Holding assumptions is normal
The way our minds work, assumptions and face-value judgments take effort to avoid and overcome. Sometimes that's just fine. An assumption doesn't adversely affect you or anyone else and just hangs out in your base of knowledge not being called on all that much.
Of course, often times those assumptions are a part of your perspective and opinions about yourself, other people, and the world... and can lead to actions, words, or thoughts that create trouble.
All this came to mind before my meditation practice yesterday, when I was thinking about teaching and how so much of leading a group or a podcast in meditation takes comfort in trusting or assuming that your students are with you, that they get it, and that they're on board. Which is of course not a common reality! Some students may be, yes, but not everyone. And even those who are with you every step of the way, may not be so in the way you imagine.
A teacher of mine used the phrase "you never know who's in your room" to remind herself that especially in a yoga classroom but really everywhere in community or public life, we don't and can't see a whole person -- their history, their experiences, their thoughts, or their feelings -- just by looking at them. The same is even true of how we know ourselves!
And that's where I invite you to take this little aside on assumptions -- into your assumptions about yourself. Maybe view yourself from the outside if that helps, and as you set up for practice, let go of any assumptions about what will happen, how you'll feel, or what any of the experience means for you. I invite you to let go of all that and just be in the practice like an unknown.
You can also ignore all that and just practice in the way that suits you best! Enjoy!
Listen to "Ep 504 - Assumptions + Six Colors Visualization" on Spreaker.
What’s in this episode of Everyday Meditation?
- Welcome + getting situated, with a few thoughts on assumptions
- A little lead-in movement: Downdog
- Breathing practice: Alternate Nostril Breathing (nadi shodhana)
- Meditation technique (awareness kriya): Six Colors Visualization
- A little re-grounding movement: Child's form
As always, I encourage you to make yourself at home in this practice: substitute, modify, do as you need to feel safe and present, including taking breaks!
Integration suggestion
After listening to the episode, perhaps check in: did you notice something that you want to carry with you? If yes, maybe jot it down in a notebook or record a voice memo to help you remember!
You can give it a try when you're ready
Listen to "Ep 504 - Assumptions + Six Colors Visualization" on Spreaker.
Be moving, be true, be you
photo credit hence the boom, found on unsplash