In the Buddhist tradition, insight {or wisdom, prajna} is divided into three categories: 1} wisdom from hearing & studying – or the wisdom you get from others, 2} wisdom from contemplation & reflection – or the wisdom that develops when you sit with what you’ve heard & learned, & 3} wisdom from insight – or the spontaneous arising of wisdom after you let go of all aspects of hearing, studying, & reflecting.
Insights arise when we let go of our ‘thinking’ mind & open to our ‘flow’ – our inherently intelligent stream of consciousness.
Insights can come from dreams, deep, reflective practices like journaling & yin yoga, & the contemplative practices of meditation & pranayama. Unlike seeking out wisdom – in books, dharma talks, or workshops – & unlike reflecting on those concepts, the wisdom of insight must arise spontaneously. We can no more force insight than we can force a flower to bloom: we just have to let go.
We can’t fake insight nor can we deny it once it arises; once the insight is there, it’s there forever.
For these reasons alone, creating time in our life & our space in our schedules for meditation is crucial. The many additional benefits of meditation aside, opening to insight is a good enough reason to get out our cushion & set the egg timer {10 minutes is a good place to start!}.
As a yoga teacher & wellness coach I have the great honor to both witness & guide this progression. This may happen on the mat, with a themed class that introduces students to a concept, gives them the opportunity to chew on it throughout the class, & encourages them to come back to it again throughout their week. Or it may be in the context of one-on-one sessions with clients, where their focus is honed in on developing a skill set – like meditation, pranayama, or self-reflection – that gives them the opportunity to make those lasting connections between how they feel & the health choices they make.
It’s this gift of insight – blossoming like a flower from the root of learning & the stem of reflection – that allows us to fully embrace our vibrant health & lasting happiness.
Let your insight blossom with a daily practice of meditation. Don’t have a practice yet? Start here with some of Kellie’s guided meditations.
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