Meditation help

[hedgewitch00]

Hey does n e one know a good method for meditation? i have tried a couple but they dont work. plus i have like, no attention span which makes it hard to sit still :).

[Empress Stillnight]

You could try some exercises to increase mindfulness, then look into walking meditation (just use those key words to Google-lots of info will come up).I prefer walking meditation over sitting meditation.

One method I've found to increase my attention during sitting meditation is to use a focal point. For some reason, fire works well for me. Especially a nice campfire built outside. Music works for me too, although most persons versed in meditation discourage its use. Tribal drumming, Celtic style music, and for some reason, the real synthesized metal music works for me.

Mostly, just keep practicing and be patient. Develop a routine. The routine is important. It "primes" your body for the experience. If you lose focus while meditating, gently acknowledge that you've lost focus, then return to focusing. Don't berate yourself for losing focus, and don't get in the habit of telling yourself that you "can't" meditate. Developing mindfulness takes time.

Regards,
Empress

[Javyn]

Mala beads could be helpful, to time your session, and also to keep your mind from wandering.

[Shana-chan]

I'm confused on meditating too. When you're meditating, exactly what are you supposed to be focusing on? Silence? Speaking to something? Clearing your mind?

I'm so confused. :(

I have problems even clearing my mind, too, because there's always music playing in the back of my head at any given time. o.o

[Javyn]

Well, I'm no expert on meditation. The way I learned was to clear your mind, and focus all attention on the breathing. I turn one bead per breath. Other people find chants/mantras more helpful, and visualization. Although visualization seems to go against what I learned, who knows?

I think the most important thing is to not get frustrated when your mind wanders.
Your mind WILL wander, there is no way around it at first. Getting frustrated and angry will just make it worse. I try to just accept it, and just let go when I realize I've got the "monkey brain". The mala beads are a great help too for keeping concentration on my breath. Something to hold in my hand and keep me focused . My mind still wanders, but with practice and the beads, much less often now.

Also I find it a little easier when I try after a Yoga or workout session. And keep in mind meditation will not help you concentrate, give you spiritual powers, etc etc. It is not a means to an end. Meditation is the means and the end. Meditation itself should be the only reason you meditate :)

[Hazel witchazel]

Hey does n e one know a good method for meditation? i have tried a couple but they dont work. plus i have like, no attention span which makes it hard to sit still :).


Hi hedgewitchOO
You can still meditate and move around and with your eyes open, the main thing is to just let your mind wander.

blessings

Hazel witchazel

:sailing:

[Romani Vixen]

Candle meditations are really basic. Focus on the candle flame. Let your mind wander. You can also then close your eyes and try to see the candle flame with your mind's eye. When you loose the image, just open your eyes again to focus on the candle.

Breathing in itself is a good meditation. Focus on your breathing. Inhale for four counts, hold for four counts, exhale for four counts. Keep it going for a bit.

You can also try the meditation CD's. some people have more success with those.

Meditation is about practice. Meditate every day. Keep it up, and you'll see results. Also understand that it's a process, something that never ends. I will be meditating the day that I die. Even if you don't get it like you want to at first, it will come. Have patence with yourself.

:)

[wakywitch]

Well breathing is important.
I sometimes have a hard time as well.
Here is something that works for me.

When I breathe, I visualize in my mind the tide turning in and out at the beach, waves going in and out.
I breathe in thru my nose, like the tide coming in.
Breathe out thru my mouth, like the tide going out.

Hope that can help you. :hugz:

[Rick]

I have problems even clearing my mind, too, because there's always music playing in the back of my head at any given time. o.o
Yeah, and it's always somethin' like "Oh, Susannah"... :twitch: or the Smurf song... :awilly: or "Katmandu" by Bob Seeger... well, that one's OK... :hehehehe:

I've found that gazing into a scrying mirror is very relaxing & makes slipping into the 'altered state' much easier... might be worth a shot...

[hamletincarnate]

if you don't like sitting you can walk. lots of buddhists walked and meditated. give it a go! try carrying a stick of incense. nice stuff.

[Shana-chan]

I'm allergic to incense. ^.^