Does Anyone Here Meditate?

[romantico]

It's something I have been thinking about doing. I just don't know how to. Is it something you can learn from a book or do I need to see someone who can teach me? Would love to hear from anyone here who meditates regularly.

[Joey Liberal]

1. Yes

I try to meditate daily, time permitting.

[MorningGlow]

2. I do

There are a lot of different practices and methods, but you don't need to learn anything besides how to breathe properly. And I learned that from my singing and theater classes; later, it was reinforced in my witchcraft lessons. The trick is to learn how to breathe so deeply that you're filling up your lungs down to the deepest chambers. That just takes practice--no special techniques besides paying attention to how you're breathing.

What you're trying to do is change your brainwave pattern from beta, where it usually resides, to alpha--a slower rate. We are in alpha when we are completely lost in something--reading a good book, for instance--or even just letting our brain "disengage" while we do something completely routine that requires no active thought, like getting ready for work in the morning or doing dishes.

The hardest part is staying still long enough for that to take effect. :)

Some people use peaceful music. Others prefer complete silence. Doesn't matter. Some prefer a special cushion; some prefer sitting bolt upright, some prefer to lie down. Again, doesn't matter (although sitting upright is best for the flow of energy up the spine, through the energy centers or "chakras" that go from your tailbone up to the top of your head). My elder's elder always says it's no big deal meditating in a room with music playing; the goal is to be able to do it anywhere, even on a crowded, noisy subway.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions! :hi:

[romantico]

4. Thanks!

Very helpful! Hopefully I will get more responses but that was very informative and gives me some idea what to expect. Thanks again!

[latebloomer]

5. I do it differently

I don't try to control my breath, I just breathe normally and observe the breath as it goes in and out of my abdomen.When I notice I'm thinking of something else, I gently return my mind to the breath. I do this for approximately 15-20 minutes, preferably twice a day. You can also let a mantra reverberate in your mind effortlessly, returning your mind to the sound when it wanders.

Great for reducing stress and controlling anxiety.

[onestepforward]

7. Mine is similar.

No control of breath, just paying attention to it. I focus on feeling my breath leave my nose and enter my nose. The purpose is to keep your mind in the present moment. If my mind wonders into the past, which is dead, or into the future, which is a fantasy, I gently bring it back to the present moment.

You can also do this with practically any activity, like doing dishes or going for a walk, gently paying attention to the present moment.

I'll try to find you a guided meditation online a little later. :)

[dembotoz]

3. learned tm back in the early 70s

stopped doing it for like 35 years
started up again--although sporadically.

The really funny thing about it is that i still remember how.
it is like i never stopped.
results have to start over and all that blah blah blah.

But to sit down and start--it was all there.


kinda freaky

[HipChick]

6. Yes..I use a light and sound machine

or brain entrainment CD's

[Roon]

8. It's weird..when I was in shape,eating clean, and working out..

everday, I found myself needing/wanting to meditate for about 45 minutes on the bed.It wasn't a nap because I didn't sleep, I would just lay there and relax. I loved it!

But now I am obese and don't work out anymore, I have no desire to meditate.

[Melissa G]

9. I meditate everyday.

I have lots of ways to do it, so I never get bored. I generally do a yogic meditation practice for 40, 90, 120 or a 1000 days. The one I just finished was 1000 days plus a year and a day. Just how it worked out. I often have several practices going at once. Down to just a few right now. PM me if you want more scoop. I've been a yoga teacher for a while.

[Chemical Bill]

10. Yes...

and I got a lot out of seeing various teachers/gurus. Just don't let any of them say that (s)he "is the only one who can teach/do this".

Bill

[Haole Girl]

11. Yes

I'm sure if you tried you could. Well, not entirely sure. I learned at a fairly early age... learned self-hypnosis at 14.

I wish you luck, if you want to.

:hug: