What is Meditation?

Most simply, meditation is a process of tuning in to our inner being and silencing the system to bring about a lasting state of peace and happiness. Through meditation and contemplation about it, we experience our original nature as peace. We learn that true happiness must come from within. We learn that what we do matters that we need to have kindness and compassion for all. As we become able to stay calm always, we find a stable and lasting inner peace, regardless of ever changing external conditions and life situations. We become better human beings. It brings us so much that meditation really is the core of the simple yoga life. 

     Many people's minds are continually in superdrive these days. Families, careers, so much to do just to keep up that everyday feels like being off to the races. Multitasking has become the norm even though it is so far from a normal state of being! It throws our systems out of balance. Meditation refocuses us, slows us down, and reminds us that there is a part of us that is still and is silently witnessing all the racing around. Meditation reminds us of who we really are.

     Let's be clear that meditation is NOT religion. While some religious systems do include meditation as part of their practices (Buddhism, for example), meditation need not be associated with any one path or belief system. All the meditations here are presented without a belief of any external creator of our universe or the beings in it, or of any supreme being who has any control over what happens. Whatever an individual believes is fine and right for that individual, and meditations suggested here are for everyone!

     Technique can be simple. Some ideas for structured meditation practices will be suggested here. But just gazing at the sky, the ocean, a flower, taking a walk in nature, doing yoga asanas or exercise, playing a musical instrument, or painting can all be meditation. Each person needs to try a few different ways to find the ones that suit him or her best. It is not necessary to take a long course or pay lots of money. Often a combination of practices is most effective. 

     Many groups insist that it is essential to sit in a perfect posture, such as lotus, with an erect spine to meditate. The main reason for this is that many people are more likely to fall asleep lying down. Sometimes the purpose of the practice in certain paths is also to raise kundalini energy and so they say the spine needs to be erect. The simple yoga life purpose, however, is to bring out inner peace and happiness. If the meditator wants to practice horizontally, that is more than fine!!