What is Meditation?

Once, a few years ago, I attended a meeting by a teacher of Advaita Vedanta who was giving a talk on meditation. Advaita Vedanta is a philosophy that emphasizes the path of knowledge known as Jnana Yoga to help achieve realisation. Yoga consists of various forms and provides practices like meditation, breath control, and postures. These practices work in union with the yogic philosophy to achieve the same.

While we were waiting for everyone to arrive he said has anyone any questions. From somewhere I heard myself say ,”What is meditation?” He looked right into me and said that is a very good question. I breathed a sigh of relief and it transpired that was the topic of his lecture. He talked for 2 or 3 hours on exactly this. So it is a complex question but I have not the skills to answer that deeply. Lets keep it simple.

Meditation can mean different things to different people. Questions like – how to sit; eyes open or closed; whether you should think or not; am I doing this right; go through every beginners mind.

How to Meditate.

The above beginner questions are not really important. It is important that you become a witness of thoughts happening in your mind and observe sensations in your body. You do this without judgment or talking to yourself about them. You watch like you’re not involved, like a witness. Using tools like the breath to connect to the creative source within, the Truth. With practice, you realize the illusory nature of maya. This is when we realise how limiting our thoughts and perceptions are.

What happens when you meditate?

The ego initiates mental self-talk. Egotistical thoughts usually arise, like ‘I’m bored,’ ‘I’m hungry,’ ‘I’m no good at this,’ or ‘I can’t meditate.’ Then, your mind allows you to ruminate on these points into memories and imagination. You unconsciously get ‘lost’ in thoughts. So you are no longer witnessing thoughts, but you are involved in them.

Meditation is when we listen to God. Prayer is when we talk to God. Maybe you don’t believe in God. Instead, you believe in the greater good of humanity, cosmic consciousness, or nature as your sacred place. This is all perfect.

A regular practice equals spiritual growth.

Meditation when performed ritually at the same time and space, works best. Creating a higher energy and quieter mind before even beginning your practice.

Doing the same practice every day becomes part of the ritual. This could be breath awareness, mantra, sound, or yogic practices like kriya yoga or pranavidya. It could also be something else. This helps one to find inner peace and brings one to stillness and union with a higher state of being. The regularity of the practice, time, and place helps your spiritual growth. It opens channels of intuition that let you KNOW there is a Divine order. You have a higher purpose. You have a connection with all sentient Beings on earth. You also have a connection with the earth, sea, and sky itself.

You learn respect for all life, animals and humans, all nature including the earth and water. You realise that YOU are the earth. You are the water. You are at one with everyone and every animal on earth through united consciousness.

Earth peace comes through self peace.

If you really want to create peace in this chaotic world, then doing your bit for humanity is important. A regular meditation practice creates peace within yourself. World peace only comes when we have all found inner peace as individuals; then comes collective peace. This is what the Sages have said throughout time, and it makes sense.

Angry, powerful, grabbing world leaders don’t make peace. They create more division. This approach keeps them in power and making money. It also results in angry and frustrated individuals. Unfortunately, these individuals turn against each other. This contributes to the energy of chaos in the world. This is what we are facing, perpetual division.

So think about creating your own inner peace. This has a beautiful ripple effect into your family, friends, and people who know you. It’s like throwing a pebble in a lake. Over time you become calmer, peaceful, kinder, compassionate, more loving, present, grateful, thankful, energised, and joyful.

Collective peace is possible when everyone realizes they are more than just the thoughts in their head. They are in union with Divine Consciousness. That they are in harmony with the Cosmos and Nature.

Meditation opens the heart and mind. Life becomes much more than materialistic desires. You learn to love yourself. How can you love others when you don’t love yourself. You love yourself when you realize you are a reflection of the Divinity within you. This understanding comes to you with a regular meditation practice.

Meditation is not a religion or a belief, it is a gentle Knowing.

Yogiraj SatGurunath Siddhanath says,

” Earth peace comes through self peace. If earth peace is to herald the dawn of the new age, let us all realize that.”

‘‘Humanity is our uniting religion, Breath is our uniting prayer and Consciousness our uniting God.”

Benefits of a regular meditation practice:

Mindful attention and concentration regulate the nervous system. You can feel joy and inner peace. Better sleep and improved digestion are also benefits. The practice improves memory and coordination. It creates self-empowerment and helps you find your purpose. You can deal with repressed emotions. It enhances self-compassion, empathy, and gratitude.

Gather all these tools to deal with change in your life. Life is a journey and meditation will be your guide.

4-Week Meditation Course

If you have read this far and are interested in discovering the joy of inner peace then I have good news for you.

I’m offering a 4-week Meditation Course. It takes place on Thursdays: 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd October 2025. The time is from 7 – 8 pm. It is held in Yogi Bear Studio at Bear Cottage, 59 Bannonstown Road, Castlewellan, BT31 9BQ. This cosy venue is lovely and quiet, set in nature with outside space and a fire pit, if the weather permits. Chairs are available.

The cost is £40. Payment is due when you book your place and payment details will be supplied then. Please be aware that spaces are limited. This is an investment in your health and well-being. I have been meditating for over 20 years and have taught meditation to beginners many times. It is always a joy.

If you are interested please message me on the contact form below or email: janet@beyondmindfulnessni.com

Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti – peace, peace, peace.

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