A few odds and ends on yoga and meditation

OK, where to start...

I feel a bit sad that while quite a few people have been upset with my putting up the info, I don't think too many actually took the time to check out the links, or the idea that there might be a spiritual down side to yoga/meditation.  I have said I'll do a better job soon, and put up more info and links, but of course, that only really means something if you are willing to look past me and at the sources themselves.

I'm going to speculate here, because I don't have much to go on, but I am guessing one of the reasons that people seem to feel I've somehow done something unfair in being wary and critical of yoga/meditation is that for them, it is indeed a religious sort of thing.  Or if you prefer, spiritual.  I understand that if you perceive that someone is attacking your spiritual practices, you will be upset.

This sort of was part of my point, though.  I am questioning whether or not yoga/meditation can be purely considered on a physical level, something practiced for physical gain alone.  If I had questioned whether drinking 8 glasses of water a day were good for you or not, and put up links to things that question that, I don't think I would have gotten as much protest.  In fact, several people put up religious comparisons for me.  How would I feel if other people said my religious beliefs were dangerous, and etc.  In using this as a comparison, I think you are saying that yoga/meditation IS a spiritual/religious practice.   Because generally people are not quite as emotionally invested in defending jogging, for instance.  (unless you are really hard core.  Then, maybe.  ;)  )

Here is something I'd like to take this opportunity to say.  I have been in the place where someone questioned whether something "spiritual" I was involved in was good or not.  I understand that is not a comfortable place to be.  My own initial reaction was a bit of indignation.  I was upset that anyone would question something that had helped me.  I felt that the other person was judgemental.

And now I see that I was wrong...  ouch for me.  Point is, I understand those emotions.  I empathize.  It is not easy hearing something held important and well loved critiqued.  I get that. 

I will say, though, that if you do feel that way, then be honest with yourself (if you are not already so) that yoga/meditation is more than physical, that it is a highly valued spiritual practice.

And here is something else important that I need to say.  I am worried that in all the debate, I become "the enemy."  I am not any one's enemy, I assure you.  And this is why it is important to me that you understand that if you have been critical of me, or called me ignorant or whatever, I do not hold it against you in any way.  I truly believe that some people who do yoga/meditate may find themselves in a spiritual situation they did not want and can not get out of.

I would be deeply distressed if this happened, but because I had an adversarial attitude, or there were bad feelings, that person would be leery of contacting me.  I know some of you might scoff at this, at least right now, and that is OK.  I just want you to know that I understand what it is like to be convinced of something and find out later you are mistaken.  I will not hold anything you have said to me against you.  If at some point someone who reads this is in a spiritual situation that is distressing you, I promise you I will be here for you.  I know someone who can help you, and you have my absolute word of honor I will believe you, I will not say I told you so, and I will be here to talk too.

Now, last of all, a bit of housecleaning.  If Mr. E.P. is actually here reading this, I did not post your comment.  For two reasons.  Numero Uno is that while I said "have some fun" with making up an alias, I was sort of expecting a bit less of  Bart Simpson and a bit more of the sort of humour that everyone is OK with.  Personally, I can say the word "Penis" but it does seem somewhat juvenile to have to use sexual parts as a nickname, and some people find it offensive.  I just don't find it that funny, particularly as I wonder if it was used exactly because you felt the person you were commenting to would be offended by it.

Number two is this.  I have a double standard.  I will tolerate quite a bit of mocking of myself.  I will totally allow people say I appear ignorant, to call me narrow-minded, or to otherwise stray as close as possible into insult without actually crossing the big line. But I won't allow it to happen to anyone else who comments here, whether it be someone who is agreeing or disagreeing with me.  There are lots of nice ways to make a point.  Use them.  I want people to feel free to be open and honest, without worrying that their comments will be mocked.  Say your point without trying to make someone else feel stupid.  And if anyone feels I have done this to them, please let me know so I can apologize.



I think I did it justice there, right?  That was your point?  It is a point worth discussing and answering.  And I will do more discussing of it later on.  Now it is late, and I am tired.  And E.P.... no hard feelings.  :)  I appreciate your point, but I didn't feel it was presented very kindly.  I have high standards for how others are treated on this blog.  I'm sure if you come back here for more discussion, you will aim your mocking at me.  :)