind. People do meditation for various reasons. Your reasons may be the same of different. You may know a lot or a little. You may have done meditation before, or then again perhaps not. It simply doesn’t matter. Meditation will deliver what you need it to in the moment.

2. Go - with unlimited views of what meditation will provide for you. Trust me, it will not disappoint!

3. Go - knowing you could be the youngest, the eldest, or just somewhere in between. We have approximately 30 attending the classes I go to and the ages range from early 20s to late 60s/early 70s.

4. Go – and when you’re there, throw yourself into it. Immerse yourself in all it offers. You will benefit from in tenfold.

5. Go – for the good of your health and wellbeing! I can’t guarantee what you will get out of it, but I can say with 100% conviction, that you will be a better person through your learning of meditation.

Feel free to share your meditation experiences in the comments below. I’d love to hear what benefits you have gained, and even what you have lost.