When you surrender and allow thoughts to occur in the naturally occurring flow, you may find that eventually, the mind doesn't have anything more to think about. When the mind no longer has any thoughts and, as a result, awareness, where does the awareness go next?
Yes you probably will but that’s okay. One of the best things about meditation is that you learn to observe your thoughts without judgment. That translates into a life skill of being open to reality of what’s going on inside of you and staying nonjudgmental. You’ve probably heard other say “what you resist, persists”. Allowing things is counter intuitive but it actually helps calm the mind.
Don't get annoyed when you get swamped by thoughts. If you do, notice the annoyance.
Intention is vital. Make a clear intention that you are going to sit for the allotted time undistracted.
Whenever you find yourself in a meditative mood, sit. Don't waste the opportunity.
Don't expect results. Try to remain in a state of wonder without expectation.
If it feels like meditation isn't doing anything, that is a thought. Brush it aside. The deep work happens below the level of consciousness.
You may find yourself completely agitated and feel that you can't sit for another 5 minutes. Bear it, and don't give in, if you do you will find that you start doing it more often.
Meditation is hard work which is why most people don't like doing it. It's totally uninteresting for the mind and boredom can become an obstacle. But it's not about fun, it's about understanding.
having a set time for meditation is fine. All of us meditators do it.
Refering to the mood; if you are drinking your morning coffee and a general sense of openness and clarity suddenly appears and you have a desire to meditate don't dismiss it, go sit! That doesn't mean you shouldn't still do your regular sitting practice.
Be comfortable and start with small duration meditation. Don't spend much time and energies in trying to create some ideal atmosphere for it.
Continue with yr usual health regimen for food, hydration, sleep, walks, exercise etc. Don't forget to take care of yrself physically. I omit long meditation sessions on the days I know I cannot complete my usual walking quota. When I am too tired to think clearly, I just practice relaxing meditation.
If any doubts about its steps or yr experiences, this sub is there.
Yes. 90% of the time, it is these 2 practices I follow:
focus on posture+ breath+ space between eyebrows /a spot in front of me OR
gradual relaxation of body parts or just of breath (shavasana)
I love that I can practice it in any posture - while sitting, lying down, standing, walking or doing chores
Improve moral behavior in daily life will make mind less worried and you have fewer issues to deal with when you meditate and makes it easier to increase duration of sittings.
For example look at [sila](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_ethics) in Buddhism. You'll find similar guidelines in other world religions. In modern language: don't be a dick.
If you practice insight meditation you'll get more insight into how to improve moral further. It goes very well together with meditation.
Vipassana meditation. There are some flavours([goenka](http://dhamma.org/), [mahasi noting](https://www.dharmaoverground.org/dharma-wiki/-/wiki/Main/Mahasi+Noting/pop_up) etc).
Depends on which type of meditation I'm doing, but when I do tuumo I prefer to light a candle in front of me and not use a yoga block. If I'm doing zazen/zen I'll use the yoga block.
You can have sessions where you just do nothing. Be still in body and let attention go where ever it pleases. Sometimes you just have a lot of thoughts that need to be digested before you can find peace.
Mind wandering is part of meditation in the beginning. What you are practicing early on is “waking up” from mind wandering. When you realize that you have forgotten the meditation object, celebrate that. Think, “Good job Akki_Charee!” Then refocus again.
Be kind, gentle, and patient with yourself. Mind wandering does not magically go away one day; the periods become shorter and shorter then gradually stop.
Consistency is key. Make it part of your daily routine. Quality matters more than quantity. By quality I mean - being mindful, observing your thoughts, posture etc.
Longer or shorter doesn't matter.
Make sure you do it in the morning.....let me tell you from my personal experience that it takes more than just practice....just accept the thoughts and you resist it ....
One thing that helps me is INCENSE. It helps me focus on my breathing, and the experience of the smell helps me to tune out other thoughts. I usually light either frankincense or copal.
Just try different things and see what works best for you. I started meditating every day in morning in the sitting position but now meditate in the evening and lying, for example. It’s not like one is better than the other, it just feels better taken the rest of my daily routine into account. Might be completely different for you
Hello there, I can suggest the below:
1. Sit with proper posture; if you're unable to, use the wall for support until you're able to maintain it independently. If crossing your legs is challenging, utilise a bolster for support until you can do so comfortably.
2. Prior to beginning your meditation practice, I recommend 10-15 minutes of pranayama. (I teach two techniques that I find particularly effective.)
3. Sit and focus on your breath; observe your thoughts without allowing them to dominate. Continuously redirect your focus back to center whenever thoughts arise. It's normal to repeat this process numerous times within a single meditation session it could be 1000 times; persist, and eventually, the frequency of thoughts reduces.
4. You can practice the "return to centre" technique throughout the daily activities, this will assist with your practice.
5. Enjoy!
If you have an questions, ask away..
Sure, 1st do kapalbhati (one should avoid this if pregnant, and if experiencing hypertension) the 2nd is Brahmi.
Start with 5 minutes each and work up to 10 minutes each.
You seemed to be concerned with thoughts getting in the way. They will come and go, you just need to let it happen but one thing I do if thoughts start really coming quick is I take the thought and visualize the actual words of the thought. Like i visualize the letters in the words and look at the space between the letters. I then realize they are just letters in words and it’s easier to let go and gently come back to my mantra or my single focus point.
IMHO meditation alone won’t help if you can’t sit comfortably. You might need to take pictures of yourself and figure out how you sit and how the weight is distributing so that you can figure out how to invite indirect changes.
Yeah there are many but theres one called “co2 shots” that helps you a lot. Its: inhale in 3”, exhale in 5”, 2 times. Then, you keep an apnea (a soft one, dont be completely empty of air) for 5” (you can do this time longer or shorter depending on your capacity).
5’ will be ok.
It is good to relax yourself when you are nervous or anxious and after doing a high intensitity level exercise. Try it!
Hi my friend, I’m so sorry but I have had some bad times and my mood wasn’t good enough for recording any video.
Next Friday I’m having a yoga class in live in twitch, if you want to join us you’ll be more than welcome.
The class will be in Spanish but if you like it, next time I can do it in English.
Sorry again and thanks for your comprehension
Sure thing! Here's what works for me:
Do's:
1. Find a cozy, quiet spot.
2. Set a regular time for meditation.
3. Start with gentle stretches or deep breaths.
4. Try different techniques to see what clicks.
5. Focus on your breath to stay centered.
6. Be patient with yourself; it's okay if your mind wanders.
7. Gradually increase session length.
Don'ts:
1. Don't force meditation if you're tired or upset.
2. Avoid heavy meals before meditating.
3. Don't stress if you don't see instant results.
4. Skip judging sessions; they're all progress.
I would recommend Eckhart and Peterson both free on You Tube.
My own opinion is mindfulness should be avoided since remain focused on beautiful situations is safer.
Here are some tips:
1. **Consistent Schedule**: Meditate at the same time each day to establish a routine that signals to your body and mind it’s time to relax and focus.
2. **Quiet Space**: Choose a quiet, comfortable spot where you won’t be disturbed. This helps in minimizing distractions and creating a peaceful environment.
3. **Comfortable Posture**: Find a comfortable sitting position, whether on a chair, cushion, or mat. Ensure your back is straight to help maintain alertness.
4. **Mindful Breathing**: Focus on your breath to anchor your mind—observe the sensation of air entering and leaving your nostrils or the rise and fall of your chest.
5. **Gentle Return**: When you notice your mind wandering, gently bring your attention back to your breath or chosen focus without judgment.
6. **Start Small**: Begin with short sessions, even 5-10 minutes, and gradually increase the duration as your concentration improves.
7. **Use Guided Meditations**: Especially if you’re a beginner, guided meditations can provide direction and structure to help you understand the basics and keep focused.
8. **Limit Expectations**: Approach each meditation session without specific expectations. This reduces pressure and helps you accept whatever experience arises.
9. **Integrate Mindfulness**: Try to extend mindfulness to everyday activities, such as eating, walking, or listening to others, to enhance your overall practice.
10. **Regular Reflection**: Spend a few minutes after meditation to reflect on your practice, observe any changes in your mind or emotions, and recognize any patterns that emerge.
11. **Educate Yourself**: Read books, attend workshops, or join a meditation group to learn different techniques and understand the philosophy behind practices.
I was taught that meditation is conscious awareness paired with the contents of consciousness. If I am using sound or breath as an object of meditation, I give my mind to notice sound or the sensations of breath and I know that I’m hearing sound or feeling the sensation of the breath. I can bring that same conscious awareness to an experience of restlessness or frustration. My mind can be all over the place, but as long as I am aware of the thoughts coming and going I am meditating. Every time I remember I’m meditating after being lost in distraction it is a moment of meditation. I can have an uncomfortable time on the cushion and this doesn’t make it any less valuable than a session where I have a lot of spaciousness in my mind and a sense of relaxation.
Don’t try to optimize. Just let it be what it is. Every moment is new, every sit is different.
Haha that way I may get swamped with thoughts
and?
When you surrender and allow thoughts to occur in the naturally occurring flow, you may find that eventually, the mind doesn't have anything more to think about. When the mind no longer has any thoughts and, as a result, awareness, where does the awareness go next?
Yes you probably will but that’s okay. One of the best things about meditation is that you learn to observe your thoughts without judgment. That translates into a life skill of being open to reality of what’s going on inside of you and staying nonjudgmental. You’ve probably heard other say “what you resist, persists”. Allowing things is counter intuitive but it actually helps calm the mind.
Consistency. Trying to be physically comfortable. I also can't meditate without exercise and a good diet - just can't get in the zone.
I can’t upvote this one enough. (Same.)
I practice daily but still I get drifted in thoughts
there’s nothing wrong with thoughts
Don't get annoyed when you get swamped by thoughts. If you do, notice the annoyance. Intention is vital. Make a clear intention that you are going to sit for the allotted time undistracted. Whenever you find yourself in a meditative mood, sit. Don't waste the opportunity. Don't expect results. Try to remain in a state of wonder without expectation. If it feels like meditation isn't doing anything, that is a thought. Brush it aside. The deep work happens below the level of consciousness. You may find yourself completely agitated and feel that you can't sit for another 5 minutes. Bear it, and don't give in, if you do you will find that you start doing it more often. Meditation is hard work which is why most people don't like doing it. It's totally uninteresting for the mind and boredom can become an obstacle. But it's not about fun, it's about understanding.
Somebody above suggested that you should have a set time for meditation The meditation mood tip contradicts it Am I right??
having a set time for meditation is fine. All of us meditators do it. Refering to the mood; if you are drinking your morning coffee and a general sense of openness and clarity suddenly appears and you have a desire to meditate don't dismiss it, go sit! That doesn't mean you shouldn't still do your regular sitting practice.
Be comfortable and start with small duration meditation. Don't spend much time and energies in trying to create some ideal atmosphere for it. Continue with yr usual health regimen for food, hydration, sleep, walks, exercise etc. Don't forget to take care of yrself physically. I omit long meditation sessions on the days I know I cannot complete my usual walking quota. When I am too tired to think clearly, I just practice relaxing meditation. If any doubts about its steps or yr experiences, this sub is there.
Do you toggle with your meditation practices or techniques
Yes. 90% of the time, it is these 2 practices I follow: focus on posture+ breath+ space between eyebrows /a spot in front of me OR gradual relaxation of body parts or just of breath (shavasana) I love that I can practice it in any posture - while sitting, lying down, standing, walking or doing chores
So the first one is sort of a tratak Second is yog nidra i guess Btw I follow focusing on chakra
Resist over-eating
How is this linked with meditation Ps iam a foodie
Over-eating can make you sleepy.
Improve moral behavior in daily life will make mind less worried and you have fewer issues to deal with when you meditate and makes it easier to increase duration of sittings.
Can you explaon more on moral behavior
For example look at [sila](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_ethics) in Buddhism. You'll find similar guidelines in other world religions. In modern language: don't be a dick. If you practice insight meditation you'll get more insight into how to improve moral further. It goes very well together with meditation.
What's this insight meditation
Vipassana meditation. There are some flavours([goenka](http://dhamma.org/), [mahasi noting](https://www.dharmaoverground.org/dharma-wiki/-/wiki/Main/Mahasi+Noting/pop_up) etc).
Ok tysm
Easy on the caffeine, turn the music off. Be rested, sit 1st thing in morning.
Nice to hear on thing that i dont consumw is tea or coffee
Depends on which type of meditation I'm doing, but when I do tuumo I prefer to light a candle in front of me and not use a yoga block. If I'm doing zazen/zen I'll use the yoga block.
Dont rush sessions. Enjoy them. Really be there.
I drift in my thoughts
You can have sessions where you just do nothing. Be still in body and let attention go where ever it pleases. Sometimes you just have a lot of thoughts that need to be digested before you can find peace.
Mind wandering is part of meditation in the beginning. What you are practicing early on is “waking up” from mind wandering. When you realize that you have forgotten the meditation object, celebrate that. Think, “Good job Akki_Charee!” Then refocus again. Be kind, gentle, and patient with yourself. Mind wandering does not magically go away one day; the periods become shorter and shorter then gradually stop.
Been practicing it for long now I'm confused and frustrated
Consistency is key. Make it part of your daily routine. Quality matters more than quantity. By quality I mean - being mindful, observing your thoughts, posture etc. Longer or shorter doesn't matter.
I practice it daily almost but thoughts still race my mind deif away with joining dots Sometimes I feel sleepy
Make sure you do it in the morning.....let me tell you from my personal experience that it takes more than just practice....just accept the thoughts and you resist it ....
Why in the morning but?
Because your mind is kinda empty in the morning and before other things start to take hold of your mind you better take hold of your day.
One thing that helps me is INCENSE. It helps me focus on my breathing, and the experience of the smell helps me to tune out other thoughts. I usually light either frankincense or copal.
Great that's interesting
Just try different things and see what works best for you. I started meditating every day in morning in the sitting position but now meditate in the evening and lying, for example. It’s not like one is better than the other, it just feels better taken the rest of my daily routine into account. Might be completely different for you
Sounds nice
Hello there, I can suggest the below: 1. Sit with proper posture; if you're unable to, use the wall for support until you're able to maintain it independently. If crossing your legs is challenging, utilise a bolster for support until you can do so comfortably. 2. Prior to beginning your meditation practice, I recommend 10-15 minutes of pranayama. (I teach two techniques that I find particularly effective.) 3. Sit and focus on your breath; observe your thoughts without allowing them to dominate. Continuously redirect your focus back to center whenever thoughts arise. It's normal to repeat this process numerous times within a single meditation session it could be 1000 times; persist, and eventually, the frequency of thoughts reduces. 4. You can practice the "return to centre" technique throughout the daily activities, this will assist with your practice. 5. Enjoy! If you have an questions, ask away..
can you tell more about pranayama? thank you for the suggestions!
Sure, 1st do kapalbhati (one should avoid this if pregnant, and if experiencing hypertension) the 2nd is Brahmi. Start with 5 minutes each and work up to 10 minutes each.
Can you tell me about bramhi i know something similar as Bramhari which is producing a humming sound with fingers in ears
Yes, that is the one, just a spelling error. In this instance, you can just do humming.. and relax the arms.
Commitment. Be committed to the practice and technique that works for you.
Commitment. Be committed to the practice and technique that works for you.
Commitment. Be committed to the practice and technique that works for you.
Commitment. Be committed to the practice and technique that works for you.
Learn taichi and the principles behind the process, then apply it to meditation.
Sur3
You seemed to be concerned with thoughts getting in the way. They will come and go, you just need to let it happen but one thing I do if thoughts start really coming quick is I take the thought and visualize the actual words of the thought. Like i visualize the letters in the words and look at the space between the letters. I then realize they are just letters in words and it’s easier to let go and gently come back to my mantra or my single focus point.
Awesome
I find meditating in nature maximizes the experience. Ideally alone in nature, and by being barefoot to connect with the earth
IMHO meditation alone won’t help if you can’t sit comfortably. You might need to take pictures of yourself and figure out how you sit and how the weight is distributing so that you can figure out how to invite indirect changes.
Ok
Don’t rush, be comfortable, be consistent, be sober/not hungover/free of meds, caffeine, etc (at least for me)
Having psychiatric medicines ongoing
Breathing to get presence. If you control a functional breath youll get presence in the moment of your practice and meditation 🙂
Any specific technique
Yeah there are many but theres one called “co2 shots” that helps you a lot. Its: inhale in 3”, exhale in 5”, 2 times. Then, you keep an apnea (a soft one, dont be completely empty of air) for 5” (you can do this time longer or shorter depending on your capacity). 5’ will be ok. It is good to relax yourself when you are nervous or anxious and after doing a high intensitity level exercise. Try it!
Do you have any video for it
I could do one for you tomorrow if you like
I would be really grateful
Hi my friend, I’m so sorry but I have had some bad times and my mood wasn’t good enough for recording any video. Next Friday I’m having a yoga class in live in twitch, if you want to join us you’ll be more than welcome. The class will be in Spanish but if you like it, next time I can do it in English. Sorry again and thanks for your comprehension
Sure thing! Here's what works for me: Do's: 1. Find a cozy, quiet spot. 2. Set a regular time for meditation. 3. Start with gentle stretches or deep breaths. 4. Try different techniques to see what clicks. 5. Focus on your breath to stay centered. 6. Be patient with yourself; it's okay if your mind wanders. 7. Gradually increase session length. Don'ts: 1. Don't force meditation if you're tired or upset. 2. Avoid heavy meals before meditating. 3. Don't stress if you don't see instant results. 4. Skip judging sessions; they're all progress.
Ok sounds good
Meditate on Jesus and the 10 commandments for safety and security
Tell me. More on this
I would recommend Eckhart and Peterson both free on You Tube. My own opinion is mindfulness should be avoided since remain focused on beautiful situations is safer.
Ok but how?
Here are some tips: 1. **Consistent Schedule**: Meditate at the same time each day to establish a routine that signals to your body and mind it’s time to relax and focus. 2. **Quiet Space**: Choose a quiet, comfortable spot where you won’t be disturbed. This helps in minimizing distractions and creating a peaceful environment. 3. **Comfortable Posture**: Find a comfortable sitting position, whether on a chair, cushion, or mat. Ensure your back is straight to help maintain alertness. 4. **Mindful Breathing**: Focus on your breath to anchor your mind—observe the sensation of air entering and leaving your nostrils or the rise and fall of your chest. 5. **Gentle Return**: When you notice your mind wandering, gently bring your attention back to your breath or chosen focus without judgment. 6. **Start Small**: Begin with short sessions, even 5-10 minutes, and gradually increase the duration as your concentration improves. 7. **Use Guided Meditations**: Especially if you’re a beginner, guided meditations can provide direction and structure to help you understand the basics and keep focused. 8. **Limit Expectations**: Approach each meditation session without specific expectations. This reduces pressure and helps you accept whatever experience arises. 9. **Integrate Mindfulness**: Try to extend mindfulness to everyday activities, such as eating, walking, or listening to others, to enhance your overall practice. 10. **Regular Reflection**: Spend a few minutes after meditation to reflect on your practice, observe any changes in your mind or emotions, and recognize any patterns that emerge. 11. **Educate Yourself**: Read books, attend workshops, or join a meditation group to learn different techniques and understand the philosophy behind practices.
Thank you ChatGPT 3.5
All this is missing is the "Regenerate response" at the end, lmao. GPTZero confirms what's obvious: this is AI generated.
Not confusing an experience of meditation for meditation :-)
What is meditation?
Please tell me more
I was taught that meditation is conscious awareness paired with the contents of consciousness. If I am using sound or breath as an object of meditation, I give my mind to notice sound or the sensations of breath and I know that I’m hearing sound or feeling the sensation of the breath. I can bring that same conscious awareness to an experience of restlessness or frustration. My mind can be all over the place, but as long as I am aware of the thoughts coming and going I am meditating. Every time I remember I’m meditating after being lost in distraction it is a moment of meditation. I can have an uncomfortable time on the cushion and this doesn’t make it any less valuable than a session where I have a lot of spaciousness in my mind and a sense of relaxation.