M E D I TA T I O N
Meditation is the best
"quality time" parents can
spend with their children. It
is certainly more productive
than watching mindless
television together.
age, they will be sufficiently mature to
meditate at length and by themselves.
A child who is born into a family of
meditators is living a privileged
incarnation, because the parents will
likely be sufficiently aware to promote
the child's refined nature. Such a child
has probably done some spiritual
practice in past incarnations, and has
specifically chosen this family to further
their unfoldment.
More and more aware beings are being
born in the world. Many are looking for
deeper understanding about their
existence. In most cases, their families
have not provided them with sufficient
spiritual support or instruction. Their
sensitivity may be misunderstood, their
detachment or imagination may be
discouraged, and their brilliance may be
blunted by instruction that emphasizes a
mundane or flat way of looking at life. If
they are fortunate, they will find a
teacher or guide who will channel their
vision in a higher direction.
48 www.yogicherald.com Dec. 2018
MEDITATION AND THE TEENAGER
The teenage years are a delicate
time when the personality is still forming
and the need for acceptance by peers is
strong. The teenager often has
boundless energy, but the emotional
disposition can be sensitive, and the
nervous system has not yet developed to
its capacity. If someone begins to
meditate during this period, the stage is
set for a very advanced incarnation.
Their energy will be channeled spiritually
early in life, and there won't be the same
obstacles to opening these channels as
there might be in later years.
Part of the problem with having a lot of
energy is that one tends to take it for
granted. Teenagers or young adults will
easily blow their energy on late night
parties, alcohol, excessive sexual activity
and so on. Young nervous systems are
usually strong and can handle such
abuse. However, if there is a spiritual
predilection, there will be sensitivity as
well, and such a person will feel
discomfort on the soul level. There may
be a conflict: to follow the herd mentality
of their peers, or to listen to the inner
voice which says none of these activities
will bring fulfillment.
There is a tendency for teenagers to
rebel from parental authority. This is a
healthy part of their identity formation.
Aware parents will give slack to their
children but will also impart helpful
wisdom. If you can meditate with your
teenage child, your bond will transcend
the parent-child role, and a deep mutual
respect will develop. Meditation is the
best "quality time" parents can spend
with their children. It is certainly more
productive than watching mindless
television together.
A parent should teach by example. If a
child is brought up in a space of
gentleness and strength, their nervous
system will naturally begin to resonate
with these qualities. Teenagers may
avoid some of the confusion and distress
of their peers if they are taught to look
within for their answers. In fact, it has
been my experience that other teenagers
will admire, respect, and naturally
gravitate towards such a centered person.