I NEED HELP TRYING TO MEDITATE ? PLEASE HELP

[SiluntSoul]

hey ronin, dont feel alone.. i keep trying.. and trying... inhaling and exhaling, trying to clear my mind.. but i keep thinking of something? i mean.. is it possible not to think of anything? ar do you think of something.... i still have alot to clear out...

[47MartialMan]

And the goal is what????

[CloudDragon]

I use a candle and focus on it, as I watch the flame gently dance in the imperceptible breeze, I am able to focus on the oneness of the flame and all other thoughts go away.

[47MartialMan]

I use the pillow.

[Upasik]

You can not "Try" to meditate as soon as you "Try" you start to do what you "think" meditation is. Thats when you'll lose it. Don't stress over the thoughts that come into your head, instead just aknowledge them and let them pass. Don't hold onto any one thought, and dont try to keep them out, that requires "trying" and "thinking". Simply be aware. (anyone who practices meditation will know that my last sentence, although only 3 words, says quite a bit lol)

[47MartialMan]

Yes, Upasik, I know what you mean.

 

Aki Jitsu, tell me about some experiences you had in this?

[ladyj]

As a nurse, I teach mindfullness meditation to my patients with chronic pain, then we advance to visualization etc. , however I first learned meditation from my sensei and we now teach it to all of our students. The first thing you need to know is that it is normal for your mind to wander but if you continue your mind will wonder less and less until it is silent. Basically you are slowing your brain waves down. Find a comfortable place to sit or lie, no noise or as little as possible... close your eyes and visualize the number 10 breath in and out and watch the number change to 9 then 8 etc. If your mind wanders off bring it back to whichever number your are on and continue this process until you reach 0 if your mind still wanders start the countdown over again. It takes practice and you will notice that when you have had a tough day the process will take more time. Hope this helps...

[MASIsshinryu]

Another approach: Cycle your breathing on a 16-count rhythm. Inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4. Try not to inhale more than 80% of your capacity, as you may feel some strain when holding the breath.

 

Repeat... repeat ... repeat.... etc.

 

Start with relatively short periods of time, then add a minute each day you do this.

 

Let each thought pass you by, but do not be concerned they they have made an appearance.

 

Think of it like sitting by a small, slow moving stream. The thoughts are the leaves that drift by you. Look at them, even admire thier shape and beauty, but do not try to hold or stop them, as that would break the tranquility of the surface of the water.

[MASIsshinryu]

The goal: a sense of calm, peace and greater awareness and control of yourself.

[Corpand]

Meditation is about not thinking at all. If you need, go to a very quiet room where you are comfortable but where its not too cold or hot. Begin to think of thoughts that come to your head and try to "forget" them. Basically stop thinking about thoughts Takes some time to master but worth it.