I won’t meditate. How can a yoga teacher trained over 20 years ago, long before yoga was the ubiquitous activity it is today say something as blasphemous as this?
Yes, that’s me. The yoga teacher and anti-meditator. Makes no sense, does it? Why not mediate? Especially when the benefits of meditation have been scientifically proven through research, and when my medical doctor in fact recommends it.
When I say, “I won’t meditate,” what I’m actually saying is that I won’t confine myself to the rigid ideas that so many of us, including myself, have when it comes to meditation. What do you think of when you hear the word “meditate”? I know what pops into my head –sitting alone in a room in total stillness, on an ugly cushion with my back so straight my spine aches just imagining it, trying to be calm, when a zillion thoughts are swirling through my middle aged, neurotic, Jewish mind.
That’s why I’ve given up on the word “meditation.” While many would argue that I do actually meditate, I had to let go of the m-word along with all of my preconceived notions about it, so that I could truly engage in a mindful practice and open myself to the healing benefits of contemplative self-observation.
What do I call this practice? Listening. What does it entail for me? Here’s a brief description.
- Location –Inside or outside; both are fine.
- Position –Sometimes I like to lie down, other times sit, or stand.
- Motion –Gentle stillness, rolling around the floor, or quiet walking outside all work equally well.
- Sound –Silence is peaceful and most often a welcome preference, though singing or chanting mantra are beautiful alternatives that I enjoy on rare occasions.
- Awareness –In this process that I prefer to call “listening,” rather than “meditation,” I am simply stay present with myself and whatever is.
Many of you may be wondering, what does she actually do?! Well, my non-mediation of choice is gentle stretching. I like to lie down on the ground (I’ve usually been on my feet most of the day cooking, cleaning, and taking pictures for this website) and I want to recharge my adrenals (lying down helps with this).
During this practice I watch my thoughts float through my head like clouds in the sky. Sometimes this actually happens. At other times, my thoughts are less like clouds and more like children shouting for attention. It can get really loud in my head. Thankfully, hanging out with this cacophony for a few of minutes calms down the veritable storm of ideas, feelings and sensations that run through me. When I slow down and listen, I can hear what’s going on inside. Listening to myself, and being heard allows my mind to come into neutral, and that is when I begin to sink into my body and feel the bliss of true relaxation.
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There’s a look into my daily relaxation practice! What do you do each day to nurture your body, mind and spirit?
Jacqie says
My (Jewish) husband and I were just talking about this last night. At 72 and 61 , he and I have done a lot. We are liberal, humanist, traveled all over the world, been to india, Esalen, etc, etc – and we love and honor all of our experiences, including yet another recent attempt to get into yoga. No need to go over the list. But he looked at me last night and said “You know, I really can’t stand yoga.” Why? It’s rigid, timed, and it hurts. And it’s boring. And then there are the equally rigid expectations of “meditation.” None of this is new to us – we’ve had a lifetime of doing this. We both agreed that we would rather do our own thing; stretch and feel our own bodies in our own way and in a way that feels good. Stretch out like a cat and roll around. Walk and work outdoors, breathing in fresh air and feeling the sun on our faces. Be quiet and watch the clouds. Be present inside ourselves, observe, continue to learn. Laugh! Love. Value our work. Your comments could not have come at a better time. Thank you for sharing them.
Kristine says
I love your blog…it has helped me so much! Just being out in nature helps center me….sitting against a tree reading, walking the dog through the woods…all peaceful centering acts :)
Mary Ellen says
I have been meditating now for nine years following the teachings of the NEw Kadampa Tradition of Budhism. What encourages me to continue to meditate is knowing that meditation is a practice (like practicing the piano, somedays better than others) and I know it is “correct”, whatever it looks like on the outside, is when my mind changes from a negative state to a positive state and I have a contented, happy day.
Toni says
I find that anything that takes me away from consciousness of myself and my worries- is like a meditation.
When I am ‘out there’ I do not know I am until later – when I come back to my body and personal awareness. Being involved in something really creative like painting, sewing, gardening, sometimes Yoga, or watching a movie can do it for me.
I really became aware after watching ‘The Life of Pi’ recently, that I had not been in my self conscious body at all – it seemed quite miraculous!
Karen says
Thanks. I once did a ten day ‘sit’ and learned a lot about being still and the power of focusing on breath. That said, I do best when I just get quiet and focus on ‘being’. I LOVE doing this at the beach when I can get there, but anywhere with water I find particularly peaceful. The back deck is another favorite spot. It’s portable and can be done anywhere, including the truck between appointments or engagements or errands. I once had someone chastise me while I sat on a park bench because my legs were not in a lotus position. ;^) Oh well, whatever works. It’s nice to learn I’m not the only person who doesn’t ‘follow the rules’.
Pat says
Thank you Elana for a renewed definition of meditation. If someone asks “Do you meditate?” I can honestly say “Yes”.
js says
Yoga moves have so many benefits, regardless of the mind set.
DamselflyDiary says
I try to meditate but usually argue my way into it and then beat myself up for not doing it “right.” And, I almost always meditate lying down. Not one for falling asleep easily, I find this position so much more comfortable for my back and much easier to relax into.
For now, I am adopting a more open approach. Staring out the window – meditating. Lying in bed petting the cat – meditating. Deep breathing before or during stretching/yoga – meditating.
I heard someone speak this past weekend who openly expressed what I have thought for a very long time, we make all of this (referring to spirituality/health & healing/self help) far too complicated. And when we do that, it all becomes too discouraging.
It does more harm than good to beat ourselves up while trying to do what’s good for us!
Sita says
Meditation is simply relaxing the mind.
Lisa Daniel says
I can actually really enjoy a led meditation but when left to my own devices, I meditate while exercising most of all. Lying down with soothing music is nice too =) Even when meditating in a group, I allow my body to be in its most comfortable position.