FAQ 8 Most Frequently Asked Questions on Meditation

1. Is meditation about blanking the mind and not thinking?
Answer: absolutely not!
we train in meditation to notice what the mind does and be aware, but the mind does think and it would be counter productive to tell it not to. We DO give it a support so that it can come and rest a while on a word, or awareness of the breath but it tends to go off and wander again so when you notice bring it right on back to the support.
2. I use a word for a support, and I feel very chilled out and blissful. I don't seem to think anymore. Is this okay?
Answer: you may be using meditation on a support to relax and feel peaceful and so be becoming slightly dull. It is a very nice feeling especially if you are usually very tense. BUT, true meditation is about travelling along a journey of becoming increasingly aware of what the mind is doing and not getting attached to feelings of peace or being blissful.
3. Should I meditate if I am on anti depressants or mentally unwell?
Meditation can be used as above for simply calming down the system. You can try it for this and see if it works. just use a simple support. I usually do not take people on a meditation training course if they are mentally unwell unless they have permission from their doctor or therapist.
4. I am feeling very emotional - I find it hard to sit still and meditation feels very difficult for me. What should I do?
Just do small three or five minutes of practice, where you rest on the support and come back to it, when the mind is seen as wandering off. And try as best you can to not get frustrated. A little practice where you come back maybe three times in five minutes, will slowly help the mind to become more clear and stable. Also you could try Tai Chi and yoga as they are very meditative.
5. I am Christian and have been told I should not do meditation as it is not Christian.
Answer: the early Christians, especially the Desert Fathers in the 4th Century, liked to 'Be still and know that I am God,' they liked to sit and quietly open up to God, the depth of their and our being. they practiced Meditation and many contemplative tradition in modern day Christianity still practice meditation. It is NOT just an Eastern thing.
6. If I empty the mind, won't the devil walk in?
Answer: Firstly we are not emptying the mind and secondly, yes, if you sit quietly you may see parts of yourself which you usually keep busy to hide from. So we suggest that you increase your self kindness and acceptance and be willing to fully know yourself. Also, we suggest that you are in contact with an experienced teacher so they can advise you if you start to see more of your deeper self than you were bargaining for ! :) We all hide things and yes, you may notice them more as you become clearer and more aware of your own mind. But letting the devil in? That is just a way to blame something else for something your own mind is creating or has created. Take responsibility.
7. what is the REAL purpose of meditation?
To become fully whole - fully wise and fully compassionate. To be truly human and truly fully blossomed.
8. where can I learn meditation?
Answer: there are LOTS of meditation centres and posters up and around these days. Be careful. My favourite tip is that you find out WHO the people teaching you REALLY are, (they may not put that on their adverts) and look them up on the internet perhaps inserting the word 'scandal' or 'difficulties' next to their name and see what comes up ! Please do not assume they must be okay just because they seem very nice.