I want to conclude this little mini-series on meditation by sharing my thoughts on meditation as self-defense. I realize that sounds odd, as meditation helps us stay open and compassionate to the world. What in the world does that have to do with self-defense?

Well, this is Soul Ninja, after all. Because there’s a real and necessary paradox between soul and ninja, between openness and protection, between receptivity and prevention. Both of these help us hold that open space well. And the very worst idea for us if we are trying to serve the world thoughtfully and well is to live without any boundaries at all. All that gets us is exhaustion, degradation, and the very real threat of being manipulated and used by others with less honorable intentions.

And what in the world does any of that have to do with meditation? Well, meditation serves as a form of self-defense because it helps us become aware of what seeks our allegiance, attention, and energy. And not all of those forces are benevolent.

Stop for a moment and consider all the places that vie for your attention.

Especially now, in this digitally connected world, entire systems and algorithms swirl around us that are designed to attract, keep, and retain our attention. Video games. Social media feeds. Streaming services. That store you made one purchase from. All of these are designed to keep you moving in their direction. Watch one show? Here comes the second. Finish one podcast? Go right into the next one. And on and on.

Literally.

And it’s not only the digital world. Our workplaces tend to be this way. Our families can be, too. Parents certainly know how schools and school-adjacent activities function this way as well.

When we look around our lives, we see so many examples of systems that serve as assembly lines. It can be terrifying to consider how many we’re traveling on, without ever explicitly giving them our consent.

When we meditate, we step off the assembly line. We take our seat and realize we are responsible for our own lives. To our horror, we often realize how much we have surrendered unknowingly. And once we recognize that, we can begin to act more consciously. We can choose: where do I want my energy to go? What deserves my allegiance? How do I want to use my time?

Therefore, as we continue this process, we find that meditation serves as self-defense. It protects us from robotic living. It blocks those algorithms that wish to dominate us and keep us from tending to our inner life. Meditation helps us say no. And in so doing, it helps us discern our deeper yes.

A well-known Buddhist story tells of a man on a horse going in circles. The people in the town see him and ask him where he’s going. He replies, “I don’t know! Ask the horse.” This is our human predicament. (I first wrote “modern” but it’s a tale as old as time.) Meditation reminds us that we do not have to ride on the horse and let it dictate where we go. We actually hold the reins. We can guide the horse where we want it to go.

Certainly, the holidays offer us a very clear picture of a culture demanding our attention and allegiance. It can also serve as a reminder that generally speaking, culture does not act with our highest good in mind. In America at least, it usually acts with the bottom line in mind. Self-defense against these forces is both necessary and good.

How can meditation help support your inner life? How can it guard your energy and protect your soul? Where might you need more self-defense and awareness these days?

A quick bit of housekeeping: I’ll be taking a break from posting through the end of the year, enjoying a time of rest and rejuvenation. Stay tuned for what will come next for Soul Ninja in the coming year! Wishing you all a beautiful holiday season.