Meditating...?

Question

Last night I was very depressed and worn out. I tried to meditate (laying down b/c I was so tired) to get all the junk out of my head. I couldn't concentrate on anything. I felt like I had a taperecorder playing over in my head with random things occuring that didnt and did make sense. If I listen to a song on the radio, it's there in my head playing all day, even as I am talking to someone else or crying, playing, etc.
I feel as if I have no control and my brain just won't shut down. This is getting me close to a breakdown. Has anyone gone thru this or know what it is?

Answer 1

All the great mystics report this. If you are Catholic, I recommend the rosary, if you are Muslim get beads, if you are Buddhist get the beads, if you are Orthodox Christian get the komvoschinion. They serve a purpose. If you have no religion, or are Protestant, consider breaking with what you believe and figure out why all the great religions use them. If you are Protestant, I suggest the Franciscan Crown, one of the variants of what is called the Rosary. It is less likely to be stressful, theologically.

The Seven Mysteries of the Franciscan Crown Rosary are:
1. The Annunciation
2. The Visitation
3. The Nativity of our Lord
4. The Adoration of the Magi
5. The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple
6. The Resurrection of Our Lord
7. Thee Assumption and Coronation of the Blessed Virgin

If you are Protestant and don't want to go into the theology of the Dormition or Assumption, I suggest substituting Pentecost for number 7 even though it would slighly off theologically.

I don't think Yoga or the like will work for you because it will leave you with the silence of your mind and that is the part running out of control. Likewise, most centering techniques are probably just going to leave you where you are at now.

The advantage of the Rosary, and if you are not Christian this won't help, is that it puts you in a conversation. You image and experience the mysteries of Jesus' life as seen through Mary's eyes. Everytime you start to wander into your own thoughts, start the next bead. If you do it well, you will experience the prayer not just say the prayer. Of course, sometimes all you can do is say the prayer and even that can be hard at times.

The advantage of the komvoschinion is that it tends to take over on its own, but definitely requires an experienced spiritual father for support. If you are not Orthodox or Eastern Catholic, don't do it. The rosary really is a self help meditative practice designed to turn illiterate peasants into mystics in a safe way.

The earliest mention of the predecessor of the komvoschinion and the rosary was around 200. At that point, it was considered an ancient prayer and believed to be from the apostles. Of course both change constantly and there is no fixed form for either one. That is why I suggested the Franciscan Crown. It is joyful and hopeful, it tricks you into interrupting your unwanted thoughts, and it helps you bring yourself into control.

If you are athiest, I can't help you. In that case, telling you to talk to other people's imaginary friend (God) isn't going to do anything.

And, it does go away. There are better ways to get it out of the way, but if you do nothing, it will take care of itself because your life will change with time anyway.

There are tons of online resources for the rosary as well you could go to any Catholic Church and I am sure they probably have a plastic kids rosary they would give you for free.

Answer 2

Fiestygirl, I'm guessing you are in your 30's, probably late 30's.
This symptoms usualy occuring arround those critical psychological age. You probably suffer from mild to moderate insomnia as well, is that right?

Well, I must admit it is so hard to answer this kind of question over internet. But I strongly suggest you take a vacation. Try to break free from your routine. Go somewhere quiet, to a mountain or a beach maybe.

Seek help. Before seeking profesional help, one or two good self-help book might help you(there's a reason why they are called self-help books). If I may suggest, read "Being Happy" by Andrew Matthews.

When you meditate, focus on something soothing and calming, don't let your mind wander off. You must control your mind, not the other way round.
Another way to do it, lit a candle and stare to the flame, focus all your mind to the flame.

If you're christian, meditate on the words of God.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Have you ever tried guided mediation tapes. They are usually good for clearing out the junk. I know how you feel. When under stress or even if you just have a lot on your mind. Its hard to clear out your mind at the end of the day. Meditaion is necessary I think to be healthy. Or at least it helps emmensely. Get a guided medtiation CD.

Answer 4

I once read; "Thinking is a disease, either you control it, or it controls you". Don't worry, if the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak your still ok. You have just lost center in your being, the next time you meditate focus on finding center, and as you go deeper and deeper let go of evething like taking off a garment until you expose your inner self to the outerself. it's simply a matter of getting to a place mentally that everthing is totally focused. it works for me

Answer 5

Instead of focusing on stopping the noise in your head, deep breath during your meditative times. Focus totally on your breathing. Fake smiling helps too. Your body thinks you are actually smiling and releases the same chemistry. You need to slow down your rate of thinking. Keep trying if it doesn't work as well the first few times you try it.

Answer 6

That happens to me too, sometimes i go days without sleep because of it.. I've always considered it a form of insomnia, what I do to prevent it is to make sure my body is fatigued when I go to bed so that my mind loses control over the situation

I exercise quite a bit, and when you're thinking all over the place.. try to read something very boring.. this way you will focus your brain on something boring and not something that is troubling you

I hope it helps..

Answer 7

Yes. Most of us have. There are many ways to mediate. The one I found to work best is the : "Prayer is talking to God. Meditation is listening" There are no correct ways for either. See a doctor if you are suicidal. email me if you feel like talking. Peace and Love

Answer 8

when you meditate is to exercises your thinking pattern think of one thought then let it go its hard at first because your mind be racing
#1 think of a thought let it go until you have nomore thoughts
#2 when you have no more thoughts try and hold on to having no thought , thats meditation letting go of your thoughts stress
#3then put yourself in a peaceful place
#4 if your laying down you will fall asleep try sitting up normal position
#5 when your done you will feel clear minded

Answer 9

I have one of thiese over lode periodicly, you have to relax and go vist somewhere very quiet not meditate but be calm and think of what is the next step that will benifit my life the best and throw everything else that troubles you away.

Answer 10

You said it. You're worn out. Been there, done that. Maybe you need to learn to say no and cut some activities out of your life?? If it's overwhelming you, perhaps you need to see a doc about it. Don't know where you stand, but for me, praying helps alot. God bless.