Inability to clear mind...defense mechanism?

[RogueEcho]

I was wondering if anyone else had major problems when clearing their minds. I'm not sure it's a discipline thing with me -- I can almost get there, or I CAN get my mind cleared, but only for a brief moment before some thought has to come barrelling in. And I do mean coming in that quickly. My mind will not let me have a totally cleared mind. I've begun to think that it might be some sort of defense mechanism, although I'm not entirely certain why (I have some theories).

Does anyone else have this problem?

[13thChylde]

Oh, oh, I do...I almost have a panic attack (or something that feels like a panic attack might feel) when I start to empty my mind. It's very frustrating, because you need to be able to that for mediations and visualization work, but I've never been able to.

I went to a hypnotist once and couldn't go under, although my friend who was there to take notes kept slipping.

[FeatherGoblinglimmer]

I really hae that problem too, however i find that if i hold a peice of heamatite, it slows the incoming thoughts.

[lightfairy]

thanx for the advice,ill try the hematite thing coz ive been struggling for a while now and its getting up my nose :)

[Snowflake]

I would like to mention, when I first started to meditate, I had to much on my mind to move to other types of med. :rolleyes:
I had to deal with each thought as it came. Is it my thought or left over energy from someone. Is there something I can do about this thought to lay it to rest.

There are many ways to rid oneself of the bombardment. . Deal with each, or it will forever pop up, making it a monster waiting to interrupt.

Here's a few ways I empty my mind. Hematite, in left hand, clear Crystal in the other. As each thought comes in, deal with it and push it away or back to the person who left it with you. If it's something that nags at you, look for an answer to the problem. Or take a dust rag and rub it out, throwing it far to explode. But this approach only keeps it from returning until the next time you meditate.

In fact this exercise in itself is a form of meditation of ones thoughts. :)
There are many types of meditations, for mind, body and spirit. Know what type you need before starting, so intent is strong in your mind.

Grounding is important. How do you each like to ground before you begin meditating? Or is this where you are having trouble getting to?

.

[Nissala]

I have had this problem always, and still am. Grounding is part of my problem, I don't think I am grounded when starting meditation. Any suggestions?

[Toad]

Have you tried using a mantra? Some find that a mantra's use is helpful in blocking rogue thoughts.

[Xentor]

As long as something really bothers me, I can't get my mind cleared. As such, I'll do meditations that don't need a clear mind untill I resolved the problems. If it gets too bad, I can't meditate at all.

[Moon Dragon]

Well ... my suggestion to you would be to not push yourself too hard, cuz I know you're a busy person. Each time you meditate, try to address each thought that comes to your mind .. maybe you just have too much on your mind to get it off your mind and you need tos pend that much more time unclearing it? It takes time but you know, Ways of the Earth does meditations on MWF in Cook-Dewitt from 11-12 or something like that (you'd have to check the website) or GVSU Counseling Center has a Meditation on Monday nights I believe, but you'd want to check the web page there.

Maybe making an herbal pillow for meditation? Meditation and Concentration? Focusing Mind? Let me look and I'll get back to you later RE. (Or just talk to you on aim)

Bright Blessings
~MD~

[grnpuffer]

[QUOTE=RogueEcho]I was wondering if anyone else had major problems when clearing their minds. I'm not sure it's a discipline thing with me -- I can almost get there, or I CAN get my mind cleared, but only for a brief moment before some thought has to come barrelling in. And I do mean coming in that quickly. QUOTE]

You resolve the problem by keeping at it without expectation or anticipation. Eventually the mind will settle.
Remember to not push or force your mind or become frustrated- it will only make the clamour louder. That which you resist persists beause pushing is another form of grasping or holding. Just observe it and let it go.

[aida]

At the beginning I had this trouble too. I learned to clear my mind very soon, but now I have a new problem to face: even if I can clear my mind, and try to contact the deities or astrally project, nothing happens. I've been struggling to contact my goddes but it just doesn't happen. This is why I'm having loads of trouble finding my matron and patron deities. Anyone know any useful tricks? :/