Meditation Inquiry: In simple terms, it is a form(less) meditation that takes one on an inward journey to access parts of ourselves which are stubbornly hidden from view. Offered is the opportunity to release trapped energies within the body and alter deeply ingrained belief systems that are the foundational to how we think, feel, and act in the world. In the movement that inquiry allows, we learn about ourselves at a fine magnification of awareness, becoming intimate witnesses to our egoic ‘operating system’, while relaxing its grip to control our lives. Along with openings and insights is the potential for direct connection to our Divine Source. In effect, we are harnessing our deepest and natural Resources to Know ourselves, to heal ourselves, and to live with more peace and freedom.
My own exploration into this mode of meditation has been transformative. I have connected into the micro-layers of my personality structure, revealing my fears and strategies I employ to manage every aspect of life. As I move through various layers, the mere attentiveness that occurs seems to alter the ‘relationship’ that is happening within and between such energies as joy, excitement, expressiveness, fear, sadness, longing, conflict, dividedness, and aloneness. I become witness and not just participant in all of it. I see the limiting beliefs and reactive patterns created through the traumas and burdens of childhood. The insights and the willingness to feel through the painful energies, of themselves, has been life changing.
The places that are possible to access on these inner journeys is endless, along with the potential to be freed from self-created bondage. Gratefully, it is access into these regions that has supported me to heal and release more and more of what does not serve my highest good. There are many ways to practice this art and so I will present what I do and leave it to you to adapt it as you like.
My Practice: I do Meditative Inquiry while sitting or sometimes hiking. It may be wise to accustom yourself to this practice by choosing a quiet place with no distractions. Plan 30-60 minutes. I begin by taking several deep and rest inducing breaths.
The inquiry is a dropping into and through process. Imagine scuba diving in a system of caves, moving gracefully from one passage to another and discovering the secrets along the way and in to the depths. It is gentle and silent movement, releasing all effort of the mind to direct. I begin by allowing a concept, an emotion, or a question to arise. I come to realize that what arises is not important, for it is only a prompt for movement and exploration. For example, I may start with one or more words: Enough or fear, or unworthy…Or even the question: Why do I judge, Who am I, or What do I desire?
I then become quiet and still, and patiently wait…allowing whatever comes into my consciousness to arrive in its own way. Sometimes what arises begins as a sensation in the body and then language follows, often as insight or revelation. It finds expression in its own way while I relax into it and allow it to be just as it wants to be. I watch and listen while releasing the tendency of the thinking mind to get involved; no managing, no commentary, no judgements, no comparisons…no control of any kind. To facilitate movement, I breathe deeply and allow the inquiry, as if it has its own intelligence. Sometimes I ask: ‘Is there more’ or ‘what does that mean?’ As this revealing unfolds, I gain a point of view of myself that invites clarity, compassion, and renewal. What I also notice is a lightness and unburdening, as if letting go of ‘stowaways’ in my embodiment. As a result, I feel more grounded and connected to Self and less at the mercy of my subconscious limiting beliefs and ‘wired’ programs for acting in the world.
The final part of a recent inquiry was a conversation with God. It was as though He was awaiting in the deepest passage of all. In it was a felt sense of His presence, expressing Loving support towards my releasing of the burdens that I have carried all my life. You do your part, and I will do Mine…was His parting message.
Final Thoughts:
Meditative Inquiry is an ancient meditation/prayer rooted in spiritual principles and practices. It has much supportive use towards self-knowledge, self-healing, behavior change, and spiritual awakening. Google searches on the subject will also reveal other perspectives, techniques, and supports as you develop your own unique practice.