Perceptions & Meditation

Perception in meditation is part of the five essentials of the body and mind in Buddhist Meditation. However, perception is necessary in any form of meditation and for practicing mindfulness. First there are many types of perception that can help improve meditation and mindfulness. Perception can be visual, and it is based on what you see in that moment. It is realistic and you can see every detail of what you see through your eyes. 

To practice perception through meditation, it is necessary to use your senses and not be distracted. As well as making an intention to meditate and be self-aware in a deeper perspective. Second, perception can be auditory by listening with your ears to what you hear and what sounds are heard can remind you of what you are experiencing in that moment. Third, perception can be tactile as you practice self-awareness of how you feel or sensations from your skin. This perception is important because it can help you connect and understand how your body feels. 

Also, it makes you alert when you are meditating outdoors. For example, you might feel a ladybug crawl on your hands, arms, or legs as you meditate and see a ladybug crawl making you observant. It can make you feel connected with nature, reflect, and feel grateful for the small relaxation moments that you have as you meditate. Fourth perception can be olfactory which makes you use your sense of smell. Again, this perception is essential because it can me you perceive fear, happiness, or simply a feeling of peace depending on how the scent makes you feel. 

The fifth perception is Gustatory because it permits you to use your sense of taste and experience flavors of what you notice. Yet, perception can change and can make your mindset change depending on how you experience it. Also, it is vital that one understands the thoughts and feelings perception brings to one’s mind. The mind and the activities can make one be conscious and focus on what is being felt, perceived, and the thinking process of oneself. Nonetheless, the mind is full of information that is constantly processing and can often make one misunderstand what one perceives. 

In addition, the mind needs to process sensory information to clarify one’s perception. However, using your senses can prompt a response, act, and recognize what one perception can make you experience through your meditation practice. Perception can be developed and can improve your intuition, your senses, and can make you share your experiences in a social setting. Keep in mind that you might see inaccuracy in your perception in a social aspect, with your surroundings, your emotions, past experiences, assumptions, and having selected attention while ignoring other sounds or other senses. Lastly, some perceptions can be deceiving and feel unrealistic depending on the circumstances, situations, and your thoughts. 

Nevertheless, practicing meditation can make one be aware of one’s behavior, emotions, and how one can improve one’s attitude to have a better understanding of oneself. Through meditation, one can be aware of one’s perception in a social aspect, one’s pain perception, and the dimensional perception of objects and shapes. Before one meditates, one must be aware of the form in meditation. Establishing a routine in how you practice your meditation and being aware of your movements, posture, and disciplines one must meditate. As well as being respectful with your body and leaving your shoes outside the door or leaving your shoes at the entrance before going inside your meditation room. 

Remove your socks if necessary and place your socks with your shoes. If you meditate with socks on, make sure it keeps your feet warm. Tight socks, socks with holes, and uncomfortable fabrics can distract you from meditating. Take your time to relax your mind and your body before you meditate. Give yourself some time to slow down, sit, and to be quiet.

Also, if you use incense, essential oils with diffusers, or sound bowls and have them ready before you meditate. Prepare your meditation space, have your mantras ready, and being concerned about every detail before you meditate. Spatial perception is essential for your meditation room and for your visual perception. Pain perception is also essential for your meditation practice because it permits you to pause and take a moment to listen to your body sensations. In summary, meditating for the purpose of perception can help improve your social perception and your relationships.

Make sure your meditation room is quiet and make sure you have less distractions. Practice understanding your feelings and your thoughts as well as connecting with others. Sometimes, you might meditate in a group and might not be aware of other's space making you feel disconnected with others. Notice your sitting posture and your mudras as you meditate. Finally, practice perception by letting go of unsatisfaction, disappointments, and without adding wrongful thoughts.

Color perception is visually seen through one’s eyes and in one’s mind. Often one takes color perception for granted. Furthermore, one perceives colors, shapes, and objects differently as it affects one’s daily routine. When decorating one’s meditation room, keep in mind the lighting and how the selected colors for your room affect your mood, your motivation, and how you feel before you meditate. Here is more information about meditation and perceptions. 

What is Buddhist Meditation: Techniques-How to Practice Mindfulness:

What is Buddhist Meditation: Techniques - How to Practice Mindfulness

Growing Inspire: Know the Big Benefits of Meditation:

Growing Inspire: KNOW THE BIG BENEFITS OF MEDITATION

Changing Your Perception of Stress (How Meditation Helps)-Mindworks:

Changing Your Perception of Stress (How Meditation Helps) — Mindworks

* Background, font, and borders from PiZap