Thanks for writing on this particular topic because many people do not understand that meditation is personal. Only by listening to one’s inner voice, one can meditate successfully. The step by step instruction that some gurus give are there just to guide us, not make us do this and that in the correct order or else it is not going to work.

Anyway, it is good to see someone is knowledgeable about meditating.

Thank you,

Leon

JBBC -Thank you for your words of blessing. I do agree that a good teacher is invaluable and I have had some wonderful teachers in my life. At the same time, we have to do the learning and the best teacher in the world can’t make us learn. I like exploring things from all angles and asking questions. Interesting to explore this teaching-learning relationship!

While I certainly agree with you that learning meditation is like learning to ride a bike, requiring plenty of practice on your own, I also believe that the role of a good teacher is a very important one. My meditation teacher, also called Mary, was a wonderful facilitator and brought something very special to our meditation group. I am still getting the hang of meditating, despite doing it for the past 5 years, and I personally find a good meditation teacher a vital component in my practise. I am no longer part of a meditation group, but I loved the energy created by the group when I was.

Now that I meditate on my own, I turn to your podcasts for support. I am very grateful for the gift you give us all in making these available. May you continue to be blessed and be a blessing in the work that you do.

http://beyondbreastcancer.wordpress.com/2009/09/11/remembering-jenny/#comments

I did have a few teachers along that way whose work was so powerful that I learned something more meaningful than technique: I learned how to be present. That has to be part of everything I do if I really want to experience anything fully. Meditating, massaging, listening, washing dishes… presence must be a part of living.