Reflective Meditation
We all know how to think, but generally our thinking is lacking focus and depth. Consciously and often unconsciously the questions in our mind demand resolution and govern our thinking process. From time to time, we experience an insight, the “Aha!” moment. Reflective meditation helps to channel this creative power of our mind in a disciplined way.
Reflective meditation is a contemplative practice. You select a question, situation, or theme as the focus of reflection or deep thinking. When properly directed, the flow of thought becomes more lucid and can lead to the emergence of the great potentials of the mind.
When you reach a conclusion, your relationship to the question or idea reaches a different level. You can relate to it with more understanding, confidence and appreciation. Next, you stop to analyze the topic and simply hold it steadily in your mind, allowing a deeper quality of intuitive insight. This part of reflective meditation is actually concentration meditation. When thoughts and associations start to flow again in your mind, either finish the session or continue into another deeper period of reflective meditation.
By switching between analysis and quiet introspection, you can examine layers of deeply embedded and often mistaken mental models, beliefs and assumptions. Thus, you could reach intuitive wisdom and free yourself from veils of confusion and ignorance.
Reflective meditation stimulates transformative power – the power that enables us to change the course of our lives. This power is based on logic and awakened faith. It gives us greater strength and conviction for making changes in our lives and the world.
Changing our thoughts
Thoughts are our filters and lenses through which we view and experience the world. Confused thoughts makes us live in a confused world. Greater coherence of our thinking brings more coherence into our world.
Reflective meditation helps us to learn the relativity of our thoughts and narratives that we tell ourselves. During meditation we begin to see the difference between the reality of ourselves and others.
When the nature of thought is understood, we begin to think deeply and clearly; thoughts seem to have their own reality, both similar and different from what we had imagined.
The Power of Insight
Many great minds regarded insight and inspiration as the infusion of higher intelligence into our consciousness. They explained how this infusion could restructure the matter of the brain that lies beneath the thoughts, deleting patterns of our limiting or confused story while leaving our mind open to perceive reality in a different and deeper way.
Many people unconsciously invest huge energy and attention into organizing thoughts to maintain the illusion of their own story. A person who practices meditation is more likely to be less attached to this story, to hold it more lightly, appreciating it while remaining open to the reality that is much more immense than our own most creative thoughts.
Reflective Meditation Ideas
Who am I?
What is the meaning of life?
The universal laws of cause and effect.
What is the nature of change and impermanence?
The preciousness of life and the inevitability of death.
The interdependence of all beings.
What legacy do I want to leave when I am gone?
What values and principles are worth living for?
How can I help relieve the sufferings of others?
Other traditional ideas for reflection includes verses of scriptures, a prayer, a sacred phrase, a Zen koan.
Reflective Meditation Practice
- Choose an idea or question about which to think deeply and sincerely.
- Stay vigilant to notice when your attention wanders and refocus on your chosen idea or question. When the clarity of your attention fades, refocus and renew your contemplation.
- When you come to an insight allow the mind to rest in that state of openness and insight without analysis. Stay focused on the insight and continue to explore it further to reveal deeper levels of insight.
- When thoughts and associations start to gather again, either conclude the session, carrying the heightened state of your insight with you, or continue with another period of reflective contemplation.
- If you like, finish your meditation by writing your insights or creating an affirmation, drawing an appropriate symbol, or playing a song that captures the spirit of you your insight or revelation.
Your deep mind will continue to search for inspirations and answers to your questions even when you finish your formal reflective meditation. Continue to stay open to the flow of your thoughts; further revelations may surface during a quiet moment or in your night dreams.