I'm starting to become interested in meditation because all of its health benefits and it really looks like a nice way of relaxating. I've looked into mantra repetition but I'm not sure I have a grasp on what it exactly is. Is it literally just sitting there with your eyes closed and repeating a certain phrase or word in your mind? Any tips from experienced meditators?
What are the noticeable results you've had from meditating? What would be an example of a situation that was handled much better after starting to meditate for you?
I wish I knew and I wish I could do it. I have tried and find it utterly impossible to stop the thought processes and incessant babble in my head to stop! And this is has to happen -just stop...and be. I imagine that if you can crack this then it must be wonderful.
It's not about stopping your thought processes (maybe in a more advanced meditation). I've pratcied meditation since I was in middle school. I'm not a serious practitioner. I do basic breathing techniques. Here are some simple tips: Count. Count your breaths. Your heartbeat, sheep. Whatever. Close your eyes and count. Try meditating in the shower or a bath. Focus on the back of your eyelids Whatever thoughts come into mind, accept them and them push them away. These few things will help you achieve basic meditation if you do them for a few minutes at a time until you can build up to longer lengths of time.
Single pointed concentration is key. Meditation is simplicity. If you are meditating through painting then all you are doing is painting. If you are meditating through breath then all you are doing is breathing. If you are painting and wondering how your composition is going to look when you are finished then you must let go of those thoughts and continue to paint. If you are breathing and thinking about what you are going to have for dinner then you must let go of those thoughts and continue to breathe. If you are meditating through contemplation of something specific and you begin to ponder the abstract then you must let go of those thoughts and contemplate the specific. Let go of what isn't necessary. Just be aware of what task is at hand. Even if is something as simple as taking a breath. The more you practice single pointed concentration, the more effortless meditation becomes.
yeah late on this thread....i have been meditating and practice simple mantra vedic meditation. i foward this video of my meditation teacher explainging how vedic meditation works.he can do a better job than me. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNy-SWJ4G-U this form of meditation has helped me allot.
Meditation works like a natural medication for the peace. It keeps the mind in a pleasant way and to keep us constant in a single place with out any type of tensions.
Classical Yoga is very good for meditation. The fight against Asthma and Bronchitis begins with a strong will to overcome your disability and has to be backed by an implicit faith in yourself. The Yogic life strengthens your will, augments your faith in yourself and opens air passages. How soon you can breathe with ease and on your own, so don't worry in the end it depends upon you!
Meditation is simply relaxing your body and centering your inner self. I do it as often as possible to keep myself sane, in my busy life. I'm a meditation sound artist and you can see my first full length sound piece here http://jacobstordahl.bandcamp.com/album/shatterd if you'd like something to start out with Peace brotha! Hope you can center yourself
Meditation is fantastic. I reckon that at schools there should be a 5min mediation at the end of a class or something... would do some much good.
Sitting cross legged or straight in a chair with finger tips touching in the classic meditation pose is important. 1. Have a mantra. Make your own, borrow one you like, get one from a yoga. Incorporate the mantra with your breathing. Two syllable mantras(om-so) work great for me. ohhmmm (in breath)....soooo (exhale). At the same time be conscious of your heartbeat. When an errant thought comes just focus back on the mantra and heartbeat. After a few minutes a warm glow will enter or surround your feet and work its way up your body. Don’t be alarmed. Keep breathing the mantra and feeling your heartbeat. Soon your whole body will be surrounded or filled with the warm glow. I’ve never been beyond this point. It’s the most awesome feeling. I use meditation whenever I feel I’m getting a headache(migraine), when I need to get a fast rest, when anxiety is getting to me, etc... I think this is TM. Transcendental Meditation. I read how to do this in a pamphlet my counselor gave me when I was 18. I’m teaching my sons to do it. If anyone has went beyond the warm body glow let me know how. Thanks!
I wrote something in the thread called "Meditation for Beginners?" Check that out. It breaks it down into its essential components, and that makes customization easier.
