Meditation Discuss Thread

[Autumn Clair]

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b300/autumnclair/meditate_ilckbase_2005IV.gif
edit image unknown dollbase by ILCK

Here we will talk about the many topics in this course outline. Ask questions, post comments. Really help each other out as a group with strengthening our techniques as a whole.

[Autumn Clair]

Once you've read through The Meditations for Beginners/Helpful Hints (sorry that didn't go into the title of the thread) I'd like to discuss things here.

*Any Questions?

*Any particular problem your having with meditation?

*Would you care to share your meditation setting with the group?

[high-tech redneck]

i have been "trying" to meditate for about 2 weeks now . i first tried the breathing and was not doing to well .i have a hard time breathing through my nose somtimes and my night clothes are to hot. i asked around in another forum and it was suggeted that i might try a cande and meditate "skyclad" . so far the candel seems to help me focus and doing so "skyclad" is so so much more comfortable . i have been using a candel for about 4 days now and my time in state is getting longer and longer . last night i actually lost track of about half an hour. but thats about where i am at right now . if you have any suggestions as to help me focus more and maybe help my breathing that would be great.

[atropa]

Well, I've tried afew different ways. The first experience I ever had with it was in middle school. Our English teacher did a guided meditation with us, and I think that worked pretty well. I didn't try again for a while, I don't think I realized that was meditation. I've tried other guided meditations, but always have a hard time visualing what they'e telling me before they move on. I've tried counting down accompanied by the color spectrum (red 7, orange 6, etc.) I can't tell a big difference. Maybe I just have the wrong expectations? I have had more success with a yoga dvd. At the end there is a very simple guided one, and it's very relaxing.

[RunningRiot]

I hope it's alright for me to start posting..!

I don't have any questions so far, everyone is well-written so it's easy to understand.

My only problem with meditation was that I guess I gave up too soon! Oh, and with guided meditations, I always have trouble believing in them or I guess visualizing? I once listened to a pre-recorded one that was suppose to be very good, but it just didn't click with me.

*Would you care to share your meditation setting with the group?
I like to meditate someplace with natural sunlight. Usually I dislike the sun because it disturbs me, but I find it a gateway to embrace inner peace when I do have time for it. Sometimes I like burning a single candle or insence.

[Autumn Clair]

i have been "trying" to meditate for about 2 weeks now . i first tried the breathing and was not doing to well .i have a hard time breathing through my nose somtimes and my night clothes are to hot. i asked around in another forum and it was suggeted that i might try a cande and meditate "skyclad" . so far the candel seems to help me focus and doing so "skyclad" is so so much more comfortable . i have been using a candel for about 4 days now and my time in state is getting longer and longer . last night i actually lost track of about half an hour. but thats about where i am at right now . if you have any suggestions as to help me focus more and maybe help my breathing that would be great.

If you are having problems breathing through the nose because of a health issue you will need to do your indivisual assignment at a rate comfortable for your condition. I have started the exercises off with just 5 minutes and they will build up to longer time frames and get more difficult. Have you tried breathing with something propping your head back so your air ways are fully open like they do in CPR. Trying rowing a towel put it around your neck and tilt your head back. If it is uncomfortable doing sitting try doing it laying down to meditate. Let me know if that helps your breathing through your nose.
I have posted your assignment in the indivisual assignment thread.

[Autumn Clair]

Well, I've tried afew different ways. The first experience I ever had with it was in middle school. Our English teacher did a guided meditation with us, and I think that worked pretty well. I didn't try again for a while, I don't think I realized that was meditation. I've tried other guided meditations, but always have a hard time visualing what they'e telling me before they move on. I've tried counting down accompanied by the color spectrum (red 7, orange 6, etc.) I can't tell a big difference. Maybe I just have the wrong expectations? I have had more success with a yoga dvd. At the end there is a very simple guided one, and it's very relaxing.

Not all meditation forms can be done by all people. So if yoga meditation works best for you I'd stick to that. I'd like to work on your visualizing with the yoga. So I'll add you in right now for your first individual assignment.

[Kmartin60]

:awilly: I have had one or 2 real good ones that really really worked! But the rest? Have sizzled! :yayah:

I usually sit on couch, with everything off! No sounds, no phone, all the cats outside but the oldest...I start the deep breathing, I start to relax starting with my toes, actually picturing hands rubbing working their way up...then I see myself in a meadow on a small trail...can feel the pebbles, smell the dew and honeysuckle...(Now we are in a drought! And hubby allergic to HS! So it aint here!) 8O

I then hear a brooke and small waterfall always to my right, I go by there and picture all my irritations, problems, etc. pic myself tying them up in small bags and dropping them in to float away....then I go back to path and up into a forest...It is always overcast (My perfect weather!):hehehehe: and then I come up to a ? I gues you could call it a gathering place? Rocks to sit on, a area to build a fire...

Now, the first 2 meditations I made it this far and learned and saw so MUCH there! And my legs were not near as bad as had been, could walk a bit better....great all the way around! Both mentally, spiritually, physically...but the last several times I've tried? AAACCCKKK totally sputz. I dont know if I am having trouble getting my head still, or imaging sounds, but get startled out before I get past the path to the woods! ERRRRGGGG.

I miss it...me and my legs! :idea: sigh, Kim

[Autumn Clair]

I hope it's alright for me to start posting..!

I don't have any questions so far, everyone is well-written so it's easy to understand.

My only problem with meditation was that I guess I gave up too soon! Oh, and with guided meditations, I always have trouble believing in them or I guess visualizing? I once listened to a pre-recorded one that was suppose to be very good, but it just didn't click with me.

*Would you care to share your meditation setting with the group?
I like to meditate someplace with natural sunlight. Usually I dislike the sun because it disturbs me, but I find it a gateway to embrace inner peace when I do have time for it. Sometimes I like burning a single candle or insence.

As I said to one of the other members not all meditations work for all people. However if you give up to soon you'll never find the one right for you. If you don't get results the first time you try it don't give up. Try each meditation type for a least one month before trying another type.

I post meditations for beginners this has some helpful information.

[proxieme]

I've only really tried a breath-focused meditation, but I've done pretty well with that (though I'm the first to say that I'm just beginning).
I'll sit on a large pillow that I have and, well, focus on my breath for 25-30 minutes. Sometimes I'll visualize the breath flowing in and out of my entire body, but my mind's still a bit chaotic so I usually count each breath (in - one, out - one, in - two, out - two) up to 21 and then start over again.
If I start to wander, I'll start over again as well.
This has been really helpful so far; now, if I notice myself getting overwhelmed or at all spacey during the day, I can focus on my breath for a few counts and bring myself back into the present.
(That's is a big deal for me - I'm usually ADD like nobody's business :D )

I'd like to keep developing this track, but I'm also interested on some thought- or other-focused meditation and on at least exploring visualization techniques. I've just no idea on where to start with or go about with either of these.

Oh, I've also had an experience during meditation that was very...fizzy.
It felt like my whole body fizzed up (...I'm pretty sure it wasn't hyperventilation ;) ). What was that?

[misfitroxy]

When I was younger, I had one of those big round Papasan chairs from Pier 1 that was totally perfect for my meditation practice. I always felt so secure in it, like I was being cradled. And it always smelled slightly of incense, even when I wasn't burning any. I can't remember where I got my specific techniques from at the time (though it must have been from books, as the internet was just starting to catch on when I was that age), but I reached a point where I was seeing glorious lights in my mind's eye or being able to hold conversations with entities and the like. It was all very wonderful, and I'm sorry I fell out of touch with that part of my life.

Now that I'm getting back into my practice, I've started using a stiff-backed sofa-type chair and ottoman so I can keep my legs straight (I have rather poor circulation. And though I can sit cross-legged for yoga practice, I prefer having my feet elevated or in front of me when I'm sitting for long periods of time). I also like meditating lying prone on the floor so long as I'm not so tired I fall asleep!

Of course, now I've also got a very attentive cat who seems to be particular attracted to me when I'm singing (I think she thinks I'm crying, which isn't exactly the biggest compliment. :lol: But she starts marking me furiously and trying to walk on me when I sing, just like she does when I'm really upset). Therefore, during my attempts at "Maaah" or "Ommm" meditation, she runs over and won't leave me alone until I've stopped. So my concentration's normally shot by feline inter-FUR-ence if I make any kind of noise. Which is a shame, because I like having something physical to concentrate on. But I'm not about to close her up somewhere just so I can meditate (in part because that would lead to even more distraction as she tries to break the door down to get to me while yowling her head off).

Everything I've done lately has been rather basic (meaning just sitting and focusing on breathing and calming thoughts). Though I do have a chakra meditation I do at night when my brain's really buzzing and can't calm down. That involves visualization. I do have a strong imagination, so visualization has always seemed to come to me rather easily. But it still takes a bunch of practice to keep my mind trained on the images and sensations on that plane instead of picking up on every little thing going on around my physical body.

Since I'm a trained singer (even though I haven't been practicing as much in recent years and stopped performing ages ago), I've got the diaphragm breathing down pat. But I still have to remind myself to take full breaths because I hold a lot of tension in my body that I store up throughout the day without realizing it.

I think my main problem is focusing my mind. There's just so many thoughts that run through it on a constant basis. And they just don't stop. While I love that I have an active brain, it's almost like living in a crowded room all the time and never finding a place for solace and quiet. I'm trying to get my life more organized to combat the voices that say things like "you should be cleaning your kitchen" or "don't forget to return your library books tomorrow" whenever I take a moment for myself. But I'm never going to have a "perfect" house or schedule, so I'd like to become more adept at shutting those thoughts out in favor of personal care time.

I agree that all the information presented thus far seems really clear. So I can't think of any particular questions. I'm looking forward to reading about everyone else's practices too!

[Autumn Clair]

:awilly: I have had one or 2 real good ones that really really worked! But the rest? Have sizzled! :yayah:

I usually sit on couch, with everything off! No sounds, no phone, all the cats outside but the oldest...I start the deep breathing, I start to relax starting with my toes, actually picturing hands rubbing working their way up...then I see myself in a meadow on a small trail...can feel the pebbles, smell the dew and honeysuckle...(Now we are in a drought! And hubby allergic to HS! So it aint here!) 8O

I then hear a brooke and small waterfall always to my right, I go by there and picture all my irritations, problems, etc. pic myself tying them up in small bags and dropping them in to float away....then I go back to path and up into a forest...It is always overcast (My perfect weather!):hehehehe: and then I come up to a ? I gues you could call it a gathering place? Rocks to sit on, a area to build a fire...

Now, the first 2 meditations I made it this far and learned and saw so MUCH there! And my legs were not near as bad as had been, could walk a bit better....great all the way around! Both mentally, spiritually, physically...but the last several times I've tried? AAACCCKKK totally sputz. I dont know if I am having trouble getting my head still, or imaging sounds, but get startled out before I get past the path to the woods! ERRRRGGGG.

I miss it...me and my legs! :idea: sigh, Kim

Those are pretty good. As you meditate more you'll be able to block things out more. Think of it as a beginning stage and when you've reached that higher conscious level you'll be able to block out anything and meditate anywhere, anytime. Keep trying. Your doing great. It sounds like you need to work on a different type of focus.

[OrionNeb87]

I have tried meditation in a quiet room with low light and I have tried it outside. I did better when I did it outside. I have trouble with staying still, blocking out noise, blocking out other thoughts, and breathing. I can't seem to get the breathing down, I always end up holding my breath which I know is bad. I hold my breath a lot normally, its something I'm trying to break out of. I'm great with visualizations and guided meditations. If you can describe it to me I can see it perfectly in my head. But I do have trouble keeping that image in my head because other thoughts come bursting in.

[Riceko]

Like I said in the introduction... I have been attempting meditation here and there, throughtout the past 2 or 3 years, and havent quite been successful.
These are the two main ways I like to meditate:

1. Laying on the ground, on a yoga mat. I relax my whole body and I deepen my breathing, but I get very impatient with it. And after about ten minutes of trying to relax, I just get bored and begin to think of other things I could be doing.
I lay down because I have a problem with sitting most of the time. Its just uncomfortable, and my feet always slide off my legs (I like the lotus postition) and when they are under my legs, they are just uncomfortable. So I like laying better, but maybe I can try some other sitting positions.

2. Again laying, I listen to a good repetitive drum beat. And most of the time, this works for me! I feel my body start to flow with the beat, I feel like I am swimming.. or flying.. or even just spinning. This is the best form of meditation that I have attempted so far.
The only problem with this is.. I dont get bored, but I just never feel like doing it. I always feel like I have better things to do, or I just put it off, or I'm too sleepy... and on and on and on.
Its like, I have a million excuses to use with myself to not meditate.

I wonder if maybe there is a teqnique (sp?) or an affirmation that I can practice to get myself more in the mood to do things, like meditation, or just spending time relaxing in general.
Its not that I have a busy life, I just play games most of the day... and I get out and take walks and do other things, but I can't seem to make space for what I really (on the inside) want to do.
I cant wait to hear from you!:hahugh:

[wolfos3d]

The main problem I have had with meditation in the past is that I have had alot of trouble quieting(sp?) my mind. I have tried it with both music and no music. Both went pretty well. I will give it another go soon and let you know how I go.

[moonbride]

I have tried meditating several different ways. Laying down just doesn't work for me because even when I'm laying down to sleep I can't seem to stay comfortable for long and have to move around a lot. Sitting in a chair or on the couch seems to work best so that I can stay comfortable.

I've tried meditating with no sound but I have a horrible time not picking out every single sound I hear in the house; whether it be the kids, the house sounds or the traffic out on the street... and I do kinda live on a busy street so there's quite a bit of traffic. So what works better than anything is putting the earbuds in and listening to some peaceful music or even better yet, a guided meditation.

I have to try and focus on something or too many other random thoughts get in. That's kind of why the guided meditations seem to work so well for me. I just don't have very many or don't know where to get the good ones.

I have had a few very powerful meditations in the last few years when I actually sit down to do it. I am horrible with finding the time and more often than not that's just an excuse so I know I just need to bite the bullet and make it a habit.

[Mystika]

right now i think my main problem is i'm not sure what to do i'm very new at it

[Rowan MoonDragon]

I love meditating but I have a problem focusing. Things keep popping into my mind and I have no idea how to stop them. I know your supposed to just let the thoughts just go out like they came in but it seems as though it never goes away. I'm sure my problems is because I dont give it enough time. I have my own magic room. I light incense andput on some music. I sit on a pillow on the floor and I imagine my peaceful space. I'm sitting in a meadow. THere are beautiful flowers and a nice waterfall. I imagine me in my space while I comcentrate on my breathing. In through my nose to the count of four and out through my mouth to the count of four. These are slow breaths. Sometimes I will go deep and sometimes I just cant focus enough. I know I"m probably expecting too much too soon and not really meditating on a continuous basis. I dont meditate every night, its kinda spiratic.

[MysticWitch]

Hello! :wave:

My problem with meditation is that I cannot meditate. I have thoughts flooding my mind at every second of the day.. I try to go somewhere peaceful and light some insence but I keep thinking of things and I find quiet time at its worse. :(
Any ideas?

[Mordaen]

*Any Questions?
You've talked about queting the mind focusing on emptying your head so to speak, but what about mindfulness for those having a hard time stilling their thoughts? Or walking meditations? Driving meditations?

*Any particular problem your having with meditation?
Well pretty much since oct of last year any meditation i've tried doesn't last too long. And as i just got out of the hospital yet again ( hopefully only one more go ) I'm definetlty gonna have to find a more comfortable position than sitting or laying down. Or just wait to heal up some more.

I've never had much luck using candles as bevis and butthead are going 'fire fire heehee' in the back of my head. I r weird.

*Would you care to share your meditation setting with the group?
Strangely enough I do alot of meditation at work, nothing deep but just entering a light state while letting my awareness go elsewhere. Of course the boss usually ends up interupting me.

I'll do deeper work outside if it's cooler or at night, usually with my back to a tree. Let the tree support and protect me while i enter a much deeper state. This definetly takes some time getting back into awareness and movement but is soo very relaxing.

Walking meditations sometimes get too deep and i end up in the middle of the street, but thankfully someone was watching over me so i didn't get creamed by a car. Athough i've firmly established a path in my feet so they know where to go whie im not at the helm now.

I'll do some very light (usually) meditation while driving to work in the mornings. Kinda odd but nice waking up and just pulling into work, makes the rush hour commute much nicer.

[Autumn Clair]

*Any Questions?
You've talked about queting the mind focusing on emptying your head so to speak, but what about mindfulness for those having a hard time stilling their thoughts? Or walking meditations? Driving meditations?
These would all fall under different types of meditation. Which will be getting covered in this course. Not everyone finds sitting meditation as the most comfortable. Sitting, laying, walking, I don't recommend driving meditations for BEGINNERS but this is one I personally use when I drive all the time and I've got a clean driving record. Physical meditations would be more advanced. Like walking, driving even yoga.

*Any particular problem your having with meditation?
Well pretty much since oct of last year any meditation i've tried doesn't last too long. And as i just got out of the hospital yet again ( hopefully only one more go ) I'm definetlty gonna have to find a more comfortable position than sitting or laying down. Or just wait to heal up some more. You might want to work on putting the discomfort out of your mind as your first stage assignment.

I've never had much luck using candles as bevis and butthead are going 'fire fire heehee' in the back of my head. I r weird.

*Would you care to share your meditation setting with the group?
Strangely enough I do alot of meditation at work, nothing deep but just entering a light state while letting my awareness go elsewhere. Of course the boss usually ends up interupting me.

I'll do deeper work outside if it's cooler or at night, usually with my back to a tree. Let the tree support and protect me while i enter a much deeper state. This definetly takes some time getting back into awareness and movement but is soo very relaxing.

Walking meditations sometimes get too deep and i end up in the middle of the street, but thankfully someone was watching over me so i didn't get creamed by a car. Athough i've firmly established a path in my feet so they know where to go whie im not at the helm now.

I'll do some very light (usually) meditation while driving to work in the mornings. Kinda odd but nice waking up and just pulling into work, makes the rush hour commute much nicer.

Do what feel best for you and the condition your in.

[Senushemi]

*Any Questions?

I hope this is the right place to post - I saw the list of those you've given the first assignment(s) to and I'm not on that list, so I'm hoping this is the discussion thread I'm supposed to post to... (sorry if I'm not making sense!)


*Any particular problem your having with meditation?

Other than lack of time/energy for it? (Especially right now as my older son is out of school for the summer - the younger one is going to summer school and has to be ready for the bus by 6:50 a.m. - and I work nights :zzzzZZZ: ) I think my main problem is being able to focus and clear my mind - just can't seem to do it any more.


*Would you care to share your meditation setting with the group?

Um... well, a few years back I started meditating in the afternoons while the boys were in school - I was able to picture a stone staircase on a hillside, that led up to a landing surrounded by trees, with a small meadow in the center; the far side had a pond, with a waterfull coming down from a higher landing. My totem is the deer, and there was always one there, and once or twice I was able to ask a question and get a sort of answer; the deer didn't speak, but would look at the answer, directing my attention to the image so I would see it too.

After a while I was able to follow the deer up to that next landing, where a stream ran behind a small cabin.

Unfortunately I've not been able to meditate like that in 2-3 years. I rarely have time to try, and when I do try, I usually fall asleep before I can clear my mind enough to actually get anywhere with the meditation. [/quote]

Please let me know if I need to post this elsewhere to get the assignments going, or if you need more information, thanks! :)

[Gryphonmusic]

I'm a beginner. I've tried to meditate a few times, usually I get bored.

[Silvana]

First I just want to say, Hello! Sorry I'm a late starter in the class but now I'm here to stay! :hahugh:




*Any Questions?

*Any particular problem your having with meditation?

*Would you care to share your meditation setting with the group?

I don't have any questions while I'm writing this but gods know they will come flying up! I'll bring them up as they do.

A few problems. It's hard to find the time or a quiet area to practice. Distractions peel me out of it so fast but I think I just need to try harder. I don't meditate very often - a thing I'd like to change. I think my biggest problem though is that when I start to meditate and it's working my mind screams - "AHH IT'S WORKING!" and then bang it stops working because I get over excitied.

I share my bedroom with my SO and our computer is in here so one of us is always on it. We have a nice big closet though and I've been thinking about using that. Otherwise I haven't tried since we moved to our new house. In the past I always tried on my bed before sleeping..heh...yeah that didn't work obviously. *snore* Hehe.

[argento_occhi]

Yeah, I meant to post here sooner, but I've been sick (yeah, again) and I'm only just getting around to being able to read through everything.

Before we begin, let me just say I don't really know much about meditation and how you should/shouldn't do it, so sorry if I ask some stupid questions.

*Any Questions?

Actually, just one. In everything I've ever read about meditation, there's always this thing about not lying down to meditate. Now, I understand that it's easier to fall asleep when you're lying down, so I get that, but are there any other reasons? It's just that lying down seems to make it easier for me to relax than trying to sit or kneel comfortably elsewhere. Hence I've been hesitant to try lying down for that reason. I did once, and well, I think it worked. But yeah. If I was going to do meditation lying down, what would be the best way to do this?

Oh, and what about meditation in the bath or something? Is that something that can be done? If so, how should you do it? I'm just curious that's all.

*Any particular problem your having with meditation?

More being able to relax enough to empty my mind. I've tried sitting or kneeling, and I can't get comfortable enough to be able to relax completely.

Granted, I haven't exactly given it an extensive try, but I'm yet to find a way that I really feel comfortable with that doesn't involve things/concepts/etc I'm not familiar with. So hopefully, I can find a method that works for me, because I'd love to be able to meditate.

*Would you care to share your meditation setting with the group?

I mostly meditate in my room, either sitting in front of my shrine or (once) I lay on my bed. I prefer doing it in the dark, it's easier to relax, I think. Is that wrong? Should you meditate in the dark? Or not? I'm never sure of these things.

If I'm in the bath, I'll have candles lit and such, perhaps some incense as well. It's quite relaxing.

And yeah, I think I've covered everything.

Argent

[Autumn Clair]

Yeah, I meant to post here sooner, but I've been sick (yeah, again) and I'm only just getting around to being able to read through everything.

Before we begin, let me just say I don't really know much about meditation and how you should/shouldn't do it, so sorry if I ask some stupid questions.

*Any Questions?

Actually, just one. In everything I've ever read about meditation, there's always this thing about not lying down to meditate. Now, I understand that it's easier to fall asleep when you're lying down, so I get that, but are there any other reasons? It's just that lying down seems to make it easier for me to relax than trying to sit or kneel comfortably elsewhere. Hence I've been hesitant to try lying down for that reason. I did once, and well, I think it worked. But yeah. If I was going to do meditation lying down, what would be the best way to do this? First I'd like to say there are many different ways to meditate, sitting, kneeling, even laying down, action meditation like walking, some do it driving, I have and when doing daily things. If you've got a lot of things to do and never a moment learning to meditate on the go can work wonders.There are meditations that use laying down. However many are prone not to use this type because they fall a sleep to easily. If your going to meditate laying down don't do it in the even later then 6 p.m. because of the whole falling a sleep. Second You can do it many ways laying on your back, laying on your stomach, laying down with legs elevated. I say use it if it works for you. I do.

Oh, and what about meditation in the bath or something? Is that something that can be done? If so, how should you do it? I'm just curious that's all. I do this as well. I love soaking in a warm bath, laying back and meditating. Do what works for you. And hey sometimes a soaking bath is the only time you'll get so meditate when you can. Anytime, anywhere.

*Any particular problem your having with meditation?

More being able to relax enough to empty my mind. I've tried sitting or kneeling, and I can't get comfortable enough to be able to relax completely.

Granted, I haven't exactly given it an extensive try, but I'm yet to find a way that I really feel comfortable with that doesn't involve things/concepts/etc I'm not familiar with. So hopefully, I can find a method that works for me, because I'd love to be able to meditate.

*Would you care to share your meditation setting with the group?

I mostly meditate in my room, either sitting in front of my shrine or (once) I lay on my bed. I prefer doing it in the dark, it's easier to relax, I think. Is that wrong? Should you meditate in the dark? Or not? I'm never sure of these things. A lot of people like it dark. Some place quiet, and use what works if you like the sound of water, music, darkness, colour lighting, smells. It's all ok.

If I'm in the bath, I'll have candles lit and such, perhaps some incense as well. It's quite relaxing.

And yeah, I think I've covered everything.

Argent

Ok, I'll post your assignment for you.

[wolfos3d]

*Any Questions?

Umm... Not that I can think of.

*Any particular problem your having with meditation?

I'm having alot of trouble getting my mind to quiet and I can't hope to do it without a little background noise. I tried and all I managed to do was freak myself out when the dogs started howling.

Another problem I'm having is I can't seem to do it without laying down. I just can't seem to relax enough.

*Would you care to share your meditation setting with the group?

Umm... Lying on my floor with a bit of light music in the background.

[argento_occhi]

Yeah, I was worried about the whole falling asleep thing, which was why I was asking about it. I just find it easier to relax lying down, that's all. Are there any methods I might try? Apart from the obvious lying on bed in the darkness? Just curious, that's all.

I might try the bath meditation again, actually. Last time I tried it, I just let my mind wander and yeah, weirdness happened and it was good, even if I didn't know it at the time. (But that's a story for later.) Might be interesting to see if that happens again. :)

So yeah, thanks for the advice. Much appreciated.

Argent

[shilasu]

Mostly, I don't know what to start with. I've tried some different methods, but never found one that I could remember to stick to. Also, I tend to worry a lot if I'm doing it right. I know that doesn't help, but I seem to have an issue with that.

[AussiePagan]

*Any Questions?

Nope

*Any particular problem your having with meditation?

A few :lol:

Some times I just plain can't concentrate. If I'm running on not enough sleep, too much caffeine, I pretty much can't meditate at all, my mind is happily going :awilly: :spaceman: :boing: on me. I find sometimes I can concentrate better if I meditate after going to the gym, but other times I'm that tired after gymming I just wanna fall asleep.

Which brings me to my next problem, falling a sleep :lol: Sometimes when I meditate I just wanna fall asleep. I've experimented with this is meditated as I was falling asleep, which was interesting and scary to experience all your limbs stop working on you, while your still awake :foh:

Other times I get all light headed, as if I'm hyper ventilating or something. So I slow down my breathing by having a 3 second pause between breaths, but after a little while of that I need to take quick couple of full breaths because I'm running out of air :awilly:

And finally, most of the time I'm just too tired / am too lazy to meditate. So yeah, this problem is more to do with me not being discipled enough with myself. :ggrief:

*Would you care to share your meditation setting with the group?

A few months ago I got myself into a good little meditation routine but then crush time came at uni and i didn't have enough to scratch myself. In retrospect, It would have been WAY better to of keep the meditation going as I'm always more productive after meditating to clear my mind, then sorta focusing the meditation on the up coming task. Anyway, back then I would wake up, goto gym, shower, get breaky then meditate before class.

Now however, I've stopped doing the morning gym 'cause its too hard and isn't that good for your apparently. I tried mediating in the morning after breaky, but just couldn't concentrate. I've tried after the gym before lunch, again couldn't concentrate.

But back when I was in my routine, it would feel as if I was just on the edge of meditating deeper, but couldn't quite get there.

I then tried at night, in total darkness with the lights out, and actually got somewhere :kooky: I also had a clear purpose with helped as well...or though I'm starting to think my idea of meditation isn't the same as everyone else's :hehehehe: I meditated and visualized me going really well during the job interview I had the next day, and felt as if I was connecting to something upstairs while I did it. It worked, I got the job, but I think one would consider that more 'magic' than meditation, and maybe a tad 'evil' too. I've tried night time, lights out, meditation a twice now, and it seems to work well.

Last night I started having random thoughts pop into my head, but they were random, meaningful thoughts so :boing: But, then I started getting light headed and had to stop.

[Tesseljoan]

Hi, sorry for being late, but I was going on a trip an ddidn't have time to check back in before I went. Thank you for including me in the course.

*Any Questions?

Yes, in answering other people's questions you've talked about active meditation, such as walking, driving, etc. meditation. I'd be interested in meditating whilst running, would that be possible? I would love to learn this aside of a 'sitting' practice.
About the group meditations: I might be dim, but does everyone have to do these at the exact same time? Because in that case, there might be issues with time differences?


*Any particular problem your having with meditation?

O, just a few (*ahem*)

Discipline. I have a tendency to become fanatical and then 'burn out' as it were. In those fanatical periods I try to meditate once a day for at least an hour.

I can't follow my breaths, I control them to much. I breath through my belly. I constantly feel as if I'm either running out of breath or being light-headed (I'm pretty sure it wasn't enlightenment):yayah: I've discarded the follow your breaths in favour of trying to follow my thoughts. The problem I have with that is that I either just loose my focus or become too analytical. I will, for example, backtrack thoughts to where they came from. I'm not sure how to explain it, but it feels much more like a mental effort then just simply being alert and welcoming anything that arises, you know?

*Would you care to share your meditation setting with the group?


I meditate on a zafu (thick hard pillow) in Burmese position. Usually in front of my altar/working space with a candle and an oil burner with some sandalwood in it, unless my partner wants to use the computer which is in the same room. In that case I usually find another quiet spot in the house, and I bring my candle with me.:cool:

[Idril]

*Any Questions?

Nop


*Any particular problem your having with meditation?

Yes. for example, past summer or when I started Mastery of Self class, I started meditating and everything was OK and I liked it and enjoyed it, but then I stop meditating and then I'm lazy to start again and I find it difficult. For example this time I stop for the exams and I was very stressed so the logicest would be having carried on with meditation V_v


*Would you care to share your meditation setting with the group? I meditate in my room, at night, when everything has calm down, before go to bed. I sit on the floor in half loto ¿is the expression correct? :)

[Autumn Clair]

Yeah, I was worried about the whole falling asleep thing, which was why I was asking about it. I just find it easier to relax lying down, that's all. Are there any methods I might try? Apart from the obvious lying on bed in the darkness? Just curious, that's all.

I might try the bath meditation again, actually. Last time I tried it, I just let my mind wander and yeah, weirdness happened and it was good, even if I didn't know it at the time. (But that's a story for later.) Might be interesting to see if that happens again. :)

So yeah, thanks for the advice. Much appreciated.

Argent

Greetings Argento, If your worried about falling a sleep. You can always do a meditation with your eyes open. I like closing my eyes but many do meditate with their eyes open. Just pick an image to focus on in your room. Or you can visualize an image which would keep you more awake because your focus on making an image appear. You might want to try it once with your eyes open and once with them closed. See which one workers better for you.

A good one is this:

The Source Meditation

Lay down
Take a deep breath as you exhaul let yourself relax.
Continue to breath in deeply, exhale. Visualize (Image will switch)Remember to keep a relaexed breathing throughout the meditation. Soon you'll be breathing without thought of it.

Visualize:
The Bear
The Wolf
The Horse

Next

The Dragonfly
The Bee
The Ant

Next

A wide open field with a slight breeze. Feel the warming sun on your back. You since something coming behind you, something that calls to you. You wonder what this is. Your turn slowing the bright sun shining in your eyes a beautiful light all around. From within the light an image comers closer, closer, a faded image is seen.

It comes closer, closer, You see it. It speaks to you. (When it does answer it.)

I look forward to hearing your responce.

[argento_occhi]

I'll be sure to give it a go, Autumn Clair. Sounds interesting. :) But not tonight, too tired. Will give it a go tomorrow.

Argent

[Lady Aeris]

So im not new in the least, but meditating is proving to be a bit more complicated to get through as of late. Im having trouble clearing my mind of the tits and tats of life, the unnecessary worries, etc etc, trying to let go of things (as i was always able to do before) and for some reason, i just cannot find a happy medium. There are a few reasons that i could think of that are keeping me from achieving my goal- 1 being that this house (im with my parents and not allowed to cleanse their house) is so full of negative energy it could choke you if you attempted to swallow it- and 2 being that my parents and those around me are negative energy magnets as of late and im afraid im catching the cold dark choke along with them...Now, my room is pretty much its own area as far as energy goes, and i've been able to deal with the negativity before but its been difficult- What can i do to get back on track? To touch serious grounds with the 4th dimension? To re-discover my base and foundation and attatch myself again? Im missing parts of me because of this lack of positivity- with no good results~ any advice would be appreciated

Constance

[Lady Aeris]

So, i've once again attempted to meditate~ clearing my mind was easy this time, but im uneasy and off centered and i dont trust my environment- i'll keep my eyes closed for some 2 minutes at most and then i check the room (bad, i know) but i cant seem to let go of that habit. Im also finding trouble opening my third eye further- and relaxing. -ball of nerves, much?-

I havent been able to concentrate enough to evaluate further...

[moonbride]

So, i've once again attempted to meditate~ clearing my mind was easy this time, but im uneasy and off centered and i dont trust my environment- i'll keep my eyes closed for some 2 minutes at most and then i check the room (bad, i know) but i cant seem to let go of that habit. Im also finding trouble opening my third eye further- and relaxing. -ball of nerves, much?-

I havent been able to concentrate enough to evaluate further...

I do this same thing sometimes... have to check the room. But I think that comes from being a mom/stepmom to five kids and rarely ever having the time to myself to do it. I also had a bad experience once trying to meditate late at night when I thought everyone was finally down to bed only to have the absolute CRAP scared out of me when someone came downstairs to ask for something LOL. I was doing really well, I thought... and got jerked out of it and I can't stand to be startled like that.

This is a hard time of year for me to do it because the kids are older now, most are teenagers, and they are constantly coming and going. But I'm definitely making an effort and have had some pretty good experiences this week despite some distractions.

[Autumn Clair]

Hi, sorry for being late, but I was going on a trip an ddidn't have time to check back in before I went. Thank you for including me in the course.

*Any Questions?

Yes, in answering other people's questions you've talked about active meditation, such as walking, driving, etc. meditation. I'd be interested in meditating whilst running, would that be possible? I would love to learn this aside of a 'sitting' practice. During group meditation we'll be doing a lot of different types of meditation which will include active meditations.
About the group meditations: I might be dim, but does everyone have to do these at the exact same time? Because in that case, there might be issues with time differences? Everyone was put into a group for two reasons. I:There was so many who joined for the class I needed to break it up in groups of ten. II: You'll all be working on different meditations and posting your experiences to your group members and thus discussing these meditation with your group members.


*Any particular problem your having with meditation?

O, just a few (*ahem*)

Discipline. I have a tendency to become fanatical and then 'burn out' as it were. In those fanatical periods I try to meditate once a day for at least an hour.

I can't follow my breaths, I control them to much. I breath through my belly. I constantly feel as if I'm either running out of breath or being light-headed (I'm pretty sure it wasn't enlightenment):yayah: I've discarded the follow your breaths in favour of trying to follow my thoughts. The problem I have with that is that I either just loose my focus or become too analytical. I will, for example, backtrack thoughts to where they came from. I'm not sure how to explain it, but it feels much more like a mental effort then just simply being alert and welcoming anything that arises, you know? First understand there is no one way to meditate to get it right. If the breathing technique doesn't work for you that's fine, it's just a starting point for beginners once you truely get into the meditation your breathing will fall into place just like we breathe now. It's all natural with no conscious effort saying breathe. I think you might be trying to hard with the whole analizing everything. If your trying to meditate and your just not getting it. Most likely your trying to hard.
I like to tell people who are try. DON"T! Just sit down close your eyes and let your mind go to anything. If 50 thoughts come in that's 50 that's you just got rid of. When I can't concentrate it's because I have to much on my mind. I let everything come in and then I visualize it going like a check mark. One down or throwing that thought out into the air. It really helps relax me.

*Would you care to share your meditation setting with the group?


I meditate on a zafu (thick hard pillow) in Burmese position. Usually in front of my altar/working space with a candle and an oil burner with some sandalwood in it, unless my partner wants to use the computer which is in the same room. In that case I usually find another quiet spot in the house, and I bring my candle with me.:cool:

I hope this helps.

[Philosophia]

Sorry this has taken so long...I've been very busy lately.

*Any Questions?
Does stress cause problems or issues with meditation?
What "solutions" (for lack of better word) would you suggest for a person giving up smoking? (not for me, but for my brother)


*Any particular problem your having with meditation?
Lately I haven't been able to totally surrender myself to the meditation. Something is holding me back from fully entering a meditative state. I used to do it twice a day but now I can't.


*Would you care to share your meditation setting with the group?
My bedroom. Its a place I feel comfortable sitting and feeling myself. I have a CD playing with no lights on. Depending on my mood, I either sit or lie down.

[Autumn Clair]

So im not new in the least, but meditating is proving to be a bit more complicated to get through as of late. Im having trouble clearing my mind of the tits and tats of life, the unnecessary worries, etc etc, trying to let go of things (as i was always able to do before) and for some reason, i just cannot find a happy medium. There are a few reasons that i could think of that are keeping me from achieving my goal- 1 being that this house (im with my parents and not allowed to cleanse their house) is so full of negative energy it could choke you if you attempted to swallow it- and 2 being that my parents and those around me are negative energy magnets as of late and im afraid im catching the cold dark choke along with them...Now, my room is pretty much its own area as far as energy goes, and i've been able to deal with the negativity before but its been difficult- What can i do to get back on track? To touch serious grounds with the 4th dimension? To re-discover my base and foundation and attatch myself again? Im missing parts of me because of this lack of positivity- with no good results~ any advice would be appreciated

Constance

When there's alot of negative in the air it does tend to be catching a few good things to do.

01. Cleanse your room because energy stick and it most likely gets carried in on you.

02. Cleanse yourself I like to do this in a few ways with the help of elements.
FIRE EARTH AIR WATER. If I'm showering I do a quick but very visualized cleansing washing the negative energy off and the water purifying me with a soothing cover of positive energy.

If you'd like I can give you the incantations I use!

do the same with air, fire, earth use the elements to keep you cleansed.

03. I would do a meditation in a few ways.

a. A meditation that cleanses as well.
b. A meditation that takes me to My Inner Realm, this would be a place you feel very safe, secure, loved, free, and it helps to build this place with support by drawing beings in from another realms. (This is the strongest meditation I've come across it really give you another place to be and I find myself very strengthened by this type of meditation.
c. A meditation that protects you from this negative energy much like a cleansing but stronger with visualization from the meditation and a longer length of building the protection. If I want a quick protection I do a cleansing if I want a strong protection I do the meditation.

[Autumn Clair]

Sorry this has taken so long...I've been very busy lately.

Does stress cause problems or issues with meditation?
What "solutions" (for lack of better word) would you suggest for a person giving up smoking? (not for me, but for my brother)

Stress can be a big problem for those wishing to meditate and trying to reach an enlighted state. We must deal with what troubles us in order to fully reach the next level. Buddisum (somehow that doesn't look right?) works with level to reach enlightment and the same with meditation.

Your brother wishes to meditate for not smoking?

First thing I'd tell you for Suggestions of giving up smoking is this: It's like any other habit but it will take more then three days. The first week is the hardest
he'll haves moods,cravings and he'll be mentally not sound. But if he keeps in mind why he's doing this he could find strength in meditation.

01. smoking fills your body with toxins. He is stopping the toxin but the poison is already there.

02.he should cleanse himself by drinking alot of water, it puritfies the body and flushes out the poison. So drinking a lot of water will help. Plus cleanse his mind he needs to see himself in a new way. Positive thoughts, positive actions.

03.He needs to re-enforce positive actions. Because stress, negativity will cause him to want to fall back into the habit.


Lately I haven't been able to totally surrender myself to the meditation. Something is holding me back from fully entering a meditative state. I used to do it twice a day but now I can't.


My bedroom. Its a place I feel comfortable sitting and feeling myself. I have a CD playing with no lights on. Depending on my mood, I either sit or lie down.

Remember not to try so hard. As we get into group meditation you might find that these help.

[Autumn Clair]

So, i've once again attempted to meditate~ clearing my mind was easy this time, but im uneasy and off centered and i dont trust my environment- i'll keep my eyes closed for some 2 minutes at most and then i check the room (bad, i know) but i cant seem to let go of that habit. Im also finding trouble opening my third eye further- and relaxing. -ball of nerves, much?-

I havent been able to concentrate enough to evaluate further...

If your having difficulty feeling safe in your surrounding you might be more suited to active meditation. Active meditation is nothing more then meditating while being very much still alert.

I'll be posting soon on both types passive meditation and active.

[Lady Aeris]

When there's alot of negative in the air it does tend to be catching a few good things to do.

01. Cleanse your room because energy stick and it most likely gets carried in on you.

02. Cleanse yourself I like to do this in a few ways with the help of elements.
FIRE EARTH AIR WATER. If I'm showering I do a quick but very visualized cleansing washing the negative energy off and the water purifying me with a soothing cover of positive energy.

If you'd like I can give you the incantations I use!

do the same with air, fire, earth use the elements to keep you cleansed.

03. I would do a meditation in a few ways.

a. A meditation that cleanses as well.
b. A meditation that takes me to My Inner Realm, this would be a place you feel very safe, secure, loved, free, and it helps to build this place with support by drawing beings in from another realms. (This is the strongest meditation I've come across it really give you another place to be and I find myself very strengthened by this type of meditation.
c. A meditation that protects you from this negative energy much like a cleansing but stronger with visualization from the meditation and a longer length of building the protection. If I want a quick protection I do a cleansing if I want a strong protection I do the meditation.


oh please do send the incantations! that would help a lot~ I do inner realm meditations 9 times out of 10, and i love it- it always does wonders for me, but there's a process to getting there and that's where im having the problem as far as the safety stuff (on the other post) because i cannot release that- but how soon will you be posting information on active meditations?
I'll add the other meditations into my daily routine and defenitly cleanse my room- we're going to DC tomorrow, i'll still be online and whatnot, but not as often :(

[Lady Aeris]

I do this same thing sometimes... have to check the room. But I think that comes from being a mom/stepmom to five kids and rarely ever having the time to myself to do it. I also had a bad experience once trying to meditate late at night when I thought everyone was finally down to bed only to have the absolute CRAP scared out of me when someone came downstairs to ask for something LOL. I was doing really well, I thought... and got jerked out of it and I can't stand to be startled like that.

This is a hard time of year for me to do it because the kids are older now, most are teenagers, and they are constantly coming and going. But I'm definitely making an effort and have had some pretty good experiences this week despite some distractions.


yeah, i would imagine that could be hard- i've never been interrupted before, i think mine's from a case of slight paranoia.
..5 teens? wow, i commend you- 1 gives my mom enough grey hairs to last her a lifetime, i think 5 would kill her. *grimace*
Have you made any progress? Autumn Clair gave me some solutions you might want to look at if you havent already. i havent done anything with them just yet, but i'll let ya know how they work for me- if you want to do the same that would be great :) Im glad you've had good experiences so far, i've kinda been stuck, but i think i can now fix that. hopefully. :)

[moonbride]

yeah, i would imagine that could be hard- i've never been interrupted before, i think mine's from a case of slight paranoia.
..5 teens? wow, i commend you- 1 gives my mom enough grey hairs to last her a lifetime, i think 5 would kill her. *grimace*
Have you made any progress? Autumn Clair gave me some solutions you might want to look at if you havent already. i havent done anything with them just yet, but i'll let ya know how they work for me- if you want to do the same that would be great :) Im glad you've had good experiences so far, i've kinda been stuck, but i think i can now fix that. hopefully. :)

LOL... there's been days when I thought it might kill me too... trust me. But they are really a pretty good bunch of kids. I'm lucky. My oldest daughter is married and moved out now so that only leaves four but they still keep me darn busy.

I actually got interrupted yesterday... by the big one... my husband! He should know better but evidently not. Luckily I was able to get back to where I was a little easier this time and I guess I can only attribute that to having practiced more this week than ever. I'm loving this class.

[Lady Aeris]

LOL... there's been days when I thought it might kill me too... trust me. But they are really a pretty good bunch of kids. I'm lucky. My oldest daughter is married and moved out now so that only leaves four but they still keep me darn busy.

I actually got interrupted yesterday... by the big one... my husband! He should know better but evidently not. Luckily I was able to get back to where I was a little easier this time and I guess I can only attribute that to having practiced more this week than ever. I'm loving this class.


Well im glad they're good for you, its hard to get a group of teenagers who dont drive their parents crazy. :awilly: lol~ Are they all older teens are are you in the early stages still? I would imagine older teens would be easier despite the 'i want to be independant' streak that we love to pull.

*laughs* what a punk, lol, but that's really good that you could just go back into your meditations, so i guess you can say he kind of contributed to the practice...a little bit. Im loving it too- What kind of meditations do you usually do? I like to do inner realm meditations.