I want to share a simple meditation-like process that I’ve found very helpful and that maybe you will too!
It’s a very modest and simple thing and comes from the world of family and systemic constellations. (Constellations focus on inner work with systems - for example the family - rather than on individual psychology.) I discovered it tacked on to the end of a presentation by Mattias Varga at a conference about a year and a half ago. Matthias took about 10 minutes to demonstrate this little process. I watched it and I tried it myself that night and haven’t really stopped. I share it with you here.
It has no name but I dub it Two Hand Meditation.
For me it seemed to be particularly good at welcoming the unwelcome parts of myself that were feeling disconnected or unhappy or afraid or unsafe and bringing them into connection with a part of myself that was unconcerned and unaffected by all that - a part that was wiser and knowing. It hooks the two up!
Over time it’s been helpful in feeling safe and connected, readier to face and step up to my challenges with ease. It’s helped me get back on track more quickly if - when - I stumble. I personally associate that lighter, higher part with elements of the divine that are close to me but you can have the associations you do and follow where your nose takes you. That DIY “find your own way” element is built in. At least that’s been true for me.
It’s helped me get out of the struggle to “do it right” which has often lurked uncomfortably in the background of my meditations.
Herer it is:
I can say from personal experience that this little process can be helpful for the disconnected, alone, frightened, disconnected, angry parts, whatever they are. It gives them space to relax and see things differently. In the process of doing it I start to notice the larger story of awakening that’s beyond the smaller story of disconnection that our cultural moment tells us is real. Over time the Two Hand Meditation has become more generative and rich for me, not less.
It’s a connector. Disconnection is literally a partial truth. It's a disconnection from a larger whole in which we already belong and are needed. Two Hand Meditation can be a way to practice and feel into that greater belonging - maybe it’ll be good for you too!
Andrew
Andrew, you're a natural in front of the camera. Well done. I hadn't heard of this before, but will give it a try. Now, please tell me who is the photo on your door. It looks so familiar, but was a bit blurry and couldn't really tell.
To drop your hands back onto the maps of the earth. Yes.