Clearing Your Mind

[hikarilove]

Someone, in the New Pagans forum, brought up difficulties with clearing their mind of thought. I used to be quite good at this but, admittedly, have fallen out of practice and now find it difficult to do.

What methods do you employ to clear your mind to prepare for ritual, spellwork, etc.?

I try to passively hear my thoughts rise to the surface and then fade away, one by one. It can take quite some time, but it works eventually. Sometimes I become impatient, however, and that doesn't help. ;)

I've also tried Windex.

[Nitefalle]

I prefer to focus on my breathing and manipulate my energy to be more open, in order to calm my thinking mind. I find that when I turn inward, the "upper" or "outer" thoughts become quieter.

[Garm]

Tell it to STFU

Works for me

I find the continueing natter quite annoying and contrary to what I have known any one else to advocate or practice this drawing upon my anger to silence the noise as one would a neighbour who likes to play rap at 3am is quite effective

Calm works for calm natures

[Paracelsus]

Remember old crow's advice - the best ways are at the two ends of the spectrum; either energised enthusiasm, or calm.
If you want the calm way - then remember that it doesn't come easy, and actually quite a bit of practice is necessary to get it right.

[Becoming]

You can envision that your thoughts are floating by on a stream, and you are a bystander, watching as they float away...or...you can put whatever thoughts come into mind into littl "thought" baloons, and let them just float away.

Windex?

[inkywitch]

I prefer to focus on my breathing and manipulate my energy to be more open, in order to calm my thinking mind. I find that when I turn inward, the "upper" or "outer" thoughts become quieter.

Ditto!

[Windsmith]

I go for a walk. While I walk, I name everything I see/hear/smell/whatever. And I'm no great shakes at botany or zoology, so sometimes I'm listing things like, "Green bush. Red bird. Black bug." But the intention is to push out extraneous thoughts and leave me free to concentrate on my magical or ritual work, while at the same time bringing me to attention of the present moment, which for me is the best place to start from for any sort of spiritual work.

[childofbast]

I focus on my breathing, and quite often move on to a Tree of Life meditation after. It helps me to get in the mindset.

[Whitewolf]

I have trouble clearing my mind. I try listening to relaxing music when that happens.

[inkywitch]

I've also recently got into drumming, which brings a trance-like, quiet, calm state (depending on the beat, that is). I'm enjoying it!

[hikarilove]

I've also recently got into drumming, which brings a trance-like, quiet, calm state (depending on the beat, that is). I'm enjoying it!

Oooh! I've always wanted to try drumming!

[inkywitch]

Oooh! I've always wanted to try drumming!

I tried it at a Pagan shop. Now I want my own drum! ...just not from them. They charge an arm and a leg :P

[serenarian]

I drum as well - often using a djembe as I like the sound and that really helps to clear my mind. Failing that, I close my eyes and picture pure white. The concentration needed helps me to filter out any other thoughts.

[childofbast]

Like inkywitch, I also get into a special state while drumming.

[childofbast]

Oh, and I forgot to add that I got my drum at a Renaissance festival. I can't remember what it actually is called (the guide it came with is at home), but it's made of clay and goat skin. It's got a great sound! It was about $80. If there's a Ren Fest in your area, check for drums!

[surreal]

I have great difficulty clearing my mind.

Driving w/out traffic in high speed is the closest to my mind being clear. Hard to do a ritual in that situation though.

[Vigdisdotter]

What methods do you employ to clear your mind to prepare for ritual, spellwork, etc.?

It's not strictly for before anyhtign but rahte ra regular practice that helps with getting used to doing so. Its' an evil little mediation called the mind scrub.

Hit your preferred meditation pose (try to avoid lying down) and close your eyes. Work on your breathing, let to slow down. When ready breath in, breath out; One. Breath in, breath out; Two. Breath in, breath out; Three.

The goal is to get to ten. Simple right? HAH! I wish :) If you think of ANYTHING other then the number or even repeat the number more then once in your mind....you have to start over.

My record is Six. I got so excited and proud of myself...then realized I was thinking and started over :P