Notes on Healing
The practice of meditation is one of 8 limbs of what we in the West call “yoga,” which includes a physical practice. In traditional practice, “dharana” or concentration on a single object, leads into “dhyana” or meditation - a state of heightened awareness without focus. “Asana,” or the physical postures of yoga, are actually intended to prepare the body and mind for these conditions of concentration and awareness. Each of the 8 limbs of yoga are interrelated in helping us live ethical, balanced, fulfilling lives, unrelated to any religion.
I struggle with meditation as much as anyone, finding it quite unnatural to sit in solitude, much less trying to do something while doing nothing at all. But I picked it up during a time I was living in chaos, hoping to find peace within since my external world seemed so wildly out of control. Thankfully there are a lot of apps that make getting started a lot easier. I found some guides on Headspace I loved for their peaceful voices (accent, a plus!), practical wisdom, and straightforward modules, and have been able to continue growing my practice with this support.
After years sitting with myself, I’ve happened upon some key insights no therapist could have told me. Learning to approach yoga as a practice (NOT perfect) has been essential in unlocking more compassion towards myself and those around me. I Heart Huckabee’s has this great blanket metaphor (debated throughout the movie) signifying how everything between the material world and consciousness is connected, and I have indeed noticed a shift in my external circumstances when I’m able to quiet my internal world. This isn’t a quick fix (although a step away with some breath work always helps deescalate), but preventive medicine with compounding interest.
Eventually I’ve started to notice even more subtle shifts in my mood and behavior when not meditating, and with practice, am able to examine with curiosity and non-attachment, which opens the door to change. Making room for me to choose who I want to be and how I can adjust to my circumstances - working with people and situations rather than in opposition.
That said, I’ve been home for less than a week and may need to double-down, because there’s nothing like family to trigger all kinds of shit I didn’t know was laying in wait. That’s why we practice, and no one is ever considered “healed.”
“It’s dark because you’re trying too hard. Lightly child, lightly. Learn to do everything lightly. Yes, feel lightly even though you’re feeling deeply. Just lightly let things happen and lightly cope with them.”
-Aldous Huxley, Island
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