help!! I can't...

[freak]

meditate!! I try, I turn on relaxing music and just sit, or I make it all quiet and lay down, but I can't meditate! my mind always wanders to SOMETHING, whether it be am I loved? or hmm...where'd I put my pen? ya know and it really irritates me cuz I know I'd probably be more relaxed if I could meditate, but I can't, so anyone's suggestions would be oh so greatly appreciated!!!!
**freak**

[Lavender]

Sometimes it takes a while for our minds to settle down. Don't fight the thoughts when they come. When that happens to me, I try to take the thought & say ok, I know my mind is saying this is important but this is "me" time and mentally place that thought aside for later. Deal with each thought the same way. Some people even have a mental box to put these into. You can also do things like count your breathing to keep your mind off other things. Start with 50 & count backwards with each breath. Concentrate on breathing in to the count of 6 and out to the count of 10. If a stray thought comes, put it in your mental box & continue counting. It may take a few sessions for some people so don't get frustrated if it doesn't happen at first.

[Myst]

Very good advice. Also, start small, just a few seconds at a time, then minutes, and so on. Don't rush yourself and try this daily at the same time in the same place. It takes time and practice

[bluebear]

Merry meet. I dont know your specific methodology for meditation but here's mine. Sit in a comfortable chair with your feet on the floor. Take some deep breaths and tell your body to relax. Close your eyes and try to visualize a tranquil setting like a forest or garden. Dont give up. you can do it. relaxing music sometimes helps. I use a piece called "Garden of Serenity" By David and Steve Gordon. Best of luck. And remember, dont give up.
Blessings
Bluebear

[SuperHeroGirl]

that used to happen to me, it was beacuse i always have so much on my mind. what helped me was to wrote it down, in a journal or an online one ( try www.diary-x.com or what i use, http://scribble.nu/ ). writing/typing itdown gets it off your mind and you can actually RELAX. this also helps me fall asleep faster, bettr and longer. good luck!

[Nissala]

I am having the same trouble as freak. I have tried various ways to relax and try to get my though processes to slow down, so far nothing has worked. I have heard of guided meditation tapes, can anyone give me advice on these? do they work? if so, which ones should be tried first? Please Help!!!! :confused:

[Lavender]

Have you tried any of the suggests above?

Sometimes, I use guided tapes but they're ones I've recorded myself. They work for me. I just play soft, gentle music for the background, read out the meditation I wrote...leave yourself plenty of pauses for breathing.

[Sisqi]

another thing to try...If you have a local Shambhala center, they have free meditation training and will let you sit with them in meditation. It has been very good for me personally, as they accept non-Buddhists and seem very open to people who are honestly trying to learn meditation. You can find them online at:
http://www.shambhala.org/