Getting My ‘Om’ On

It’s not a very commonly known fact about me that I meditate. I don’t exactly go around shouting it from the rooftops. This isn’t because I am embarrassed, because there are a lot of people who find it such a confusing subject that is rarely understood; and I am a strong believer in not forcing beliefs down other peoples throats.

However, I have decided to finally write about it — as my practice of it has increased recently.

How I Started Meditating

I must have been between about 10 or 11 years old when my father took me to my first meditation lesson. I’m not entirely sure how long he had been practicing for prior to taking me along, nor do I know why he took me. I may have asked him to — who knows?

I remember it being in a flat above a shop in Carnaby Street, just round the corner from where he used to work. He would wait out in the kitchen while my Guru and I sat in the living room having the lesson.

I was told about my chant/mantra, ‘Om’, and was told it was a secret word; I was never to share it with any body else. I still don’t know why this was. It’s a widely used word in meditation… This was also the one and only lesson I went to. Practicing at Home

For the first couple of months I would set aside fifteen minutes every few days to sit legs crossed, eyes closed, in a quiet room. Often in the dining room, never in my bedroom — too many distractions. I would use the time to go over my mantra and focus all of my concentration on relaxing. Quite why a pre-teen boy would need to do this – I don’t know; but, it was my ritual and it put me in good practice for the future.

As time went on I lost touch with my ritual; to a point where there were years between sessions and ultimately just stopped dead in it’s tracks all together.

Re-starting The Routine

Shortly after my father passed away, I decided that I was going to attempt to start the routine again. On reflection this could have been a subliminal homage to him; as he was the one who introduced me to it. I used it in a much more ‘grown-up’ way than I did when I was a young boy. I actually had stresses that needed addressing; and I tackled them through relaxed meditating.

I inevitably lost track of practicing again for a few more years until a few months ago, when I felt like there was something missing from my world. I needed that one thing to keep myself concentrating and focussing on the horizon. So I started again, again.

Now, and The Future

I’m starting to evolve my methods a lot more nowadays. Using music and more guided meditation sessions. I have also bought some incense sticks to burn; as well as a Mala. What happens down the road with this, I don’t know. I will be trying my hardest to persevere with meditating. I do find it extremely beneficial; but, at the same time, I struggle to find the time to sit down and shut out the world. Only time will tell.

Namaste