A change of pace or a life-changing experience?<\/p>\n
Curiosity is the main reason for most people initially taking up
\nmeditation. What people get out of it invariably depends on what
\nthey are looking for -- for some it may be a major life change
\nbut for others just a little respite from the stress and strain
\nof daily life.<\/p>\n
Several practitioners told The Jakarta Post what meditation
\nprovides in their lives.<\/p>\n
Gusti heard about Sahaj Marg meditation classes from a friend
\nof hers and decided to give it a try, mainly out of curiosity but
\nalso for health reasons. After practicing for a couple of months,
\nshe has made it part of her regular exercise routine.<\/p>\n
\"At the start it felt a little weird but when I followed the
\ninstructions of the teacher I got calmer and calmer... it's
\ndifficult to explain the feeling.\"<\/p>\n
Despite having a busy work schedule, the 40-year-old head of a
\ncommunications company has found that meditation is a powerful
\nstress buster.<\/p>\n
\"I feel peaceful and much calmer and I can control my emotions
\nbetter; even if I do not see any light, it does not matter,\" she
\nsaid nonchalantly, referring to the technique of focusing on an
\nimaginary internal light during meditation.<\/p>\n
\"Even without having any special purpose, I think it's
\nworthwhile to meditate regularly, even if it's just 10 minutes
\nhere and there. I can do it wherever I am.\"<\/p>\n
For long-term practitioners spiritual goals are often the most
\nimportant aspect of their meditative practice, sometimes combined
\nwith religious observance.<\/p>\n
Diena joined a meditation group during the economic crisis of
\n1998 to find an outlet for her stress and also for social
\nreasons.<\/p>\n
\"I had no agenda. I just wanted to know what it was like; it
\nwas also a good place to meet up with friends,\" said the 45-year-
\nold training consultant.<\/p>\n
A practicing Muslim, Diena explained that meditation fit well
\nwith her dzikir (chanting) and tahajud (early morning prayers)
\nand gave her new energy.<\/p>\n
\"When I began meditating at Brahma Kumaris I found it soothing
\nand I always tried to remember God when I did it. It was in line
\nwith my religious practice, and it also gave me an opportunity to
\nbe with people of different religions,\" she said.<\/p>\n
\"I mix this meditation now with my Muslim meditations and also
\ndo it five times a day with my prayers. It's all about pulling
\nmyself away from all thoughts and being completely peaceful.\"<\/p>\n
Vikas, a journalist and editor, began meditating using the
\nSudershan Kriya breathing technique in 1999. He was introduced to
\nthe Art of Living system almost by accident and decided to do the
\nfive-day course out of curiosity. At first, he was bored by the
\ncontent of the course but that all changed when he was introduced
\nto the breathing technique which underpins the meditation.<\/p>\n
\"The first experience of Kriya gave me deep insight and
\nchanged my perspective towards life. I went back to my course
\nnotes and browsed them with new perspective only to find profound
\nmeaning,\" he said.<\/p>\n
He went on to practice the breathing and meditation on a daily
\nbasis and found that no two sittings gave the same experience.
\nSince then he continued to follow the teachings of the guru.<\/p>\n
\"Later, personal interactions with Sri Sri on two occasions
\nfurther enlightened me. I also listened to him on various
\noccasions and found my solace. I was impressed with his simple
\nand wise use of language.\"<\/p>\n
When 37-year-old foreign exchange trader Farida discovered
\nmeditation and yoga, she was looking for a way to escape from a
\nstressful job.<\/p>\n
\"At the time I was just looking for something. I'd heard that
\nyou could release stress through breath but I didn't know where
\nto go,\" she said, adding that a magazine article led her to an
\nArt of Living course.<\/p>\n
\"After the course I was so energized and relaxed, so I started
\nto practice everyday. If I could not do it in the morning I would
\ndo it after work. You know, you realize that to be happy is so
\nsimple,\" she said, laughing.<\/p>\n
After a few years practicing the breathing and meditation and
\na retreat in India where she meditated in total silence for 10
\ndays, Farida decided to quit her job and retrain as a yoga
\nteacher. Her practice led to a total change of her outlook on
\nlife.<\/p>\n
\"Before I thought that to be happy I had to take as much as
\npossible from the world but now I realize I have to give, because
\nwhen you see people happy it comes back to you.\"<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/a-change-of-pace-or-a-life-changing-experience-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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