Do you meditate regularly? Do you meditate occasionally? Do you have thoughts that you should meditate more? Do you have any judgments about meditation that might prevent you from doing it? Do you know other people who meditate? Have you had the thought that your friend who meditates is a bit odd? Have you discounted meditation because you are concerned others might think you are odd? Would talking about meditation with your friends or family members make you feel uncomfortable?
I have most certainly answered yes to every one of these questions at some point. I suspect many others have as well. Unfortunately, because meditation has not yet been fully accepted by western culture, many of us are uncomfortable talking about it because we don’t want to feel judged. Several years ago, I overheard someone I knew mockingly comment that my wife and I were, “on our Zen plane.” That remark made me self-conscious for a long time, but now I realize I was on the right track and I should have accepted that comment as a compliment!
There has been definite progress, no doubt. With the help of Yoga as a mainstream fitness practice, phone apps such as Headspace and Calm, and buy-in from celebrity culture, the word is definitely getting out. Yet, I know its not mainstream yet as I still get eye rolls and sense a general discomfort around many people when the topic comes up in conversation. Interestingly, the conversation is much easier to have in places like California than it is in my home state of North Carolina. Blending, mixing and general acceptance of ideas and practices takes time, of course.
Today’s post is not about the different types of meditation, nor is it about all of the incredible benefits that can result from a consistent meditation practice. There are many, many great books and teachings available to help with that. No, today I just simply want to encourage those who do meditate not to be afraid to talk about it with those who don’t. I’m not encouraging a soap box or a pulpit. But I am suggesting that we overcome our fears of judgment by becoming more open about the topic. Those with a very consistent meditation practice usually have no problem talking about it with others since it has probably helped them remove those fears. I think this call to action is more for those who are intrigued, just getting started, or believe that they should meditate more but have some doubts or uncertainty about it. Here’s the thing: everyone should meditate.
We’ve learned throughout this blog about consciousness and the unconscious. We’ve taken that a little deeper and talked about introverts and extraverts and their tendencies towards subjective vs. objective consciousness. There is the old saying that, “we know what we know, we know what we don’t know, and we don’t know what we don’t know.” I love this because it speaks right to the heart of our nature as human beings. As the eyes can only see a small portion of the spectrum of visible light, our conscious awareness is only a small opening into the fullness of all that exists in the unconscious.
We know we should exercise because it’s good for our bodies. Nothing but exercise will help you be stronger and more fit from a cardiovascular standpoint. We know we should eat healthy foods to nourish our bodies. We know we should read books to expand our minds and to learn new things. Whether we do these things or not, it is generally accepted that we “should.” Meditation is the only way that I know of for quieting the mind to expand consciousness and getting to know oneself more deeply. Why is this not yet a generally accepted “should?”
Many of us get out of bed and jump straight into our day. Chug a coffee, exercise, take a shower, get the kids ready for school, work eight hours, figure out what’s for dinner, spend some time with the kids before bed, hit the pillow and crash. Repeat daily. This is objective living as we do, do, do. Throughout the day, we are likely to question ourselves and ask why we do this day in and day out, but nothing really changes, and we keep on doing. Meditation gives us a chance to break this cycle and to go deep into the unconscious and uncover who we really are. It provides us with a chance to clear our minds and better understand our purpose instead of constantly questioning it.
I’m sure more people don’t meditate because there is a stigmatic religious connotation that comes with it. Now, to be sure, it is a spiritual experience. But let’s face it, we are spiritual beings! Meditation allows us to experience who we really are not just on the outside but on the inside. It helps us to uncover and clear blocks, such as limiting beliefs, and to manifest a more whole alignment of body, mind, heart and soul. This is the oneness we seek. When you meditate regularly, you will begin to understand.
Here’s my ask: If you meditate, talk about it. If you don’t meditate but are intrigued, ask your friends and family if they meditate. I bet you’ll be surprised with what you find. When you open the door to judgment free conversation about meditation, you will find that hearts open and the window into your soul opens as well.
Photo by Abdrahim Oulfakir on Unsplash
