There are so many types of mediation, practices and traditions it's often very hard to tie down what meditation in it's simplest form actually is? People often confuse relaxation exercises, contemplative prayer, or guided visualisations with meditation.
I like to define meditation in its essence as a 'State of Being' or a 'State of Mind'. There are many practices we can do that can enable us to move into that state, and many that do not!
So when you sit in the morning or evening you are not meditating as such, rather you are doing a practice that enables you to move into this state of Being. There are a number of qualities which can describe this state, peace, centre'dness, openness and so on but the most important at the beginning is stability.Stability means that there is a basic ground to your practice. Thoughts, emotions and feelings come and go and you can remain without losing your centre or ground.
For many people this is a new experience as we often live lives as slaves to our thoughts and emotions or physical sensations.
2 comments:
John,
This is my first visit to this site. I found it both informative and very thought provoking. I will revisit the articles and post feed back when I have had a chance to digest there contents. On a seperate note, I would like to highly recommend The Art of Stillness course, which I am currently attending, to anyone who would like to bring a deep sence of peace and awareness to there daily lives.
Many thanks
John Farrell
I can heartly agree that the Art of Stillness course is something very satisfying. Having experienced this course with John my life has moved into a completely different and more meaningful spiritual life.
Thanks again John
Helen
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