Often I get asked by my students “what is the difference between relaxation and meditation?” Nowadays a lot of people use the terms very loosely and yet there is a distinct difference.
Meditation is the harder one to explain and to attain! There a number of definitions. “Meditation is a continuous flow of perception or thought, like the flow of water in a river.” This quote is from Swami Vishnu Devananda.
Others have described it as a completely blank, still mind or the process of coming to inner stillness. Our thoughts are like the ripples on a very still lake, the less thoughts we have, the stiller the lake becomes till there are no more ripples. The mind is still and we find our true inner essence in that stillness. It is in that stillness that we realise that the core of us, our very essence, is unchangeable, no matter what happens around us on the outside. This knowing gives us a deep sense of peace.
Consciously or unconsciously all human beings are somehow seeking peace of mind. Everybody does it in a different way. For some it is sitting down and doing embroidery, going fishing, going for a walk and observe nature with fresh eyes. For some it might even be writing code for a website! When our attention is focussed on one thing, one object and we don’t think of anything else, the constant chatter of the mind stops. The mind becomes quiet and silent. We completely can forget our worries and problems.
Unfortunately this is only temporary. As soon as we stop our activity the mind goes back to its old habits, the thoughts and worries come back with a vengence.
Initially the same happens when doing meditation. We temporarily achieve stillness and as soon as we finish our practice, everyday life catches up again. With practice the mind stays more calm and still even after we return to our everyday activities. When we do get out of balance, it becomes easier and quicker to regain it. So don’t give up.
Till next time
Connie,
Your Yoga Partner
from
http://www.yogainahurry.com
