Are We Really Meditating?

Imagine a business person coming home from a stressful day of work. After spending the day in meetings, phone calls, and traffic they are now ready to come home and relax. They put on water for tea, take a few deep breaths and settle down for a few moments of meditation.

This scenario sounds all too familiar. Many people use what they believe to be meditation as a way to relax and escape from the world, if only for a little while. I can tell you right now that in the example given above, the business person would not truly fit the definition of "meditating"....and here's why.

The practice that has become commonly known as meditating in this day and age is not actually the proper way to meditate. In order to be considered truly meditating, one has to reach a state of deep concentration that is hardly obtainable after coming from a highly stressful situation and simply taking a few cleansing breaths as in the example above. There are a number of steps one needs to take in order to reach a state of true meditation, and this takes time and much practice.

In an article I read recently on HuffingtonPost.com, Yogi Cameron Alborzian says, "The rishis, gurus and yogis of past gave us an insight into meditation and they have all said the same thing; meditation cannot be defined or explained but only experienced." He goes on to explain that there are different levels of meditation, the highest of which can only be reached through proper instruction and practice. Yogis and gurus spend years mastering the practice of meditation. If we wish to meditate as they do we must educate ourselves as they do and ultimately experience as they do.

Yogi Alborzian's statement, "...meditation cannot be defined or explained but only experienced" really spoke to my heart. It made me think about the true purpose behind my work. I am passionate about reaching people on a deeper level...really showing them how to connect with their inner self so they can see their potential and find their bliss. One way I do this is through my retreats. It is at my retreats where, I feel, everything that I teach can truly be experienced. 

Many of the clients that I work with who have attended my retreats tell me that they had life-changing experiences, and I belive them. It is when you take time out of life to focus solely on yourself...your inner being...when you take the time to peel back the layers that have become your life to see the light shining within yourself...that you find your true being, your purpose, your power. This is why pausing for power is so important.

I take great care to ensure that my retreats are centered around my teachings and around each of my attendees. The atmosphere is one of peace and tranquility. No phones or devices of any kind are allowed...we take notes the old-fashioned way with paper and pen. We work in large groups, smaller groups, and some work you are invited to do on your own wherever you choose to do it. If you'd like to walk the grounds you are free to...if you prefer sitting on the bed in your room you may do that as well. The point is to feel comfortable so "the work" can be done. My retreats are intense...we work hard...but we also have a wonderful time. Many friendships are formed and bonds created through the experiences and growth that happens during my retreats. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to work with my past retreat attendees, many of whom now attend my classes or still work with me in one-on-one sessions. Life is a work in progress, but we must not only read about it, we must experience it!

Sacred Affirmations for this moment:

I acknowledge that I must take time to not only learn about things in life, but to experience them as well.

I acknowledge that in order to fully benefit from the practice of meditation I must work towards reaching a state of deep consciousness through education and practice.

I forgive myself for allowing the world to envelope me and for not making more time for self-discovery.

I give myself permission to use meditation to peel back the layers of my life and let my true light shine for all to see.

Take a few moments to reflect on these thoughts, share and discuss this blog. Your insights could help another reader, so don't hold back, share the love. Tell me what you think? What were you present to when you read this article, Are We Really Meditating? I am so honored that you spent time in this sacred space with me. You make a difference in the Universe, always remember that! Now don't hold back, speak your truth! The Universe is listening.....!

Namaste,

Richa xoxox

Richa Badami is a transformation leader, meditation teacher, spiritual coach and mentor. She inspires her clients and students to create lasting transformation and success by leveraging their inner power. Her private and group programs have helped hundreds heal, transform and powerfully create lives that they love! To receive Richa's podcast, videos and blogs delivered right to your mailbox, subscribe to her bi-weekly newsletter "The Pause". For media inquiries send email to [email protected]