Children of five or six years will easily
adopt the cross-legged position, which
they imitate from the adults around
them. They may be able to sit quietly for
a few minutes at a time. However, their
nervous system has not yet developed
sufficiently to handle the rising
kundalini, so often the high energy
atmosphere of a meditative
environment will make them restless.
As long as their behavior is not too
disturbing, children should be given
some leeway in this regard. If they
experience a sense of freedom and
belonging, this will make them more
comfortable as they incorporate
meditation into their own lifestyle. If it
becomes a source of frustration they
will get turned off very quickly and they
will not have positive associations with
the meditative experience.
Most children who are exposed to the
meditative atmosphere in their
formative years, will appear radiant,
light, gentle and refined. It is usually
after they reach puberty, and the
nervous system has matured
sufficiently, that they can start to
meditate seriously with other people.
By about sixteen years of 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.
Teenagers may avoid
some of the confusion
and distress of their
peers if they are
taught to look within
for their answers.
If they are fortunate, they will find a
teacher or guide who will channel their
vision in a higher direction.
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.
Charles Shahar is a
clinical psychologist by
training and social
researcher by
profession. He has lived
and studied Vedanta
philosophy in India. He
has also taught yoga
and meditation for over
17 years to diverse
groups, focusing
specifically on stress
management for health
care workers.
www.lightfigures.com
Apr./May 2019 www.yogicherald.com
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