Meditation

[10below]

There are many kinds of meditation I do:

1) Quieting the mind / breathing meditation
2) Being present and in this moment only (grounding meditation)
3) Positive visualization (creating and holding a complex image in your mind)
4) Walking meditation

The more I meditate the more I realize that anything can be a meditation. I became more open minded about this subject after the sitting down cross legged type really didn't work for me - and this was after living with Buddhists for 1.5 years.

Anything that quiets the overt mind I would consider to be meditative.

I like the idea of 'being present and in this moment only'. Didn't think that would be a form of meditation.

 

[B1tO'RoughJack]

Ones I have been working with recently are "so-hum" meditation ( listening to your natural rhythm of breath and even repeating in your head "so...hum" onomatapaeically(sp?!) as your breath makes something close to these sounds, and "empty bowl meditation" is a new one that I haven't done much. Gazing at the sun between 10 & 20 minutes when it has just risen above the horizon until and it is goldent, until it gets too intense to stare at, aaaaand candle gazing is a good one - I like that one. Cloud gazing is my next one to start doing more.

Then onto sitting there looking at the tip of my nose, and just focussing on it, and breathing, in half lotus - soon, but not yet. haha.

Also, Bombo how comes you do eyes half-slit when candle gazing?

 

[panic in paradise]

^ i really like sun gazing, as you described BitO', except prefer sitting in a Vajrasana asana and incorporating pranayama while doing so.

om gam ganapataye namaha

 

[Max Power]

Can someone please explain to me what exactly meditation is to you, and how to get your mind focused?

"A person who thinks all the time has nothing to think about except thoughts. So he loses touch with reality, and lives in a world of illusion." - Alan Watts

I have an overactive inner voice. For me, meditation is a way to still the mind. Of course, the more you try to quiet the chatter the harder it is to truly enter a meditative state. The more you try to focus your mind the less focused it becomes. Again, I highly recommend Alan Watts as an introduction to meditation. I posted a link earlier in this thread. It has been invaluable to me.

 

[Stoned Immaculate]

Anyone have any good advice about how to prep yourself to meditate successfully? I often have the problem of "the wheels spinning" in my brain and often find it hard to meditate, focus, or sleep when I'm constantly sorting through my thoughts.

 

[panic in paradise]

Anyone have any good advice about how to prep yourself to meditate successfully? I often have the problem of "the wheels spinning" in my brain and often find it hard to meditate, focus, or sleep when I'm constantly sorting through my thoughts.

yoga and using a mala prior to
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the more you practice meditating, the more you will become acquired to finding that place personally, until it can happen spontaneously.

maybe with the thoughts that keep arising from your subconsience, later consciously confront and face the reoccurring thoughts that keep coming up, then later again while meditating allow yourself to identify with the emotions associated with the thoughts; those associated emotions&feelings will most likely be the root of the irrational uncomfortable thoughts.

 

[B1tO'RoughJack]

^ i really like sun gazing, as you described BitO', except prefer sitting in a Vajrasana asana and incorporating pranayama while doing so.

om gam ganapataye namaha

i haven't tried that yet^ - will do next time I do this, as I now have a grass mat in my possession again.

 

[panic in paradise]

oh no, no mat, only good old fashioned adaptation.





for the everything else i need to get around to getting a mat for.

 

[panic in paradise]

i dont usually make 711 coffee a part of my routine, but its not that bad.!

 

[KamMoye]

Anyone have any good advice about how to prep yourself to meditate successfully? I often have the problem of "the wheels spinning" in my brain and often find it hard to meditate, focus, or sleep when I'm constantly sorting through my thoughts.

Prep? Just do it. Meditation is about self-acceptance. You are not -- cannot -- turn off your brain or thoughts. Observe them, focusing on your breath. When you realize you have forgot to focus on your breath, return to your breath.

Can someone please explain to me what exactly meditation is to you, and how to get your mind focused?

"The highest form of human intelligence is to observe yourself without judgement." That is what meditation is imo.

Krishnamurti on Meditation

In this overstimulated world it is often easier to meditate while moving. Yoga is very good for this. Walking meditation is also a favorite.

I like to accord my breaths with each step. Breathe in one two three four five six hold one two three exhale one two three four five six. Repeat until lungs feel slightly strained. Rest. Repeat at will.

The most important step to me is making sure your belly is full of air. Use your belly with every breath. Even though I am lean I find myself unconsciously holding my breath in. We've been trained to.