Of the many gifts a Guru can bring to your life, perhaps the most valuable is when they show you the depth of spiritual wisdom that lives inside you.
My Guru shares deep, valuable things with me all the time:
Hairballs. Screeching yowls.
And, of course, a window into the wisdom of my soul.
The latest knowledge drop from my Guru came during my meditation sessions.
I have been a regular meditator for almost forty years. As braggy as that sounds, I’m actually a really crappy meditator. I mostly just sit there and space out for the entire time I’m supposed to be “meditating.”
I’m aware that this is the essence of meditation: Watching your mind and bringing it back to center when it strays.
But my mind is really good at straying. So good, that I often question the value of my practice.
Is this really doing anything? Is it all a sham? Should I return the “Best Meditator in the World” t-shirt I got at the last Woo-Woo Fair?
I love that t-shirt and I’m not returning it.
But still. I often think that the whole enterprise is maybe a wee bit overrated.
Until the Guru set me straight.
The Guru is, by nature, a house guy. Before he graced us with his presence, he spent the first two years of his life on the streets. So he’s really happy to chill inside all day.
The only exception to this is in the late afternoons, when he likes to go out on our back patio and chill out there. It’s safe, it’s contained, it’s got some jammin’ nature smells. The Guru loves his back patio time.
Interestingly enough, the Guru’s patio time often coincides with my afternoon meditation.
I go into my office, close the door (and by “close the door,” I mean “keep the door slightly ajar with a small stuffed owl so the Guru can come in any time”), and start to meditate.
And every time, every time without fail, the Guru comes running and plops himself in my lap.
Do I call the Guru to come inside? No.
Are there any visual clues for the Guru to see that I have gone into my office? There are not.
Can the Guru hear that I have gone into my office? If he can, he’s got super sonic hearing. Which he probably does. But even still, I go in my office frequently during the day. The only time he comes running is when it’s time to meditate.
Once I commence my meditation session, the Guru stays there the whole time, meditating along with me. Or maybe he’s supervising me. Either way, he’s there for the duration.
When my session is done, he gets up, stretches, and leaves the room.
He doesn’t stay and chat. He doesn’t process about how well the session went. We’re done meditating, so he leaves.
The Guru doesn’t care if I spent the entire meditation spacing out and herding the monkeys. Even if I feel like a fraud, even if I feel like what I’m doing doesn’t qualify as “meditation,” the Guru feels it.
He feels it enough to come running in from outside, prompted by his Guru spidey senses telling him It’s Meditation Time.
Indeed, his presence with me is a reminder that, no matter what my Judgy Mind is telling me, meditation is happening. Whether I say so or not.
And that’s why I get to keep the t-shirt.
What’s your experience with meditation? Share your comments below!
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People have noticed that animals love to hang around people doing yoga and also those who meditate. I think they can pick up our vibes. Ommm
Hi Linda,
I think so! It’s pretty cool. 🙂
XOZ
Thanks Z for sharing your experience with Guru. It is precious and I’m sure he gets even more from it than you do. However, I am jealous that you have such a sweet meditation partner. Our sweet CC (Conscious Cat) is slowing down and is in her last days. She will forever be in our hearts.
Love to you, Melissa and Guru
Hi Kathy,
Yes, I am very grateful for our Guru. We are sending lots of love to you and CC!
XOZ
It’s not unusual for me to feel my meditation mostly was filled with “bring it back”, “center, just breathe” prompts. However, when the beautiful, soft timing chime rings, I’m startled! Realization that I was definitely “ out in the field”.
Hi Julie,
Meditation is indeed is wonderful and mysterious thing. Sending lots of love to you!
XOZ
I’m a congregant of Unity of Santa Rosa (going on age 87). All my life I’ve tried to meditate – and never could do it. Then, in April of last year, I answered an ad in Unity Magazine by ojaya.com – and I’ve been meditating ever since and finally have my blood pressure under control. I recommend you check out their website and take the free introductory lessons. Those have cleared up a lot of confusion for me as to what qualifies as “real meditation.” It’s not watching your breath. It’s not staying in the moment. It’s not saying Ommm (because that is a monk’s meditation). Enjoy exploring the site and the wisdom of Sukaishi David.
Hi Astrid,
That’s so wonderful that you found such a great teacher. Well check it out!
XOZ
My pets have always enjoyed my meditation time with me. Dogs and cats alike. I’m still working on the husband training to NOT talk to me during meditaiton. We are all a work in progress!
Hi Kathy,
It’s the talking meditation! 😉
XOZ
Yes, horses love meditation time, even back when I called it “daydreaming”. Cats are really tuned into frequencies and with their presence and purring will “tune” you if you are out of sorts. This evening on my walk I opened up to connect my energy with a tree and invited the end of a leafy branch to come closer and touch my shoulder- it did! (I saw it on an Instagram video and decided to try it.)
Much love to you and Melissa and the Guru!
Hi Robin,
Wow, that sounds so beautiful! Much love back to you!
XOZ