Imagine if we received colored belts to signify our progress in the same way karate and similar martial arts use a belt system to advance a practitioner.
The White Belt
The white belt in the system of meditation and breathing is for those just willing to step through the door and practice. As a white belt, it's normal to be skeptical about whether meditation and breathing will benefit you. It's also normal to feel uninformed, as you're entering a new metaphorical arena. Embrace this new beginning and soak it in.
During the white belt stage, you'll become aware of how we resist meditation despite our interest. Even though we follow meditation YouTubers, read about it in countless places, and suspect it could be helpful, we procrastinate. This resistance is not your fault; it stems from childhood experiences, genetic material, and birth circumstances. But now, with intelligence and free will, you can override these predetermined experiences, be present, and make decisions from a present state of mind.
As a white belt, your goal is simply to show up to your meditation or breathing mat, pay attention to your thoughts, and start breathing. This is where it all begins. The essence of starting meditation practice is to breathe and stay present. Observe your thoughts without judgment or attachment. Don't set lofty goals like achieving divine connection; just sit, observe, and breathe deeply for a few minutes daily. Depending on your anxiety levels, adjust your practice accordingly. It's normal to feel anxious when starting meditation, as your brain resists shifting focus from fear and anxiety.
The white belt stage is about committing to a daily practice, even if it's just for a minute. If you can't sit and meditate, try doing it in bed or taking a few deep breaths before starting your day. If you can't commit, reevaluate your approach.
The Yellow Belt
The step from white to yellow belt represents the greatest amount of change. From this point, you’ll be learning and improving gradually. Awakening, often described but hard to explain, feels like a sense of relaxation, where the previous struggle and suffering end, bringing joy and sadness simultaneously.
As a yellow belt, you’ll encounter and integrate your emotions. This stage is about feeling and healing rather than thinking. You’ll face your resentments, guilt, and shame. Continue showing up for meditation, recognizing this stage as the healing process you've sought.
The Orange Belt
The orange belt often mistakenly feels accomplished and may stop working. But remember, this journey is ongoing. Now, start teaching breathing and meditation to reinforce your knowledge. Find great teachers to help you go deeper into the nature of self, society, and the universe. In a relaxed state, humanity can solve significant problems like world hunger and pollution.
The orange belt is ready to focus on compassion, non-harm, and non-violence in meditation practice. Contemplate your lineage and history, aiming to be part of a global solution. This stage isn’t about a Messiah complex but about a network of people promoting positive messages. Teach concepts of morality, compassion, forgiveness, and making amends.
The Black Belt and Beyond
Reaching the black belt is not the end; it's another beginning. Overcome negative emotions without being guided by them. Understand their source and use deeper breathing to manage them. Avoid complacency and egocentrism. The black belt must see themselves as a perpetual white belt, always ready to learn and explore new possibilities.
The final belt, attainable with age and time, represents a long-term meditation practice. The meditation master, like a curious, intelligent child, lives in love and awareness. They laugh, understand hatred and love, and choose to live in love. Masters may appear in various forms and continue learning, opening infinite doorways to new experiences.
It all begins with a white belt, overcoming skepticism, and evolves into a profound connection with philosophy and cosmic energy. Masters observe their thoughts like traffic, detached and peaceful. They choose their intentions and embrace the flow of life, constantly tested but always growing.
Conclusion
This structured approach to meditation and personal development, using the metaphor of belt levels, encourages continuous practice, awareness, and growth. Each stage builds on the previous one, fostering deeper understanding and compassion, ultimately contributing to personal and collective healing.