If You Haven’t Started Yoga, Don't.
The deconstructive realities of starting non-postural yoga meditation techniques and why it’s worth all our effort.
Reflection or a mirror is often the metaphor for the recognition of the many lenses of perception we carry.
Central to the practices of yoga (non-postural yoga) are deconstructive meditation techniques that invite practitioners to confront the constructs of the ego, self-image, and narratives that shape their perception of reality.
And yes, that is incredibly uncomfortable and sometimes destabilizing. So why do we do it?
In this blog post, I’ll explore the challenges inherent in these practices, particularly the concept of vikalpas (mental constructs), and explore how they serve as obstacles providing the needed catalyst for our profound personal growth and spiritual evolution. Yoga throughout history has two main themes of: striving towards a “goal” and experiential “practice”. Typically that goal is refered to as: awakening, enlightenment, moksha, or mukti.
The leg of Shiva is often a symbol of “enlightenment” as his hand crossing downwards is a symbol for “forgetting” our deepest self.
Vikalpas can use the analogy of the blueprints of a house. They create the framework where in which we perceive the world. We can’t truly live in mental constructs just like we can’t literally live in the blueprints of a home. The consequence is suffering due to misperceptions or distortions of reality.
Deconstructing the EgoAt its core, awakening in yoga . It encompasses a holistic awakening of the body, mind, and spirit, leading to a clear state of consciousness and self-realization. From an academic standpoint, scholars have grappled with defining awakening within the framework of various philosophical traditions, including Vedanta, Buddhism, and Tantra. These traditions offer nuanced perspectives on the nature of reality, the self, and the path to awakening, enriching our understanding of this intricate concept. When we start the process of awakening it is said to continue to unfold, the speed of progress in correlation with our effort.Deconstructing the Ego
At the heart of non-dual yoga philosophy lies the recognition that the ego, or the sense of separate self, is a construct of the mind that often obscures our essence nature. Deconstructive meditation techniques aim to unravel our mental constructs by inviting practitioners to observe the workings of the ego and our misperceptions.
However, confronting our egos can be a daunting task, as it is deeply invested in our psyche and often resists examination. The ego feeds on identification with thoughts, emotions, labels, and our defined roles in society, making it challenging to see our over identification with them.
Self-Image and NarrativesMeditation encourages practitioners to interrogate the narratives and self-images that define their sense of identity. These narratives, shaped by cultural conditioning, past experiences, and societal expectations, can exert a powerful influence on our thoughts, behaviors, and relationships.
Deconstructive meditation techniques invite practitioners to question the validity of these narratives and cultivate a more expansive and inclusive sense of self. However, this process can be unsettling, as it requires us to confront deeply ingrained beliefs and assumptions about who we are and what we are capable of achieving.
Awareness practices can help during this process by navigating within to find the the still point within our deepest self. It’s there we start to feel grounded and intimately connected to consciousness.
The Concept of VikalpasVikalpas refers to the conditioned patterns of thought and perception that create (and often distort) our understanding of reality. These vikalpas manifest as mental constructs, such as judgments, expectations, and assumptions, that influence our experience of the world. Deconstructive meditation techniques aim to unravel these vikalpas by inviting practitioners to observe their thoughts and emotions with non-judgmental awareness.
Through the process of unraveling vikalpas, individuals can liberate themselves from the cyclical patterns of suffering perpetuated by distorted perceptions and attachments, thereby developing greater resilience, compassion, and inner peace.
Helpful tips Embrace Patience: Understand that deconstructive meditation techniques require time and consistent practice to yield significant results. Be patient with yourself as you navigate the complexities of the inner landscape.
Cultivate Self-Compassion: Approach the process with kindness and understanding towards yourself. Recognize that confronting deep-seated beliefs and narratives can be challenging, and allow yourself space for self-compassion and acceptance.
Stay Open-Minded: Be willing to explore unfamiliar territories of the mind and challenge preconceived notions about yourself and the world. Approach the practice with a sense of curiosity and openness to new experiences.
Practice Non-Judgment: Adopt a non-judgmental attitude towards your thoughts, emotions, and experiences during meditation. Allow them to arise and pass without attaching labels of good or bad, right or wrong.
Prioritize Consistency: Establish a regular meditation routine and commit to practicing consistently, even if it's just for a few minutes each day. Consistency is key to reaping the benefits of deconstructive meditation techniques over time.
Seek Guidance: Consider seeking guidance from experienced teachers, spiritual community members, or mentors who can offer support and guidance along your meditation journey. Their insights and expertise can help navigate challenges and deepen your understanding of the practice.
Cultivate Mindfulness: Develop a heightened awareness of the present moment by practicing mindfulness both on and off the meditation cushion. Cultivating mindfulness allows you to observe the workings of the mind with greater clarity and equanimity.
Embrace Discomfort: Understand that growth often arises from discomfort and uncertainty. Embrace the discomfort that may arise during meditation as an opportunity for growth and transformation.
Reflect and Integrate: Take time to reflect on your meditation experiences and integrate insights gained into your daily life. Notice how the insights gleaned from meditation inform your thoughts, behaviors, and relationships.
Trust the Process: Trust in the transformative power of deconstructive meditation techniques, even when progress feels slow or elusive. Trust that each moment of practice contributes to your growth and evolution as a practitioner.
Why it's worth itStarting the journey of meditation entails a profound exploration of the inner workings of the self, aimed at unraveling the intricate layers of conditioned thought patterns and perceptions. Through disciplined practice and introspection, we cultivate a heightened level of self-awareness, gaining invaluable insight. This process of self-exploration starts our gradual liberation from entrenched patterns of thought and perception, known as vikalpas, allowing for a strong energy body and emotional resilience.
As we peel away the layers of egoic identification and societal conditioning, we gain access to deeper dimensions of consciousness and insight. Our expanded awareness fosters a transformative shift in perspective, leading to a profound sense of interconnectedness with oneself, others, and the broader cosmos. It’s hard but ever so worth it. This liberation allows to escape “the tyranny of ordinary experiences” and truly live beyond our conditioning.