Some of the obstacles to a deeper level of meditation may arise from past experiences of abuse, violence, poverty, ill-health, or the prevailing culture to name but a few. 

It is common that psychological factors such as fear, anger, guilt, depression, and other types of emotional instability, alienation, and social isolation are inhibitors to spiritual growth. 

It may be necessary for the suffering individual to seek psycho-therapeutic solutions before or coincidental with embarking upon the type of introspection required for meditation.  

On the other hand, meditation itself can be a very healing force with the proper guidance or spiritual direction.  It is important to recognize that we all have experienced and internalized, to some extent, some or all of the inhibiting factors described above.  

As we seek a deeper level of spirituality in meditation, we will encounter unattractive personality traits or behaviors within ourselves that have to be dealt with in order to progress.  These encounters with “self” can be gentle confrontations or struggles within the meditative space that bring about change within ourselves and dissipate with enlightenment.  

Enlightenment involves self-awareness, detachment, and desire for truth. The continual process of encounter with “self” and enlightenment eventually leads to a purification of “self” so necessary to enter contemplation and to develop the contemplative spirit.  

The purification of self is an example of words that fail in adequate description.  It seems to be a cleansing of the soul such that God shows the contemplative person the interior of the mind and body, including the heart, suspended in God’s grace.  God’s grace is so pure that there can be no blemish of disease, or anxiety, or other disorder.  

I recall from my own experience “seeing” in those translucent moments during mediation. I saw the healthy functioning and purity of all aspects of “self,” mind and body, caught up in God in such a way that it left no doubt of my spiritual, mental, and physical health at that moment.

Check out Obstacles to Meditation and Contemplation: Part 2 and Obstacles to Meditation and Contemplation: Part 3 and Obstacles to Meditation and Contemplation: Part 4