Whatever you might think about meditation, have you ever actually tried it?
Why not give it ago? If can have a really positive effect, and you might end up enjoying it. You might even think it’s medit-ACE-ion!
Meditation In A Nutshell
There are many different types of meditation, and generally they involve focusing the mind and focusing awareness. Easier said than done!
Previous Experiences
I’d done an online guided meditation from YouTube previously, and been to a Gong Sound Bath, which was definitely meditative, but I’d never actually been in a room with people all meditating in the same way at the same time. Trying In Person Meditation was far more welcoming than I had realised it would be when I walked through the door.
York Buddhist Centre
I’d spotted the posters in the window of York Buddhist Centre advertising lunchtime meditations. They aren’t in the business of recruiting people to become Buddhist at the centre, although they are more than happy to help people who are looking for that. Instead, they are committed to sharing the wisdom of Buddha, and welcome people to come along and enjoy the benefits of their teachings.
They are part of the Triratna Buddhist Community. Triratna was founded in London in 1968, and is committed to sharing Buddhism in a way that fits with the ever changing modern world. It is a global movement with practicing centres all over the world.
Calming Venue
It was a really nice space. Although it’s on a busy thoroughfare with lots of people passing by, once the doors closed behind me, the hustle and bustle faded to a gentle hum.
There was a nice light coming through the frosted windows, and the walls were painted a calming neutral shade.
There were maybe six of us on the day I went, and everyone was very welcoming and friendly as they showed me around.
I sat on a chair for the practice, others sat on a cushion on the floor, and lying down is an option too. There were blankets for everyone to wrap around themselves if they wanted to, and cushions to put under our feet for extra warmth and comfort.
Settling In
To start the practice the candles around the Buddha were lit.
Whilst everyone is meditating together, and following the same guidance, it’s a very individual experience. What happens in your mind will be unique for you, and it’s up to you whether you close your eyes. There’s no right or wrong, it’s just about ‘being’.
The session started with a body scan. The lady leading the practice guided us to focus on parts of our body working from the feet up.
This was a really nice way to settle in, and I could feel different parts of me starting to soften. I mean, how often do you focus on your elbows and pay attention to how they feel? When you do, you’ll notice if you’re tensing without realising it, and can then release them.
It was a nice start that helped us to deepen the breath and start to relax into the practice.
Guided Practice
The main guidance followed the loving-kindness practice also known as metta bhavana It’s about love in the non romantic sense, and cultivating positive relationships.
We were guided through the five stages, which focused on the relationship with yourself; a relationship with a good friend; a relationship with someone neutral; a relationship with someone you might be having difficulty with, and the final stage is bringing all of those relationships together. For each stage you’re guided to focus on loving feelings towards the different people and it will be different for everyone. Some people focus on internalised words and phrases, others use imagery in their mind for the guidance.
I’ve summed it up in one very short paragraph, which doesn’t really do justice to guide who took us through it. Hopefully it gives you an overview though.
Results
A part of our practice was to focus on a difficult relationship. If you’re looking for some solutions as to how to build that relationship, you may leave disappointed, but it can help to reframe your perceptions of the situation.
How Did Guided Meditation Feel?
There’s often a moment when we try something new that we feel very self conscious. When we first settled in and I closed my eyes I did feel very aware of myself, but that soon faded.
Throughout the practice I felt ever so cosy, wrapped in the fleecy blanket with my feet nestled on the cushion – perfect for a chilly December lunchtime! I was aware my mind did go wandering and didn’t wholly focus on the moment. When that happened, I just tuned back in to the soothing voice of the teacher.
After the practice I felt brilliant. My body felt relaxed and my mind felt refreshed. It was a fantastic opportunity to recharge and the perfect antidote to the frantic festive season that I hadn’t realised I needed.
It's Worth A Go
When life is particularly busy, the idea of meditation may feel like a waste of time when you could be doing something which is visibly more productive. You may think you’ve so much going on in your mind that it won’t be able so switch off. This is when meditation is perhaps the most beneficial.
Your mind will wander, and that’s ok. You’ll find yourself starting to think about the never ending to-do list, what you’re doing for dinner, who you need to get back to. It’s completely fine, that will happen. It’s about noticing when this is happening, and then focusing back on the practice.
If you’ve never tried meditation, I’d really recommend having an open mind and giving it a go. You might find it good for recalibrating and relaxing. At the very least you’ll give your body a rest as you sit through a practice. It’s not often we get to simply sit and switch off.
Want To Try It Yourself?
I went to a lunchtime class at York Buddhist Centre.
In Winter 2022 these were running on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 12:10 – 12:55. It’s worth checking to see if they have changed at all.
They are drop in sessions, so no need to book – just turn up and you’ll be welcomed.
Cost Of Experience
The York Buddhist Centre want everyone to be able to attend the classes so do not charge. However, they do rely on donations for their running costs and appreciate contributions if people are able to make them.
They recommend a suggested donation of £3 to £5 for the lunchtime practice in winter 2022
Recommendations
You don’t need any equipment to take part, and you don’t need to wear any special clothing.
Try to keep an open mind about it
Remember it’s a unique experience and how you feel may be different to other people
Be kind to yourself. If you find your mind wandering it doesn’t mean you’re not doing it right. It can take lots of practice to be able to remain focused for a full practice.