Exploring the Meaning of Meditation ♡

The practice of meditation is growing in popularity in the western world. Mindfulness in particular is such a buzz word! However, there is still so much confusion and misunderstanding surrounding what meditation actually is. 

Most people I meet tell me that they would like to practice meditation and that they think it would be good for them. They have usually attended the odd class and/or explored online resources and apps, have often picked up a few techniques and know a couple of basic guidelines. Most people I meet who have tried meditation have experienced the benefits of the practice and have some understanding of what it means to meditate. 

However, it can be astonishingly difficult to uncover a simple and comprehensible answer as to what meditation actually is. When I wrote my masters research paper on the benefits of mindfulness and when I began teaching my meditation workshops, I discovered just how much confusion and vague-ness existed surrounding meditation practice.

One of the reasons I believe meditation is hard to explain is that it is not an intellectual practice, and does not actually have much business at all in our thinking, processing, analytical minds. This means that, at a cognitive level, our brains have trouble understanding and accepting the practice of meditation. Meditation is a practice that must be practiced. We can read about meditation, we can talk about meditation, we can spend hours attempting to grasp the idea of meditation, but until we actually practice, and commit to practicing, will we fully understand, accept and experience this phenomenon.

In our current age of information, the lack of a clear understanding and definition of what meditation is can prove to be limiting, confusing and even counterproductive. I believe that practicing meditation is one of the very best things that we can do for our health and well-being. I also believe that if more people understood how accessible, natural and joyful meditation can be, we could eliminate a lot of issues and live in a happier, healthier and kinder world.  

Meditation is a practice of connecting with our Self; our unconditioned Self, our unchanging Self and from a non-dualist perspective our One Self. At the heart of meditation is the idea that our true identity is whole and connected to all of life and to all that is. There is reference to the Self in all spiritual traditions; some call it God, love, grace, the soul, pure awareness, or simply a sense of ‘okay-ness’. 

I think it is important to note that many people in western society may not have the words, the language or a sense of ‘permission’ to connect to, or express, this ultimate goal of meditation. In many western circles language that alludes to spirituality is frowned upon or even ridiculed. I believe that this may be another reason why the true meaning of meditation is often mis-understood or unappreciated. 

To practice meditation is to practice opening to the idea that at our essence we are more than our emotions, thoughts, personality, experiences, relationships and ideas. 

Just like when we go to the gym we must trust that over-time we will build muscle, stamina and fitness, with meditation we must trust that over-time the perception of our lived experience will change and our access to a Self beyond our psychology and senses will strengthen.

In order to connect with our Self in meditation we use tools such as intention setting, guided imagery, breath sensing and body scanning. These tools help us connect with the present moment, access a natural innate sense of wellness and love and accept a reality that is not attached to our thinking, critical minds. 

Once we have connected with this loving, true nature and can accept this as our identity we open our awareness to meet sensation and psyche in a practice called mindfulness. In mindfulness we locate, meet and interact with all that is present in our awareness, including thoughts, emotions, beliefs, memories and feelings. 

Many people use the terms mindfulness and meditation interchangeably. Mindfulness is in fact a meditation tool or technique, and can also be referred to as open awareness. We can not truly practice mindfulness without also practicing meditation. When practicing mindfulness it is important that we continue to practice connecting with our true Self identity; one of loving wholeness and one-ness. This way, we can recognise and appreciate that all that arises within our psychology and senses is not our identity and cannot control, consume or limit us. We can welcome and meet each sensation with loving, open, compassionate arms. Just like the Sufi poet, Rumi so beautifully illustrates in their poem ‘The Guesthouse’ we can welcome each sensation as a visitor, and we can kindly, with no attachment, listen to what they have to share.

I often like to compare the practice of mindfulness meditation with the practice of experiencing and appreciating art. Both in art and in mindfulness we can receive and experience messages that are beautiful, complicated, powerful, moving and intense. However, in both examples we can safely accept that the messages received are not our identity and can not change or control our reality. Sometimes, like with our psychology and senses, artwork is not pretty or cheerful, and sometimes we have moments when we feel lost or consumed with the message and forget our reality. This is why meditation is a practice, a practice of remembering and a practice of trusting and a practice of accepting our Selves as empowered, loving and completely whole. 

Meditation really is the most natural, beautiful, joyful, loving and mind-expanding experience. But don’t take my word for it. Stop trying to convince your brain. The real magic happens when we show up to practice, when we make a commitment, show a little willingness and are open to receive the tools, guidance and support that is offered. There is no such thing as a perfect meditation practice. However the more we practice, the more we realise and can accept just how perfect we really are. 

If you feel called to explore the practice of meditation more deeply, I would love to invite you to my upcoming meditation workshop; Cultivating Calm ♡