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Koyasan | Deuter
New Earth Records Blog
MAY 2009
Dynamic Meditation - isn't that a Contradiction?
By Anando
Check out Osho's Dynamic Meditation from New Earth Records!
I recently discovered this piece I wrote many many years ago, and was amused to see how much my life had changed since then...
I just read in a newspaper, and I quote verbatim: "Meditation induces the brain to release endorphins, human growth hormones and melatonin to strengthen the immune system, helping it prevent and fight illnesses. It also helps resolve daily problems, eradicate stress, tension, anxiety, anger, depression and insomnia."
My god, I thought, it is the answer to all our prayers. In fact, who even needs God if meditation does all that. And how come everyone isn't on it? Well, of course, it's not quite what it is cracked up to be. Oh yes, those are in fact all side-effects of meditation. But only after a lot of work. And who wants to work hard when there are pharmaceutical alternatives?
Meditation is the step of last resort, when all else has failed. When the crisis in our lives has reached rock bottom. Because it is so... well, nebulous. I mean, how can sitting silently help solve MY great problems! No way. Better to try a psychiatrist or a prozac or some other solution that you know works because... well, millions of people use them, don't they?
Meditation also has an 'image' problem. It is associated with famous liberal softies who already have easy lives - film stars and so on. Easy to meditate when you have millions of dollars, ha ha. By MY problems, now that's another matter. But, as 'all else' has currently failed, as I've tried and done all the things that are supposed to make me happy, and I am still not, I am ready to give it a try.
So I go to a class advertised as Dynamic Meditation. Sounds OK, I am a dynamic person, or at least I used to be... I arrive and check out the scene. Hmmm, no chairs to sit on, not even cushions on the floor. Looks a bit on the skint side. Then someone comes and explains that we aren't going to be sitting at all. What?! One hour on our feet, and not just standing still.
First we have to breathe deeply and chaotically and intensely for ten minutes, using our whole bodies to pump the air out. That is supposed to awaken some dormant energies inside, and to take the lid off repressed emotions and energy blocks in the body. Sounds OK, I have plenty of both.
Then we are supposed to let that repressed stuff rip - I mean literally scream and cry and punch holes in the wall and wring the life out of blankets with our bare hands... also sounds promising. There are a few people I would like to get my hands on in that way... So far, so good.
Then we have to jump up and down for ten minutes with our hands raised, shouting 'Hoo'. Sounds a bit weird. Hope there is no-one I know hanging around. The idea is apparently to exhaust the mind so that it shuts up. If it could only be so easy!
We are warned that the mind will try and get us to stop (you bet your darned life it will, baby), but we are supposed to ignore it and 'break through' the control the mind has over us. We are promised that we will discover layers of untouched energy, kind of like sportspeople do when they go into 'the zone'. I am dubious, but it sounds interesting, and definitely a lot easier that running for hours and hours.
Then comes a sudden 'STOP', and we are supposed to freeze in place, like stone statues. Weird to the max, but what the hell... it is intriguing, if nothing else. Apparently all the energy that has been built up in the first 3 stages moves inside when we do this, because energy can't stop - it has to go somewhere. Mine will probably take me right out of this place if we don't get started soon... And that is supposed to lead into a great peace descending on us. Sounds like I am not the only person around here who has experienced illegal substances.
Finally we get to dance, celebrating a new energy. Well darlin', it cant come soon enough for this worn out body.
An hour later and I am stunned. Not as in overawed mind you, but stunned like the proverbial mullet. Actually, not a bad feeling. My mind has certainly quietened down - stunned being the operative word. And my body is (dare I say) feeling quite light and loose. I almost said joyful, but that can't possibly be true. I guess I am in some kind of shock that makes me feel, well, almost joyful.
Of course I will have terrible aches and pains after such a strong exercise, but... maybe I will give it another whirl tomorrow.
Reading this again many years later, I realize that less-than-spectacular start was the beginning of a whole new life for me. I did go back. And back and back and back... And after a while I noticed that I had a new body - new energy, new posture, and a whole new attitude to life. Of course there have been ups and downs since then, but looking back I can say it was the best move I ever made (well, apart from leaving my husband, which was one of the first things I did with my new-found energy).
Check out Osho's Dynamic Meditation from New Earth Records!
Anando is one of the ASHA Foundation (UK) list of 240 'influential, inspiring women from all walks of life and from around the world who are outstanding in their fields.' She was a successful lawyer (USA & Australia) and businesswoman who headed to India in the mid-seventies for a 2-week visit to the infamous ashram of Osho. She stayed for thirty years, becoming part of Osho's personal household.
She now travels the world, teaching meditation and other techniques for transforming your life. Her book 'YES' is available through her Web site: www.lifetrainings.com
Comments on this blog are welcome, as well as ideas, inspirations, and feedback on albums and artists... please email us at office@newearthrecords.com !
