TAC, how often do you meditate, and for how long does each session last? Curriouss.
I meditate every day, for at least around an hour, sometimes more than once. Most of my meditation occurs while listening to music, some occurs in the sunlight and the sounds of nature. These external stimuli seem to serve as an indication as to how successful I am in my practice -- the better I can dissolve myself, the more vibrant and present the music or sunlight or birdsongs become.
I think that the particular target of my meditation is a state of mind that has numerous and widespread applications, and shouldn't be restricted to simply sitting in silent darkness. For instance, I think that this state is a powerful tool to assist artistic creativity. Also, I think it really works in a positive way with conversation and social interaction. Activities that require lighting-fast response to rapidly changing situations benefit as well, such as sports and video games. Ultimately, I want to be able to extend this meditative state beyond official "meditation sessions". Which I already have, to a degree.
It's really exciting stuff. It's empowering on a very fundamental, root level. Medicine for the soul.
how long did it take you to reach this level of meditation?
Hmm... interesting question. It's difficult to answer, because when I was first learning to meditate I only practiced it very occasionally, so progress was very slow. And I think I was unconsciously developing a foundation for meditation before I even started "meditating", by simply trying to understand myself and my own psychology. Feels like it's been about a year since I started sitting in half lotus with my eyes closed though.
I've tried it multiple times, mostly in my hippy phase but it just felt too forced and artificial "no matter how much I relinquished control"
It never really worked for me.
I've tried meditation a few times, but just haven't gotten it to work.
Yeah, it definitely requires patience, that's for sure. No instant gratification here.
