Why work with a meditation teacher
“Not all those who wander are lost…“
Oh, I bet JRR Tolken wasn’t thinking about meditation when he wrote this!
We all wander and sometimes we wander because we don’t know where we’re going or what we’re doing. This happens so often in meditation. I remember my own experience all too well. Resting in savasana for the first time thinking what on earth am I meant to be doing or not doing?
When I taught myself meditation I began to understand the practice and its purpose better. But it wasn’t until I engaged with qualified meditation teachers that I truly came to appreciate the practice and stuck with it until I could guide myself well. Even now, if I’m seeking to use meditation to expand or release something in a certain area of my life, I’ll work with a professional.
Teachers not only take the effort or confusion out of the practice, but they align their guidance with your desire and circumstances.
Here are some other benefits of working with a Meditation Teacher one-on-one;
The practice is tailored to your skill level. Simples.
A skilled meditation teacher will guide in response to your cues. If I see students becoming restless I might modify my pacing, introduce sound or scent to help ground them, facilitating an enjoyable practice.
It takes on average 66 days to form a habit. That’s a sizable window to lose interest or momentum. The support and accountability that a teacher provides is a no brainer in my opinion!
Not all modalities are the same. Again a skilled teacher will pair you with the appropriate modality for where you are and where you’d like to progress to.
Despite the practice of mediation appearing simple on paper, it’s anything but that. I said it only just the other day to some students: sitting with yourself for an hour is quite possibly the hardest thing you’ve done this week. For some people, being left ‘alone’ with their thoughts or emotions is really challenging. Working with a meditation teacher takes the sting out of these challenging moments. A skilled teacher will ensure you feel safe, supported and in choice with how deep you go.
Put it this way, you wouldn’t renovate your bathroom without prior experience or professional input. Well, you might… But you can expect it to take longer with the presence of hiccups. Meditation is an enriching and fruitful practice, it doesn’t need to be hard or isolating.
Apps will always be there, but nothing can replace the support and personal touch a teacher provides. So, why not invest in your practice by investing in a teacher (say, yours truly).
Until next time, take care.