Meditation

The notion that Wisdom, Peace & Freedom are innate can be quite hard to comprehend in a world that more often than not seems desperately troubled. But this is the case. These qualities of existence are deeply rooted in us, hence our natural compulsion to pursue them.

As much as we baulk & complain about life or our circumstances, rarely do we take the time to actually stop and look at what is really going on. And here I don’t necessarily mean psychologically – despite the importance of having that focus at appropriate junctures – but looking at the mechanisms of mind that underpin our psychology and, by extension, our lives.

The fact is that everybody views the world through filters of emotional & cognitive misperceptions and we base our day to day decisions on these. That’s why it hurts. That’s why we get overwhelmed or confused.

To sit with ones mind and engage it consciously is life changing in itself but, as time goes by and our practice develops, simple but deeply impactful change unfolds and we familiarise ourselves with a sense of contentment that knows no comparison in terms of intensity, scope and accessibility.

It’s right here, right now.

No, learning to Meditate will not take all your problems away, but it will clarify your emotional and cognitive perception to an extent where you handle your problems with more skill and dignity than you might previously have, perhaps. Problems, obstacles, difficulties are very much an integral part of human life but deepening familiarity with the workings of mind and the transient nature of all things pays dividends in all circumstances. Over time we discover that mind has an in-built ‘self-liberating’ quality to it. Life, it seems, is on our side after all..

The greatest treasure often goes unnoticed in a world where we are habituated to distraction as remedy or compensation for our suffering. One could say that Meditation is the perpetuation of Awareness of this enduring treasure, this natural state. 

Practices..

There are many means, many methods, but all should lead to direct experience of the natural state. It’s an equilibrium we return to rather than cultivate. It’s a homely understanding that is not reliant on lengthy intellectual pursuit. The intellect has its place, of course, but – if anything – it’s more of a process of letting go rather than building up. A going beyond. And it’s as earthy as it is spacious.

I have found that the very best foundation is laid by first exploring practices of Tranquillity – to familiarise oneself with the actual presence of inner tranquillity and the means to cultivate it – and Insight – to look deeply at the processes & habits of mind and, then, the unfathomable essence that this arises from. A little guidance is useful here & there, but you will accomplish most of the work within your own mind. Though all practices will be conducted in silence, some exercises may involve a little simple vocal instruction until familiarity is reached. It very much depends on the individual or group’s proclivities. Though our training was to the greater extent rooted in Buddhist & Hindu Tantra, our backgrounds have afforded us experience of other faiths and evolving viewpoints, so we are very much interested in meeting each individual where they are and working with what is there.

Most practices will be performed in a seated position, however you are most comfortable – we have cushions, stools & other props. A rare exercise may involve a little movement. There may be one or two breathing exercises offered along the way, shared safely of course.

From Mindfulness to Awareness..

The benefits of Mindfulness have been well established worldwide and many of its basic practices have been adopted in diverse arenas such as schools, businesses, competitive sports & healthcare. Mindfulness is an essential practice in that it lays the foundation for stability in Awareness but is certainly not the limit or full expression of what Meditation is.

Meditation at it’s best is experienced as a natural process, unselfconscious. And it is very much a process – something that evolves over time and in a very individuated way. It’s not necessarily linear either. Though it is entirely natural to have subtle expectations, it is best not approached with an acquisitive mindset – not even the wish to be mindful. This is a space where all our agendas have to be dropped and, in doing so, where we discover the intimately connected Unity of all things and the fundamental fullness of our Hearts.

Compassion..

We are warm blooded creatures, literally and figuratively. Compassion blazes at the heart of our being, is the natural impulse of Awareness, as evidenced not only by the teaching of every genuine Wisdom tradition but by the basic good nature of our deepest human impulses.

Life is a universally challenging experience and we are all fearful, anxious to some extent. We are all suffering. But when the mind comes to rest in that natural state, Compassion naturally arises. Here, we can also utilise specific meditations on Compassion to lead us into the natural state – a kind of reverse engineering, if you will.

You may also be interested in the meditative discipline of Yoga Nidra - a very profound practice in and of itself but, also, one that acts as an incredible booster to any other contemplative or psychotherapeutic practice you might be engaged in...