Why can't I meditate?

Question

I try deep breathing but it doesn't work. I try imagery, listening to the clock ticking. I really need to learn how, I am trying to become a better person and change my life.

I appreciate all answers, this is really helping me a lot.

I also strongly believe that peace will help my migraines.

Answer 1

Through meditation we can discover the Truth directly for ourselves, therefore it is the foundation of religious practice. It is to sit still with an open, alert and bright mind, neither suppressing nor indulging the thoughts and feelings that arise.
In meditation, one learns how to accept oneself and the world as it is. Profound transformation becomes possible once we know things as they are.

Answer 2

When I first started it was very hard for me too . You probably need to get a couple relaxation tapes , & learn how to totally relax mind & body for a while ! Most of us these days don,t know how to really relax to the extent that we need to be when we first get
into meditation .
If you believe in God or any power greater than yourself ask for assistance in clearing out your mind long enough to at least experience how it feels to meditate . Once you do feel it you will be even more interested in doing it longer .
Meditation is one of the best spiritual experences you will ever have .
Once you have mastered true relaxation then return to listening to your own breathing .
There are many relaxation tapes out there , some of my favorites are running water & waves crashing on a beach or floating on my back down a lazy river .
Above all do not try to force it or anything like that , it won't work .
Good Luck !!!

Answer 3

Obviously you are meditating wrong. Your mind is protecting itself from invaders (spiritual). Did you know you are wonderfully made & you don't want to fall prey.

Phillipians 4 reveals good meditations. Starting with verse 6...

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer & supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, that surpasses all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good reputation, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things... The God of peace shall be with you.

I have been hurt from self-hypnosis. I got stuck in a spell for nearly a year. So be safe & meditate God's way.

Answer 4

There are many methods of meditation. Go to a meditation class. It's easier to learn in person than on your own. Use Full Catastrophe Living's body scan meditation. It's the easiest I've come across.

Answer 5

maybe you are setting your standards too high on what to expect
meditation may not be anything more than a silence in your mind .. a darkness with no thought
are you expecting to see something or hear something ... this isnt important in meditation
it is about escaping from the noise of this mad world and sitting with yourself in peace .. detatching from the physical aspects of your life
once you can sit in this inner silence .. then you are more able to deal with life
dont try so hard ... just let it happen xxx

Answer 6

There are many kinds of meditation. Have you tried Zen swordsmanship or archery? They create a meditative state through response from no-mind. Reflexive action frees our mind, when we fight, do we think "Should I swing down or up?". No, we simply act, and the mind is cleared of thought. and becomes no-mind.

Answer 7

The Book of Secrets by Osho has 112 methods and is basically all the keys -- one will fit your door. It's a rather large book @ 1,000+ pages.

Answer 8

Quit deep breathing and read the following

God's Gospel:

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Romans 3:23

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Romans 10:9-10

http://www.carm.org/doctrine/100truths.htm

Answer 9

Ask Holy Spirit to come to your heart. That makes everything different.

Answer 10

You might need a coach or a class. It is difficult.