Meditation: Feed the Soul First

By Aileen Hansen

"I've been meditating daily for over 50 years. It is a rare occasion indeed that I would miss my sessions with the Divine Lady," said Bernadette in a quiet southern drawl. Experiencing the charismatic presence of this dignified 80ish-year-old woman, I found it easy to believe. Intrigued, I implored her to reveal the secret of her admirable and enduring discipline.

Looking into the heavens with eyelids half closed, Bernadette paused for several moments. It seemed as though she were asking the "Lady" for permission to respond to my request. Awaiting her reply, I felt gratitude for the inspirational people I have met on my yoga journey. I had been conversing with Bernadette at the end of a well-attended spiritual lecture. Finally, she responded in a rich and merry laughter. Her contagious joy stimulated me to laugh heartily as well, although I was mystified as to what was so funny. Eventually the petite woman resumed her composure and quietly spoke. "My dear," she quipped, "the secret to my consistent meditation practice is food!"

Eyebrows raised, I listened intently. She continued, "Many years ago I made the observation that people take the time to overstuff their bodies, while starving their souls. Sadly, they don't realize that true nourishment begins and ends with God--without Him we have no life. This is a great truth I have chosen to honor. I made the personal decision not to feed my body until my soul was fed first. Naturally, since I was so eager to eat every day, I found ingenious ways to complete my meditation." Laughing, she continued, "Many times my skinny body has gone hungry, but my big fat soul has been very well fed!" In a somber tone she added, "I've had a life of dire trials, yet with a nourished soul, my yoke has been light."

I wondered how Bernadette was able to maintain her resolution to abstain from meals until her daily meditation was completed. Fifty years of changes must have made that commitment quite difficult.

She seemed to know intuitively what I was thinking. Spontaneously, she said, "I solemnly promised the Holy Mother that I would tend to my soul before my body." Pausing for a long time she looked into the distance. "My dear, I always keep my promises--especially to the Lord."

Feeling the blessedness of Bernadette's lingering aura, I drove away from the lecture feeling deeply tranquil and thinking "amen."

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Aileen Hansen is a yoga instructor and freelance writer.