In analyzing different materials regarding meditation techniques and practices, and even when working in group meditation programs, the main concern for most is the methodology. Particularly in the West, people are typically most interested in the “technique” of meditation. However, it is crucial to know that the most important aspect of meditation practice is not method. Rather, it is our state of being, the ‘spirit’ in which we perform meditation techniques, which is known as the meditation “posture.”
When breathing in, be mindful of breathing in and only identifying with the breath. There is no particular part of the breathing process that you need to focus on, it is simply the process of breathing that matters most.
In other words, think of yourself as the sky, holding the entire universe. When sitting, let things calm down allowing all discord within yourself and any unnaturalness to dissolve, and out of that rises your real self. Then you are able to experience that part of yourself which is more genuine, authentic, which is the “real” you!
As you progress, you will discover and reconnect with your intrinsic goodness. One of the main points of the spiritual journey is to persevere on the path towards enlightenment. Although your meditation experience naturally may be good one day, and not so good the next, it is not the experiences, but rather when you persevere that you reap its highest benefits. Good and bad are simply dualities that do not even exist on the highest realms of consciousness.
To meditate, all that you need to do is just sit quietly with a still body and in silence with the mind at ease, and permit ideas to come and go, without letting them affect you solitude. If you feel the urge to do something, then simply monitor your breathing. When breathing out, concentrate on breathing out.
David Powell is a meditation practitioner who mainly enjoys group meditation practice. For many years, he has guided others to experience success in meditation practice. For additional information related to Buddhism and yoga meditation visit www.thisispk.org