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We have a constantly evolving meditation practice, centered around the theme of love and forgiveness, starting with self-love and self-forgiveness.
This is the central premise of perspective meditation — far more important than focus, concentration, or awareness. This premise is what allows us space to broaden our perspective.
There is no wrong way to do meditation. And, there is no right way to do it either. We gradually come to an understanding of a practice that works for us.
The outline below is a guideline for you to adapt to a practice that works for you. We can begin by spending a few minutes going through the following practice. If you’d like to extend the meditation by 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, or longer, you are welcome to do so.
Enjoy.
If you find this meditation valuable, please share with others.
Start in an environment without external tugs like TV, Internet, work demands or friends. These can be part of a broader meditation, but for this basic exercise below, do abstain.
You can be relaxed or upright. Sit, lie, stand, or move in a position or manner that’s natural for you.
Be aware of an ideal life scenario. Envision it in detail, as clearly as you can. It could be from the vantage point of yourself, a partner, or an outsider.
Now, be aware of what’s the most striking conflict in your mind or body. It could be a certain fear, shame, guilt, marginalization, or attachment triggered by this vision.
Now, be aware of your sensations. Where in your body are you holding the conflict.
Now be aware of your breath. Notice how every particle of your body expands and contracts with your breath — synchronistically.
The next point is important. Now…notice the breath inside of your conflict. Notice the breath opening up space within the conflict in your body.
What is that space? That space is love.
Be aware of distractions — distractions are OK. Simply allow your breath to work within your distractions as well. Love your distractions.
Continue doing this for the duration of the meditation. By the time it’s over, you should have noticed that the conflict within your body has at least a bit more room to live, breathe, and work itself out.
You’ve made space for conflict. This space is essential in allowing conflict to unravel, on its own.
Let go of the need to compare yourself to others, or to any ideal you might have. The point is to work through the conflict you experience — not to attain some image of what worldly or spiritual success is. Let the images of smiling, joyous, energetic spirituality, or famous, rich, powerful worldliness simply be. Your images and ideals can still be there, but your job here is simply to love yourself.
The point is to allow space to be human, and afford others that same space.
After you’ve done, reflect your insights or clarifications in a journal.
Good for you. Progress starts with love. Love starts with yourself. Loving inside can transcend conflict outside.
Blessings and goodwill on your journey.
Swami Dhyanananda