Meditations on ‘meditation’
- “I am unable to meditate, focus”
- “How do I meditate?”
- “Can you connect me with someone who can guide me with meditation?”
A lot of such practical questions come from friends, family, clients, and aspiring coaches whom we mentor. I guided some, some made great progress.
One of them called out of the blue to share he felt a new awareness, joy! It took several months’ daily practice, he shared. Another friend would acknowledge my guidance whenever the topic came up in the group.
I always remembered to tell them, it was your intent, focus & action. I knew I was just blessed to be a mirror!
One big lesson I learned from one of my healing mentors was “hubris”, which was the worst kind of ego, with the maximum karmic 🧳 baggage!
1988 June. I had just met my Guru. When He invited us to ask questions, I asked, “how to meditate?”
He knew that question was from an unprepared mind! He did not discourage. Guided some basic elements on posture, breathing, etc. What I also learned was, we confuse meditation with basic concentration. I learned, there are 3 levels:
- Concentration
- Contemplation
- Meditation
I continued to work on my posture, presence, awareness. But the choice to focus deeply on breathing came much later!
The journey just took charge! I allowed myself to go with the flow. At times, out of lethargy.
I still firmly believe, if we take initial steps (free will), and stay on with discipline, guidance will come to you. Over and above the experience of many practitioners.
It is all about starting & staying on track!
Along the way I got introduced to TM at the bank, Art of Living/Sudarshan Kriya through a mildly persistent client, and Landmark happened later (all at basic levels). As I made the transition from corporate to entrepreneurship, I got introduced to healers, and I learned to heal, leading to two healing certifications (both basic and advanced). Healing certifications remain my personal spiritual journey, sadhana.
With the professional focus on executive coaching and mentoring aspiring coaches, and chose to take that route for deeper learnings in that space.
Yoga and music classes started as I settled down in my new avatar as an entrepreneur. Ashtanga yoga and Carnatic music were on my bucket list! Both now ticked, thanks to wonderful trainers.
Indeed the teacher manifests when student is ready!
Isha Inner Engineering & Vipassana happened recently during covid!
Every step helped me experience the nuances of meditation! And a lot more.
Concentration, Contemplation and Meditation remained the cornerstone of my journey, on the foundation of posture, awareness, relaxed breathing. The grace my my Guru.
Along the way I read, explored, attended short satsangs, online workshops/groups.
Today, FB memories brought up images from the ICF event in Dubai. The Keynote speaker had asked us, ‘how many of you meditate daily?’ (Paraphrasing based on my memory)
Got to connect and interact with the other keynote speaker, Marshall Goldsmith. Today, on #thanksgiving2021 I greeted them on FB, tagging them to the memories.
‘How does it get better than that, what else is possible’
In my practice as a professional coach, mentor coach & at times a healer, I incorporated meditation. Initially to prepare me, then to help the client. Somewhere, unknowingly I stopped both. The need had disappeared. The reflection after sessions, has become stronger.
Every client is a default coach. Every interaction is a learning opportunity. I was pleasantly surprised to see medical staff recommending ‘breathe deeply’ before a blood test or vaccination or an occasional blood 🩸’ donation’!
Beyond concentration and contemplation, meditation was happening effortlessly… Beyond effort. Doing to Being!
‘Miles to go before I sleep’.
I am now more curious about the practice. Interested only in experience not in any intellectual discussion. For it has to be experienced.
It was fascinating to see the rhythm of the creation, all beings (birds, animals, pets, trees & plants), all deeply meditative. Prakrithi, a reflection of Purusha!
Are you meditative here & now ? Sat_Chit_Ananda, as Joseph Campbell re-phrases as ‘Follow Bliss’
