Analogies and metaphors help us understand things by comparing and pointing out similarities. This article explores how skydiving is an analogy for preparation. It shows how meditation is like skydiving; both require courage, focus, and trust.
Imagine yourself in an airplane high above the ground. You are leaning out of the door of the airplane. The earth is far below, and there is nothing in front of you except the open sky. Your heart races, adrenaline pumps, and you are ready to jump.
Skydiving is an analogy for preparation in the context of meditation. Use this analogy to reinforce and strengthen your meditation experience.
Let’s dive into the metaphor of skydiving!
Preparation Ensures a Favorable Result
We don’t usually think of spiritual practices and skydiving as being similar. However, this analogy shows the parallels of preparation that are important in both. That is what makes this analogy an excellent memory device. Jumping out of an airplane underscores the importance of planning.
Skydiving isn’t really about jumping out of airplanes. Flying through the sky is great fun, but it is what the act represents that is important. It is about freedom. ― Brian Germain, Transcending Fear: The Doorway to Freedom
Understanding How Meditation Is Like Skydiving
Both skydiving and meditation invite us to leave our comfort zones, let go of attachments, and surrender to the present moment.
You wouldn’t jump out of an airplane and then try to put on your parachute. Trying to put on your parachute after jumping out of an airplane would be exciting, but the outcome may not be desirable. Also, you would want to know how to put on and use your parachute before jumping. This is how meditation is like skydiving. Good preparation ensures a favorable result.
This Metaphor Applies to Other Spiritual Practices
Skydiving is an analogy for preparation that applies to many spiritual practices. Skydiving training has a lot in common with spiritual practice training. Before taking the jump into the unknown, you need to be sure of the process and what to do if things don’t go as planned. You learn techniques for maneuvering and safety measures to ensure a smooth experience.
Meditation is like skydiving. In skydiving, you must learn to trust the parachute. Meditation teaches us to trust the meditation process. We surrender our need for total control, allowing thoughts and emotions to arise and pass without judgment.
Skydiving forces us to let go of control over external circumstances. And meditation encourages us to relinquish control over our internal experiences. This develops a sense of freedom and deep relaxation.
We know meditation is good for the mind and body. It reduces stress, helps us think clearly, and restores emotional equilibrium. It’s a question of when and how to do it.
1. Build a Meditation Library
Selecting the proper meditation process is the first step. So, you need to create a library of meditation techniques that fit your needs. Start simple with processes.
1. Awareness Expanding Meditation (Start Here)
This process begins the expansion of consciousness and awareness. The following processes for breath awareness and the two-step method are part of the progression.
Goal: To turn awareness inward and observe thoughts and emotions.
How to do it:
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- Turn your attention inward.
- If you can close your eyes, that’s good. Or, write your thoughts in a journal.
- Observe thoughts, emotions, and sensations as they arise.
- Don’t engage or judge—notice and let them pass.
2. Breath Awareness Meditation
Goal: Learn to focus attention on the body and breathing without altering it.
How to do it:
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- Sit comfortably and breathe naturally.
- Focus on the sensation of the breath—nose, chest, belly.
- Count each breath if helpful.
- Gently return to the breath when distracted.
3. Two-Step Building-Block Meditation
Goal: Build layered awareness—body first, then breath.
How to do it:
Step 1 – Body Awareness:
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- Sit and close your eyes.
- Bring attention to your physical body—posture and senses.
Step 2 – Breath Awareness:
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- Once grounded, shift focus to the breath.
- Learn to observe the breath without changing it.
This method helps bridge the gap between physical and mental awareness.
4. Body Scan Meditation
Goal: Deepen relaxation and somatic awareness.
How to do it:
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- Lie down or sit comfortably.
- Slowly scan your body from toes to head.
- Notice tension, warmth, or sensation without judgment.
5. Loving-Kindness Meditation (Metta)
Goal: Cultivate compassion and emotional warmth.
How to do it:
- Silently repeat phrases like: “May I be happy. May I be safe.”
- Extend these wishes to others.
- Feel the emotional warmth as you repeat.
6. Seated Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness is a progression using the two-step building-block meditation.
Goal: Cultivate present-moment awareness and mindfulness.
How to do it:
- Sit quietly and observe thoughts, emotions, and sensations.
- Expand your awareness to include your environment, such as external sounds or smells.
7. Moving Mindfulness Meditation
Goal: Integrate mindfulness into movement.
How to do it:
- Start with the seated mindfulness meditation process
- One the eyes and observe the environment while keeping awareness of thoughts, breathing, and the body.
- Stand and walk slowly and deliberately.
- Focus on each step and breathe.
- Stay present with surroundings and sensations.
- Practice Tai Ka or Tai Chi while maintaining this mindset.
8. Mantra Meditation
Goal: Learn to use a mantra to shift consciousness to deeper levels of awareness.
How to do it:
- Choose a word or phrase (e.g., “peace,” “om”).
- Repeat it silently or aloud.
- Let it guide your focus and return to it when you’re distracted.
9. Japa or Transcendental Meditation
The most effective techniques are taught with the preparation built into the process. Japa or TM uses a formal learning process with learning checkpoints. Checkpoints and feedback are tools that ensures a favorable result.
A well-trained skydiving instructor can’t save one from a broken parachute. ― Bryan Way
Goal: Use a mantra to enter the fourth transcendental state of consciousness.
How to do it:
- Receive instruction on Japa or Transcendental Meditation
- Practice twice daily
This process expands awareness, which enables one to reach higher states of consciousness.
10. Visualization Meditation
Goal: Use mental imagery for relaxation or inspiration.
How to do it:
- Learn the Shamanic Journey process, which uses rhythm and creative visualization
- Imagine a peaceful scene (e.g., a forest or the ocean).
- Engage all senses—see, hear, feel.
- Let the image calm and center you.
11. Other Meditation Methods to Consider
There are over 300 articles on related meditation processes.
— Analytical Tools
— Meditation
— Awareness Tools and Techniques
— Natural Healing Modalities
Many of these methods share the same preparatory techniques. For instance, if you practice Japa meditation, you can learn a moving meditation like forest bathing quickly. This is because these processes share the same preparation steps.
2. Create a Routine for Practice
It’s easy to create a routine once you’ve learning the fundamental meditation processes above.
Creating a routine and scheduling time for meditation is key. Allocating time for the practice is the highest priority.
Establishing a regular time and rhythm for meditation builds mental muscle memory. Consistency helps the mind expect and settle into the practice more easily. It is just like a skydiver who trains at the same time each day to build confidence and readiness.
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- Choose a time when distractions are minimal.
- Start with short sessions and gradually increase duration.
- Use cues like lighting a candle or playing soft music to signal the start.
Most difficulties with meditation stem from inadequate preparation, which leads to bad habits. It’s just like trying to put on your parachute after you’ve already jumped out of the airplane.
3. Plan for the Unexpected
There are times when life becomes stressful. Being able to meditate even for one minute can make all the difference. People who need to speak in front of a group or crowd are taught this technique. Before you start, please take a few moments to close their eyes, take a deep breath, and clear their minds.
This kind of simple reset can be done anywhere. So, practice doing it now. When you practice, it helps to prepare for the unexpected. Having a clear mind helps you to maintain control of your emotions during intense situations.
Even if you can’t close your eyes, you can still focus on taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. Relax your muscles. This simple meditation technique is practical. It is helpful in traffic or in any face-to-face communication setting.
4. Design the Right Space
Your environment influences your mental state. A cluttered or noisy space can make it harder to focus, while a calm, intentional space invites stillness.
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- Find a quiet corner or room.
- Use cushions, mats, or a chair that supports comfort and posture.
- Add elements that soothe: plants, incense, soft lighting.
5. Set an Intention
Before jumping, skydivers often visualize the dive. Similarly, setting an intention for your meditation can guide your focus and deepen your experience.
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- Ask yourself: “What do I need today—clarity, calm, insight?”
- Use affirmations or questions to anchor your session.
- Revisit your intention if your mind drifts.
6. Warm Up the Mind and Body
Just as physical stretching helps skydivers stay agile, a brief warm-up can help meditators ease into stillness.
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- Try light yoga or breathing exercises.
- Do a body scan to release tension.
- Practice gratitude or mindful observation for a few minutes.
7. Understand Your “Why”
Skydivers have a reason to jump. It might be the adrenaline rush, the challenge, or clarity. It’s the same for meditation. Knowing why you meditate gives the practice depth and direction.
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- Reflect on your goals: stress relief, self-awareness, emotional balance.
- Revisit your motivation regularly to stay engaged.
- Let your “why” evolve as your practice deepens.
8. Limit Stimulants Beforehand
Skydivers avoid alcohol or heavy meals before a jump to stay alert and focused. Similarly, reducing stimulants before meditation helps calm the nervous system.
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- Avoid caffeine or sugar right before meditating.
- Choose light, grounding foods if you eat beforehand.
- Hydrate, but not excessively.
9. Use Transitional Activities
Before jumping, skydivers often go through brief mental rehearsals. You can do the same by easing into meditation with transitional activities.
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- Read a short passage or quote that inspires mindfulness.
- Practice mindful walking or stretching.
- Listen to calming music or nature sounds.
10. Minimize Digital Distractions
Just as skydivers turn off distractions to focus on the jump, meditators should create a tech-free zone.
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- Silence notifications or use “Do Not Disturb” mode.
- Leave your phone in another room if possible.
- Use analog tools like timers or journals.
11. Prepare for Emotional Surfacing
Meditation can stir deep emotions—like skydiving can trigger unexpected fear or exhilaration. Being emotionally prepared helps you stay grounded.
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- Acknowledge that discomfort may arise.
- Have a support system or journaling practice to process emotions.
- Use grounding techniques like breathwork or visualization.
12. Track Your Progress
Skydivers log their jumps to improve technique. Tracking your meditation helps you notice patterns and growth. You must take responsibility for the preparation. Create a checklist. With smartphones everywhere, it is easy to create a reminder with a prep checklist. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. You start with a sticky note or put a list on your smartphone.
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- Use a meditation journal or app.
- Reflect on what worked and what didn’t.
- Celebrate small wins like increased focus or reduced anxiety.
- Partnering for accountability ensures a favorable result.
13. Practice Self-Compassion
Skydivers learn to forgive mistakes and keep training. Meditation is no different—progress isn’t linear.
- Let go of perfectionism.
- Be gentle with yourself when sessions feel “off.”
- Remind yourself: showing up is the victory.
The Benefits of Meditation
The exhilaration of skydiving extends beyond the event. It is the same with meditation. Skydiving serves as a metaphor for any spiritual journey. That’s because most processes need precision, trust, and surrender.
From yoga and martial arts to shamanic rituals, skydiving is a metaphor that aligns with other spiritual practices. Confronting fears and uncertainty is a common thread in many spiritual practices.
Teaches us to Deal with Uncertainty
Uncertainty may arise as you delve into the unknown dimensions of your mind. Uncertainty raises your expectations and anxiety. These can affect the success of your practices.
But, just as skydivers embrace the thrill despite their reservations, so do we as we approach meditation. Thoughtful performance reduces the effects of fear and uncertainty. Then, we are free to dive into our practice with an open mind and heart. Embracing the unknown aspects of your meditation practice is the platform for personal growth.
Preparation Invites Theoretical Understanding
It is crucial to understand the theory behind any spiritual practice. Learning what to expect and standard troubleshooting techniques will go a long way. You need to learn about the equipment and how to use it (when to put it on). Most of the time, this means learning how the mind works. If the person or organization can’t or won’t explain the theory behind the practice, it’s a warning sign. Find another teacher
Cultivating Resilence
Preparation creates a foundation of mental resilience for success. Skydiving demands mental resilience as you overcome fear, uncertainties, and the adrenaline rush. In the same way, meditation helps build resilience by training your mind to face challenging thoughts.
Skydiving is an analogy for preparation that encourages us to be present and grounded. It also teaches us the impermanence of each moment. It helps us let go of harmful thoughts and attachments, instilling a sense of peace and tranquility.
Both meditation and skydiving reinforce the importance of remaining calm amidst chaos. It teaches us how to remain centered and focused in stressful situations. Skydivers learn to harness their mental strength. They can approach the jump fearlessly. Meditation empowers individuals to cultivate peace and inner strength amid life’s turbulence.
Managing Expectations
Jumping out of an airplane is a leap of faith that requires the utmost trust in the equipment, instructor, and oneself. Meditation necessitates trust in the process and the ability to explore the depths of consciousness.
Why is meditation like skydiving? By surrendering to the practice, you allow your mind to settle. We create space for self-reflection, insight, and spiritual growth. Skydivers and meditators trust their preparation and training. This opens doors to self-discovery and transformation.
Managing your expectations is a crucial part of meditation. You prepare to address issues, but also practice without a plan. For example, knowing what to do when you can’t keep thoughts or distractions from interrupting is essential. On the other hand, it’s just as important not to have unrealistic expectations that every meditation session will be flawless.
The mind can go in a thousand directions, but on this beautiful path, I walk in peace. With each step, the wind blows. With each step, a flower blooms. ― Thich Nhat Hanh
Conclusion — Skydiving is an Analogy for Preparation
The symbolism of skydiving as a metaphor for thoughtful preparation is powerful. That’s what makes it a valuable tool. It opens valuable insights into the importance of building preparation into the techniques. Additionally, it helps us understand the relevance of preparation in other spiritual practices. Remember the analogy: meditation is like skydiving.
References
- Skydiving: The Ultimate Death Meditation – HighExistence
- Skydiving as a Metaphor for Life – Eva Charlotte
- 5 Reasons to Skydive (That Have Nothing to Do with Adrenaline) – Melanin Base Camp
- Why Skydiving is Like a Religious Experience. Skydive Monroe.
- How Is Skydiving A Religious Experience?. Skydive Orange.
- How to Prepare for Skydiving – Mentally + Physically. Long Island Skydiving Center.