how do you meditate exactly?

[bubbles4920]

i contemplating meditation, pardon the pun! i get really stressed and worried about things of late. i would like to try meditation but cannot understand how one can just sit there without allowing things to come into your head. for example, if a dog is barking outside, surely the brain will pick that up and tell you that. also, how do you know when to stop, if you are in such a state of nirvana, then how will you know when to think, '15 mins up, time to stop now'??

[Catso]

On my yoga course we're supposed to end with a bit of meditation. Like you, I just cannot 'get it'. I've tried all the things the instructor says, but my mind just won't stop thinking of something. So, the 10 minutes meditation is just a boring 10 minutes for me, waiting for the end of the session.

So I can't help you, but I can tell you you aren't alone in not understanding it.

[raysparx1]

Hi bubbles,

I don't know if what I do would be called Meditation,but if I need to really relax,I sit quietly,close my eyes and think of rolling fields,cattle grazing,or a slowly flowing river the pictures appear in my head and I just get a feeling of complete calmness, is that meditation ? give it a go,it works for me, God everbody on here gonna think i'm a right fruitcake !!!

[mnko]

no ray we already knew that lol jk

[raysparx1]

Hi mnko, I sound like a right loony, lol, never mind eh !!!

[noxlumos]

I don't think you're nuts Ray, I meditate a lot and it's helped me overcome a lot of anger and anxiety.
the thing with meditation is not to limit yourself timewise or you'll just anticipate the end of the seesion and not to try too hard to "not think" of anythingbecause that'll only make it worse. instead just allow your mind to wander abstractly, doesn't matter how random, shocking, unsuitable, peculiar or just inane your thoughts are just let them free flow. Meditation is not always what you expect ( well not for me anyway) but you should always feel more relaxed afterwards even if you have lots of food for thought .

[~Wingnut~]

Hi bubbles :o)

I bought the book "Meditating For Dummies" (part of the Dummies range) and found it very helpful.

[raysparx1]

Hi wingnut, your allways laid back and relaxed !!!!

[~Wingnut~]

I think it's more that I put on a good front Ray ;o)

[WendyS]

Effective meditation takes a lot of practise and concentration, and a stressed mind and brain is not easily distracted from all the issues busily running through it.
If you can visit your local library and borrow some books which cover the subject you may learn more about the techniques which enable it to be practised effectively.

Possibly shutting yourself in a quiet room to start with, with some calming music playing very softly in the background and reading some poetry may get you into the initial frame of mind . Then, when you mind is calmer, you have move to sitting in complete silence.

[Amara]

hi bubbles - some good advice from Wendy, something else might be to get hold of meditation cd's which guide you to a place of peace where you can really get the benefits of meditation. you will find them in a new age shop or on one of the websites like Amazon. Meditation is a wonderful thing to practice and will bring you insights and a sense of peace to help you on your path through life. Love and light - Amara xxx

[druiaghtagh]

I do it just like you Ray, doesnt always work i suppose its over simplified a bit but it works for me!

[fms]

yep the paul mckenna ones are real good??