Meditation

[Iris]

Sorry if there's another thread like this. Anyway, I have a hard time meditating. I find it difficult to shut my thoughts up, I find it difficult to just be still and quiet - does anyone else have this problem? If so, how do you overcome it? I've been given various bits of advice...one major thing seems to be listening to some sort of music deemed to be conducive to meditation. In a lot of cases this seems to be some sort of new age music (I don't know if that's the correct term but I can't think of any other way to describe it) you know, flutes, bird song, rain fall, things like that...but I just don't like that kind of music, and instead of making me relax it just sorta makes me cringe (no offense meant to the people who like that sort of music...I respect that a lot of people, especially pagans, do, but it's just not my 'thing') so I don't know what I could use as an alternative...I know people use different things to help them reach a meditative state...if anyone could share any techniques or advice with me then I'd be really grateful :)

[KatieBear822]

hehe ... I know the feeling. the one thing that works for me all the time is just sitting and focusing on my breath. Either controlling it or just focusing on it. When I'm really stressed out and I can't focus at all, I breath for a count of four in, and then four out ...

Also, try streching before you meditate. that releases a lot of tension, there's also a thread around here somewhere just on meditation ..

::goes rumageing ... will be back in a minute::


Found it ... YAAY

Here ya go ... http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?p=1402794#post1402794


Also, the book Wiccan Meditations by Laura Wildman is fabulous, even if you aren't wiccan. I also read Meditation for dummies ( :lol: ) and though it sounds kinda lame, it was very good because it gave a lot of techniques for how to calm down and release tension that builds up and stops you from being able to relax.

Hope all that helps! PM me if you want more info ...

[Romani Vixen]

do a google search for vapissanna meditation or mindfulness meditation. I'll see if I can find some links for you later too.

Remember, it's a process. As you practice your focus, you will get better and better. It doesn't come in a day, or a week, for some, it takes years for just the basics. It is the pursuit that is important. And you'll reap the rewards in the end.

The CoT:Buddhism class has some meditation techniques.

Most of the time it's easier for a beginner to start with focusing on one thing (a candle flame, your breath, etc.) rather than clearing the mind. In vapissanna meditation, the first step is to focus on your breath, and after much practice, a clear mind will come.

[cheddarsox]

there are many types of meditations, because there are many types of people! I don't have any advice if what you really want is to practice "blank mind" types, because,like you, I have not had any sucess with that, and have given up interest in it. However, I do enjoy contemplative meditation, and walking meditation.

contemplative meditation involves focusing on something deeply. It can be a physical thing in front of you, an image in your mind, or a concept or story. Through it one, through focused attention on the subject, comes to new understandings and insights, and also, (sort of a byproduct) shuts everything else out for a period of time.

Walking meditation can be either contemplative or mind clearing. I try to find a place to walk where I don't need to think about my path, such as a labyrinth, or a circuit of my yard, or a track. I follow my feet either contemplating, or focusing on nothing but just letting myself feel my feet contact the ground, the air move in and out of my lungs, the breeze on my face. Sort of letting my mind go and really being present in my body.

I did yoga for awhile but it aggrivated my sciatica so much that I was crippled for 2 days after every session and had to stop. But I did like how I felt spiritually...

Good luck

cheddar

[Gede]

MM~
I used to have a problem focussing too. I couldn't shut off the entourage of thoughts and it was difficult to find a method that would ease the process, but eventually, after some practice, I got there and it is a very basic, yet necessary, skill to have in your Magickal arsenal ;). I have borrowed little things from hear and there, especially different breathing techniques. I used to work with the basic yogic breath, which is cyclic and helps to narrow the field of focus on the counts and cycles of each breath (4 seconds for inhalation-4 to hold-4 for exhalation). Nowadays I either just breathe deeply and let everything go or I use a Hawaiian breath technique, you breath in deeply through your nose and then out through your mouth making a "haaaaa" noise. It really works to empty and focus your mind.

Here's a link with great mind-clearing exercises:

http://groups.msn.com/CymmorilsWiccanTeenSite/mindclearingexercises.msnw

Good luck!

Namaste, Gede...

[knickers]

i've added a meditation i use when i'm really clogged up with too much stuff it works very well

[Xentor]

Clearing out your mind isn't as easy as it sounds.

I've found most methods rely on replacing your everyday thoughts with a simple, repeated sentence (aka mantra)or visual. Each time your mind wanders off, you correct yourself and return to that mantra.

For instance, while walking to the bus each morning, I count to 4. Over and over again. And I keep track of how many times I stray. Over time, the strayings should lessen.

[StarSpiral]

I use a mantra when trying to meditate either that or a focus. Tarot cards and candle flames work best for me.

[Viseux]

I always recommend drumming to those who have problems reaching a meditation state.

Blessings,
Viseux