When one was in grade school at, of course, a very young age, one was in one’s upstairs bedroom. Suddenly, one was in an extremely perceptive state in which thought/thinking was not in occurrence. One realized, without internal words or symbols, that it was a very “special” mental state (much different from regular, mundane consciousness involving thought/thinking). Somehow it was instantaneous in nature, not involving time and the sequence that words and time are involved in. From then on, one would occasionally go into that dimension (or “special” mode).
Back then, one did not label it as anything. “Meditation” was not a word that i was familiar with; “meditation” was not discussed or mentioned in my culture or educational background at the time (way back then). Only later, in one’s college days, did i discover more about the term “meditation.” Interestingly, one found that a lot of what some gurus from the East were presenting as “meditation” was really a form of self-hypnosis (involving mere concentration, effort, resistance, and time). Thought/thinking, being a sequential mental process, involves (and actually is) time. Profound perception is beyond time; it is a beautiful timelessness that thought cannot “make happen.”
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Interesting thoughts on meditation Tom. 🙏🏼 The subject meditation or term I suppose you would say, didn’t surface during my growing years either as a practice that we currently see, except during the end of our pastoral prayers in church with the Biblical verse, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)
In my situation, meditation was not about a self-hypnotic state, akin to what let’s say yogi’s practice, but it did/does include quietude, with less active thinking, distractions, and a time for simple reflections and de-stressing so to speak. Thanks so much for sharing your special thoughts on meditation, because it helps me to understand your viewpoint of this subject matter much clearer. 🥰💖😍 Cheers my friend!!! 🥂
Yogis’ practice nullifies it then and there; it cannot be practiced. If one practices it, it becomes a part of a method or desire and method/desire cannot bring about true meditation, Kym. True spiritual silence is not “made” by the mind. It happens or it doesn’t happen. If it happens, one is blessed. It is never the result of effort. 😍🥰
Hmmmm, interesting point on method/desire Tom. 🤔 Indeed there is a release, the untethering from trying to control an end result that only intensifies your stress level, this preventing meditation from happening. It’s not something you can merely control. Like you said, it either happens or it doesn’t. 😊💖🤗
Yes! “perception is beyond time; it is a beautiful timelessness that thought cannot “make happen.” I call it ‘the space in-between’ and associate those experiences with Natural Grace. We do enter a timelessness – or some dimension that is impossible to articulate – Yesterday I looked up into he sky and saw a whole flock of soaring blackbirds and in that moment i was transported….
Yes, Sara, natural grace is involved for sure sometimes. And one cannot invite it. Either it happens or it doesn’t happen. But clarity of perception helps make it possible. Interestingly, thought/thinking is indicative of its absence (in a big way) usually. 🤗
Of course you right – thinking has nothing to do with these sorts of experiences
PS I really like what you say about some forms of meditation… spot on.
Many people, unfortunately, mesmerize themselves with self-hypnosis and then tell others that they have been meditating. 😉
Don’t you think that the culture leads unwitting people down this road? There’s so much garbage out there – instant ‘Transformation’ for example…
Yes, Sara, culture inevitably leads people down a road of mere effort, desire, following, and self-deception. But to so many people it feels so good to fit in and belong! 😉
Ah this is key – the illusion of belonging to the cultural crowd has a pull that kills authenticity
But I must add that being ‘different’ can be lonely and sets one up as a target – this has happened to me
Intriguing … perhaps what I sometimes experience (never on demand) is “profound perception”. I call it meditating when I sit still and invite such … but only some sits go “there” … [I know I’ve been “there” when I shift back to normal … realizing I’ve been gone … no clue how long, or “where”.]
Perhaps, Jazz. Profound perception (really deeply) is — if it is of true value — what may take place all day long. Then it may occur even while one is talking/thinking. Passion for understanding may help it to flower. Then, sitting with one’s legs crossed is rather childish. 😀
YES!
I have never meditated Tom. I like your butterfly and his marking so close-up are intricate, including those tiny gray hairs which deem him elderly and likely wise.
One can be meditating, Linda, without realizing that meditation has been taking place. It often is not a merely recognizable thing. 😁 Thank you regarding the butterfly!
Thank you for the clarification Tom. Maybe my pondering or ruminating about things is much more. Your butterfly had awesome markings – thank you for sharing it. How many weeks until we see butterflies?
Thanks, Linda! With this crazy cold weather, don’t hold your breath about seeing butterflies. On a good note, the Sierra Club that i belong to says Monarchs are increasing in numbers! Probably from people not driving to work as much and such, with Covid. 😀
This is thought evoking. Memories of a time when distractions were few and far between except playing outside, school work, and chores. I remember times I zoned out. I realize now that it was a form of meditation. So I didn’t just start meditating. I’ve had the knowledge of how to do it all this time.
Thanks, fiery and flawed! 😊 Not to criticize but a tiny bit of what you had written is flawed. There is no knowledge involved with true meditation and there no “how to do it”; it is beyond method and beyond what our consciousness can “make happen”… just like what the last sentence in my posting (above) maintains. 😉
This is very true!
Wow great capture Tom, so beautiful!
Thanks, Marcela; it is an elderly butterfly and it was once a bit more beautiful! 😉
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