The history of meditation is rich, spanning several millennia, with its origins deeply rooted in ancient traditions. The earliest written records of meditation trace back to the Hindu Vedas around 1500 BCE. Furthermore, archaeological evidence suggests that meditation practices could date back to as early as 5000 BCE, with ties to ancient Egypt and China. Although often associated with Eastern traditions for good reason, evidence suggests that meditation-like practices were also present in ancient Egypt and Greece, as well as in some indigenous and shamanistic cultures worldwide. Thus, it is clear that for a long time, people have sought to alter their state of consciousness and seek wisdom and spiritual insight through a range of meditative practices.
In the Western context, "meditation" generally refers to a range of strategies aimed at integrating the mind and body to promote calmness and well-being. The word "meditation" comes from the Latin 'meditatum,' meaning "to ponder." The history of the word reflects a convergence of cultural practices and philosophical concepts that emphasise introspection and the contemplative state as a means to spiritual and personal growth.
It would be misleading to claim that Alex and I have a long history with meditation. I have been intrigued by the concept since childhood, fascinated by the idea of mastering body and mind through consistent practice. Although I have devoted a large part of my life to physical fitness, my experience with meditation is minimal. Fortunately, my physical training undoubtedly benefits my mind also, yet the concept of meditation continues to interest me. Alex can probably claim to have more experience with meditation as he has started to regularly use it to explore his mind. However, if proficiency still could be described as a “white belt.”
Personally, I have grappled with the concept of meditation. Subjectively, I've found that many practitioners are too keen to share their ideologies, often linked to a set of beliefs and traditions. This tendency has occasionally deterred me from embracing meditation. Just as individuals require tailored training programmes to meet their athletic and performance goals, so too should strategies for mental development be personalised. A dancer's training differs from that of a powerlifter, who trains differently from a martial artist, and so on.
However, with the rising popularity of various meditative practices like transcendental meditation and mindfulness—and my understanding of ancient practices—I've come to realise that meditation can indeed be tailored to individual needs. Whether for gaining serenity, improving focus, or self-introspection, one should seek out the meditation style that best suits their needs and aspirations. This revelation has reignited my interest in meditation.
Last Wednesday marked a turning point. Our friend Ash, a seasoned meditator, informed us of a local "Creative" meditation class open to all. The session, led by Nathalie, a practitioner with the Brahma Kumaris for nearly thirty years, provided an enlightening introduction to meditation for complete beginners like us. She guided us through various mental exercises, complemented by music, to achieve different mental states. Nathalie's key advice was to not force the mind but to gently redirect it to the task at hand. Alex and I left feeling extremely relaxed and clear-headed.
Our takeaway is simple: meditation is a strategy worth exploring. While I view it as one of many tools for mental training, I acknowledge the psychological benefits it offers. I suspect I will struggle to incorporate it into my daily routine, but I am eager to replicate that experience. Although uncertain when my next session will be or what I'll gain from it, I am interested in learning more.
I am certainly not well-versed in the Brahma Kumaris tradition and feel no need to adhere strictly to it to benefit from what I learned. Instead, I'm inspired to explore meditation further on my own terms. There are numerous resources available to support personal meditation practices. Some may resonate with you; others may not. My advice is to keep an open mind and experiment with different methods. You may find something that suits you right away, or you might need to try several practices before finding the right fit.
If you're uncertain where to begin, Nathalie recommended a free guided meditation app called BeeZone, which, unfortunately, is not compatible with my current operating system. I'm hopeful for an update soon.
Whether you're new to meditation or an experienced practitioner, we'd love to hear about your experiences and the impact meditation has had on your life.
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