On Meditation

Children at play, mindful and fully present

I recently read a wonderful book, Yoga Beyond Belief, by Ganga White. Here is a segment about Meditation:

As soon as we ask how to meditate, we are thrown into the field of techniques and practices...I would like to point out two greneral approaches to meditation. The first approach defines meditation in terms of specific practices, techniques. Literally thousands of formal meditation practices promise specific results. The majority of these formal practices can be characterized as...learning and developing the ability to control your mind and thoughts, through the practice of a technique....but the deeper meaning of meditation also impolies a state of seeing and being and not merely a controlled doing. 

Fortunately, meditation can also involve spontaneous awakening of perception, artistry, and insight that inspire a very natural flow and state of being that pervades our entire life. It does not necessarily require years of practice effort and mind control. This second broad approach of meditation is more mysterious and indefinable; it sees the essence of meditation to lie beyond form and mechanical practice. This approach to meditation involves a living, evolving energy of perception that has a beginning, but no end, and no specific formal practice. 

This formless form is without limitation and can take place any time, any place and encompasses meditation as a quality of insight and awareness that, when awakened, can move through and integrate all parts of life.....We begin to see all things in life as part of meditation...the meditation that is your life. 

This resonated with me. I have been formally meditating for many years, and I love and look forward to those moments of being still and tapping into the Inefable, but after reading this I have begun to recognize the magic of mindfulness in all situations. Life has become richer as I strive to be awake to it.

Another unexpected gift from my Teacher Training adventure at Bodhi Yoga.