Meditation

[Lunar Raven]

Greetings.

Lately I've been practicing my meditation skills. It's quite hard, as my mind loves to wander. However, with some concentration (on my breathing) and 'letting go'..I have been able to meditate and keep my mind off from the stresses of life within the session. I don't go very long, right now I'm practicing 10 minutes a day... every morning, but it's a start.

I have done this with no sound at all. Just in the quiet, with little light. I was wondering if meditation music helps? Which is more appropriate (if any)..in the quiet, or with music? Any tips? Any suggestions on music?

As I said above..my mind is always in thought, so it's hard to free myself from thought when meditating.

Thanks!
-Lunar Raven (Joe)

[Sin_Alas]

I think that "appropriate" depends on you. I prefer music, either meditation music or otherwise, because depending on my mood it can either calm me or help me focus. Sometimes I use ambient noise as a focus point, other times I use it as... an anti-focus? by tuning it out, so that I know when I'm not in a deep enough state because I'll still hear it.

My advice is ff you want to start using music pick something like white noise or a long classical selection that won't have much silence between songs, and will be calming to you. :)

[Lunar Raven]

Thanks! A friend of mine suggested 'kiva'..I will have to check that out. I think music may be good for me, if it is something calming and surreal.

-Lunar Raven (Joe)

[Tranquility]

I have been meditating for a few years now (And am still very much a novice).. but I have a few recommendations. To clear the mind, what I have personally found works is to either: A) Do a visualization (walk around the house, eat an apple, explore the forest, etc.) B) Visualize yourself breathing (see the air coming in and out) C) Listen to the sound of your breath. Keep in mind it is a long process.. Buddhist monks spend years getting rid of monkey mind and instead focusing on the eternal now. As for music, you might as well try and see if it helps. I normally use only the sound, or lack thereof, that is around me. Part of the reason why I do this is because it helps calm me and clear my mind. I like CDs with chanting monks.. either Christian or Buddhist or any other. I find the monotone-ness of the chanting almost like a Drum.. and it helps me go into a light trance. My aunt used to meditate to a CD where monks chanting Ohm really deeply.. and it was excellent for entering a calm state. Other than that, native american flute music, or even gentle Celtic music might help. The best thing is to check out some of the CDs for yourself.. see how they go with you. Good luck!

[mtpathy]

Really it all depends on you,for me music detracts from my meditation
and yet me toning,and or chanting helps me regulate my breath.find a
beat to set my mind and thoughts too,so they wont wonder off to far
without me being able to place them where they belong.
If you'r having a problem setting still,then i would advice getting a book
on yoga and working on that 10min before you begin meditation.
you should notice a big difference in being able to keep your mind more
steady and clear,as well as you'll focus much less on your body and more
on actual meditation.
It's not how long you meditate,it's how well you meditate.

[WitchCraftWeaver]

I use a CD of Tibetan Singing Bowls. There's one piece in particular that I like, so I put it on the computer and looped it, so it plays continuously. It really helps. And I know, when I no longer hear the music, and get that "drifty" feeling that I'm in the state I want to be.