Meditation is often something people do solo.
For the spiritual person, it is sacred; for the health conscious individual, it is a necessity; and for the workaholic, it is an enjoyable relief.
Practices vary greatly, but meditation in some form can be a positive addition to anyone’s life.
Picking a friend, a spiritual partner, with whom to meditate deserves some thought on your part. Think about the people closest to you and even those you consider simply acquaintances. Who stands out to you as a like-minded and kind individual?
When you approach that person, you don’t have to make a big deal out of it; casually mention what meditation has done for you and that you would like to share the experience with someone.
1. Breathe Together
The easiest way to share meditation experiences with a spiritual partner is to meditate together. Decide on a type of meditation that suits you both and figure out a way to commit a reasonable amount of time to a weekly practice. If you can meditate with each other more often than that, then go for it! If not, try to make your meetings as consistent as possible.
Don’t worry if you are not comfortable meditating with another person, even a loved one you trust; it can take a couple of sessions to feel at ease with one another while meditating. Along with your usual practice, focus on your shared breath.
Deeply inhale in as you sit side by side (you can even hold hands if you are comfortable), hold your breath for five seconds, then exhale for another five. Repeat at least 10 times with your eyes closed. You will be amazed at how quickly your breathing will begin to synchronize with your partner’s breathing.
2. Sacred (Neighborhood) Voyage
Take a trip with your partner to a place you both find healing and inspirational. Even if that just means strolling through an urban botanical garden or going on a short hike to find places where you can walk quietly and meditate in soothing surroundings.
Don’t make it a social outing, and if you fall into conversation, keep your discussion about meditation.
3. Share A Book
Book clubs may not be your thing, but indulging in spiritual literature that speaks to both of you can be a wonderful shared experience. Pick some light reading that is interesting to each of you and read it together, even while you are alone.
Pick deadlines for finishing chapters so that you can be on the same page (literally) during your discussions. Not only can you learn about new meditation techniques, religious histories, or more esoteric branches of spirituality, you can also help each other in your understanding of your explored topic.
4. Apart, But Together
Picking a joint time to meditate even when you are apart can be a great way to stay in tune with your spiritual partner. It can also be a convenient way to keep each other on track about regular practice. Decide on a date and time in advance when you know you won’t be seeing each other, and call or text your partner to confirm no more than an hour before.
When you sit down to your practice, keep your partner in your heart as you meditate. Visualize him or her sitting next to you, sharing your breathe. Keep the focus of your meditation on your love for him or her, and on receiving the love and light being sent your way.
5. Attend Group Events
Attending group meditation, Reiki healing circles, or kundalini yoga classes is a great way to introduce yourselves to others and to expand your spiritual experiences. After you have mastered your side-by-side meditation practice, it will be easier for both you and your partner to participate in larger groups. Your shared energy will bring something special to the classes or workshops you attend.
Once you have opened your meditative life up to another person, take some time to reflect upon how your personal mediation has changed. Has the arrangement kept you on top of your practice? Have you learned something about yourself, such as your ability to share your positive energy? Continue to grow with your partner on your joint meditation journey.
