I've been teaching a meditation class now for about four or five months. It's been interesting; sometimes I like it, sometimes it's challenging, sometimes it's very emotional, and sometimes no one shows up and I feel hurt. I need to meditate on not taking things so personally. I usually meditate alone on the days when no one shows up, and it's an epiphany.
I've experiments these few months with different meditation techniques, because, honestly there is no perfect way to meditate. I've been meditating sine i was young, and my meditation abilities have evolved to say the least. It's funny how people think meditation is only about emptying the mind. In someways that's ridiculous cause it's impossible. The reason a lot of practices such as Buddhist and Hindu meditation do say "empty" the mind at all, is because the goal is to eventually reach Samadhi. Samadhi is a mental state which very few people have experienced. I'm glad my Yoga Teacher Training, here in the Midwest, has helped me understand these concepts in depth. Although I know I must delve deeper into Pratyahara, Dharana and Dhyana... too ultimately aim for Samadhi.
Even after having studied yoga, meditation and mindfulness for so many years (almost 24 years), I'd say I still have so much learning to do. I find it funny when people tell me, "Oh I know how to meditate, I meditate on my own", implying they do not need to attend a meditation class. However they know yoga, but deem it necessary to go to a yoga class? I do understand why this happens though, and people just need to be honest with themselves. There's nothing more liberating than the power of Satya.
So you rather pay for a yoga class, where you feel you are getting more out of it than pay for sitting quietly because it's something you can do on your own?
So you have time for yoga, but sitting quietly for one hour is too much?
So you think you've achieved Samadhi? Think again, or maybe come share your methods with us, no?
So meditation might infringe on your religious beliefs? Well, you might have a very misconstrued understanding of yoga and meditation then.
So you think because your life is in order, you do not need to meditate? There is always higher work to do mentally, although everything may be happy and perfect in life. Do that true work, of meditating.
I can't force anyone to meditate, I can't make them come to my class, but I can help guide those who show up. I can share prana with those who show up. There is something to be said about meditating in a sangha/ community/ together. Also we learn so much from each other's practices, insights, why not expand your practice than keep it to yourself, although a solo practice is great too.
Either way, keep meditating, keep showing up, and keep sending out the positive vibes.
Breathe!
