Have you ever said, “Today, I will meditate. I’m going to sit down, be quiet and clear my mind”?  I have said this exact thing SO many times, but when I approach meditation this way, it is TOUGH. My body and mind want to do the exact opposite of being quiet and getting clear. My thoughts aren’t easy to turn off.  So, I watch my thoughts and, boy, are there a lot of thoughts.   Getting comfortable is also problematic in this approach.  Some part of me always needs adjusting–my feet or knees or clothing. After about three minutes, I’m exhausted by the process.   My body may feel a little calmer just from sitting still, but afterward, I don’t feel like my head settled down and I don’t notice a sense of quietness inside.

This was the way I tried meditation for a long time. It was an earnest spiritual effort on my part since I was taking time to try it, but it didn’t produce the sense of transformation or peace that I had heard from others.  My experience changed when I applied technique to my approach. There are many methods and styles of meditation which do work well. However, it was the approach of the ancient tradition of Tantra that changed everything for me. 

Let’s define Tantra as ancient teachings that use and weave all the tools of yoga to create an experience of joy and transformation. There is no impure nature to this practice. There’s a focus on shaping each individual’s energy.  The ancient sages of this method were so smart, they said let’s not resist the mind. Give the mind jobs to do and keep it active. There’s breath practice, cleansing techniques, visualization of specific images, and use of sound, or mantra. This is a different approach from many styles.  While doing these “jobs,” the mind becomes trained and focused. It actually reaches a deeper state of stillness and absorption. After meditating in this systematic way, the experience of stillness is profound. 

When I began meditation with a Tantric approach, my experience during the meditations was transformational. I also was able to establish a consistent practice. My mind felt calm, my body relaxed and I felt a deep internal connection. My awareness of breath and energy shifted. I highly recommend a structured approach such as this one. There are so many styles which are deeply impactful and peace giving as well. At the very least, apply a basic breath practice prior to meditation. Use the sound of the breath as a focal point.

Namaste, happy breathing, and sitting. 

Keely Totten

E-RYT 500, Yoga & Meditation Teacher, Grateful Meditator