Author Nadine Stair
Week 1: The Auto Pilot Adventure
Embarking on the journey of meditation, the first revelation is understanding the extent to which we operate on autopilot. It’s a somewhat eerie realisation that many of our actions, whether positive or negative, occur without conscious thought. Our brains, the marvels they are, tirelessly function both consciously and unconsciously. This duality, at times, aids in accomplishing tasks swiftly and confidently.
In my meditative exploration, I’ve come to grasp how the brain can misinterpret or perceive information differently when not given proper attention. Consider instances when you’ve had to re-read a message or left your home without brushing your teeth, all due to the sheer automatic nature of these actions.
Sharing my initial experience, the first 2.5 hours of the meditation course were both intense and fascinating. Meeting everyone for the first time, the anticipation of being part of something transformative hung in the air. Nick, the familiar face from my workplace meditation class, was there as we waited for others to join.
Surprisingly, I found myself the only woman in the group. It sparked contemplation on societal expectations and gender roles—why was I the sole female participant? Questions swirled in my mind. Do we, as women, underestimate the need to attend to our mental states? Is there a societal pressure for women to avoid vulnerability? Regardless, I embraced my unique position, recognising the positive impact this course could have on my life.
The session commenced with a questionnaire analyzing various aspects of our thinking, observing, reacting, judging, and awareness. Intriguingly, the results would remain undisclosed until the course’s conclusion, adding an element of anticipation to the entire process.
For those contemplating joining such a course, my advice is to approach it with an open mind. Shed expectations and let go of the pressure to reach uncharted territories immediately. Be honest about what bothers you and what you aim to change in your life. You’ll likely find relatable stories among fellow participants, all united by a desire for personal growth.
Week 1 unfolded with a Body Scan meditation, a powerful practice to ground ourselves amidst the chaos. Nick guided us through this process, allowing us to connect with our bodies. Whether or not you resonate with it, lying down and letting go for 30 minutes can be a rewarding experience.
The Auto Pilot mode was explored in an intriguing way—eating raisins with closed eyes and heightened awareness. Sharing our experiences afterward revealed the nuances of our automatic responses. We delved into understanding the Auto Pilot and how to embrace it, gaining insights into our daily actions and their underlying motivations.
Getting off the Auto Pilot mode is simpler than it seems. The course encouraged us to bring intention to our daily tasks consciously. Personally, I found that I already approached my daily routines with a considerable amount of attention and awareness, for which I felt grateful.
Nick assigned homework—to bring more intention to one or two daily tasks. This simple exercise turned out to be a beautiful experience, fostering gratitude as I dedicated myself to the assignment.
As this meditative journey unfolds, I invite you to explore more about Cognitive Meditation. Feel free to reach out, comment, or share your thoughts and experiences. Your journey and insights are unique, and I would love to hear from you.
Namaste.