What Is Meditation?
Out of all the things we hear when it comes to spirituality (thanks to pop culture) is meditation, but what does that really mean? Allow me to do my best in debunking it for you. First off, mediation is NOT just breath work.
Mediation is the ability to view your mind (and thus yourself) while being grounded in your body and thus the present. Google may say something different, but this is my definition. What do I mean by that? Have you ever heard “mediation is like cloud watching?” I — HATE — that example! Instead since I’m a New Yorker let me give it to you like this (If you’ve ever taken public transportation you should still understand this); Mediation is like taking the train, hence the expression ‘train of thought’. You get on the platform and your task is to watch the trains go by. Of course, at some point we might get on a train— finding ourselves following or reacting to the thought by accident. That’s okay! Remember in real life if you find yourself on the wrong train, get off at the next stop! Whenever you notice that you’re doing it, let the thought go and get back on the platform. That is basics of mediation.
You might say “I can’t just sit down and think so I don’t think it’s for me” WRONG lol. Everyone can meditate since there is not one singular way to practice it. Remember when I said mediation is something to help you view yourself while being in your body/present? Anything inherently rhythmic or repetitive is meditative. For example, cooking is meditative. You can still think about your day and whatever else while you cook, but if you are too far out in thought you risk burning the food let alone yourself and the kitchen, it is engaging enough to keep you in the present. Cleaning is meditative, you don’t have to think to clean because you can see it and feel it. It is something active that doesn’t require mental fixation allowing your brain space to think while you have your body/actions focused in the present. Walking is meditative because you are moving your body and utilizing your muscles to also keep track of your breath while watching where you’re going. In that space you have time to think AND be present.
Of course, I could go on and on but I think I’ve made my point. Meditation is for everyone and there isn’t one specific way to do it right or more enlightened than another. The modality you chose should be up to what works best for you, try them all out and see which ones stick for you. Explore your thoughts without getting tied to or following each one, acknowledge that they are there and if you want to get a little more metacognitive, see if you can notice any trends in your thoughts. Are they skewed toward a certain belief system? Are they anxious over something outside of your control? Are they judgmental to yourself or others? Are they encouraging? Are they graviting to a topic in particular? Do your best not to judge yourself during your practice. Remember the aim is just to notice, just like food for thought. Okay y’all! That’s all I got for you guys this week.
