So I just tried Meditation, ...pleasurable results?

[CreativeGuy]

So I decided to give it a try, laid down in my bed, nice and comfy on my back (was reading that it is best if you do it from a comfortable position) and closed my eyes. I started to do that one, where you see a 20, breath in, and out, and see a 19 thing. Half way through I couldn't get this smile off my face, and by the end it had just shrunk to small grin. By time I was done I swear it, I was calm, my mind wasn't racing, and then I started to see little visions of my past. They were when I was little in a big snow storm, it was awesome, It was like I was there Was so nice it actually started to make my eyes water from joy. I opened them, and a good hour had pased.

Did I do it correctly? Or did I just fall asleep?

Opinions please...

Oh, No martial arts training..Although I did do a little Judo when I was younger.

[Thaegen]

I have no idea.. but does it matter? You where happy and calm...after what you did, so keep doing that:)

[fallen_milkman]

Your head may have been tilted too far back. This can cause giddiness and some symptoms similar to hallucination. Meditative states are usually very calm, and I've rarely heard of visions. Try and use pillows to prop your head up so it is tilted tightly forward.

I am not sure of the method you are speaking of, but a few more thoughts. Try to regulate your breathing. Breathe in for a slow four count, breathe out for a slow four count. As for the counting, I really like my method. This doesn't mean you have to use it, but I'll type it out anyways. Once you can do this without having to count it, start counting to 10 slowly. Clear your mind. Once you reach 10, start over. If you accidently pass 10, (it has happened to me quite a few times) it's not a bad thing, just start from one when you realize this. Finally, stop counting and focus on nothing. Very relaxing. This is what my teacher refers as "emptying the cup." I love it. Very relaxing and even if my mind does stray into thinking, it's usually about something worrying me and I have the clear mind to deal with it much better than when I was upset about it.

[dtstiachi]

Welcome Creative Guy.

I can't comment on all of the aspects of what you experienced, but it sounds like you had a good time of medidation. Congrats.

[markusan]

The reason memories of your past came up may be your state of deep relaxation. There is a theory that memories are stored in your muscles as well as your mind, hence people's posture is affected by their life experiences, especially those from childhood. When we really relax those muscles it sometimes triggers past memories. It is the basis of various therapies. I find if I have a negative behavioural pattern I want to break I take the thought of that pattern into meditation. Often I will get a clear memory of the event or period in my life that behaviour stemmed from. doing this a few times can help break negative behaviour patterns. It can also release tensions stored in your muscles for years and even erase the odd facial wrinkle, for the same reason.

[crappyatticus]

I tried it but I can't get the eyes right, everything says to not close them but not keep them completly open, either I need some discipline or I'm doing it wrong because my eye lids like flutter from having them slightly open. Am I doing that wrong?

[MMACHAMP]

I must say im always one to question the effeciveness of TMA's...which is probably wrong in alot of aspects. The MA's i do are very aggressive competitive none spiritual beat you up types...and sometimes i read about meditating and all that stuff and feel left out lol...i wish i could experience the spiritual side of martial arts but i think im just too caught up in my close mindedness to ever try them.

[fallen_milkman]

If you're ever ready, you'll come to them. They're not for everyone, and everyone has their different needs from their martial studies.

[markusan]

I don't use meditation specifically for martial arts nor as anything terribly spiritual. I use it as a way to shed baggage and to simplify my life. It does that to your martial arts if you apply it to your training but you can apply it to any aspect of your life. Have you ever had a problem then forgotten about it, and one day when you're out jogging or punching the bag or whatever the answer to your problem just pops into your head? Well meditation is a way to do that but with a bit more certainty and discipline. You ask a question, then sit and give your mind time. Nature hates a vacuum so it tries to fill it with irrelevancies like visions pretty colors etc. once you get past that and create a more consistant space, it eventually gets filled by the answer to your question. Once you've done it for a few years it becomes a very simple process. The only problem is you don't always get the answer you want.

[The Phenom]

You achieved the common goal of meditation which is peace and calm, so yes you did it correctly.

Remember that there are many ways to go about meditation - but in truth you don't have to remember any specific style of it at all as the forms of meditation are just practice so you make it a habit.

Remember to try it for a while each day if you can, this will improve your practice of it. Stay focused, relaxed and keep researching on it! Good luck.