Do you meditate?

Question

If so, why? And what technique(s) do you find works best for you?

If not, why not?

Answer 1

Yes.

I learned a good deal from my mentor, who learned Buddhist meditation and has taught meditation workshops for ten years. Not long after that, I began studying Buddhism more and picked up some from that.

I've never used mantras; they distract me. I focus in on the center of my mind, almost like I'm holding it in my fist, until I've gotten past that first rough part. A lesser form I use is self-paralyzation, which I heartily recommend to everyone due to the physical benefits (lying down flat on your back and breathing deeply for about fifteen or twenty minutes--it relaxes the muscles in your body so well it's difficult to even lift your head afterwards, but it's OK because you feel wonderful!).

ETA: Almost forgot the most important part about that first rough bit. I had a lot of trouble quieting my mind, and a suggestion from my mentor worked perfectly: Don't try to clear your mind or clear your thoughts. That doesn't work. Instead, when a thought arises, label it "thought" and let it float away. I picture them like soap bubbles with sticky notes on them. Eventually they stop entirely.

Answer 2

I try - sometimes my internal "color commentator" is too busy calling the play-by-play to shut up and just watch. =/

I have the most success with guided meditations, probably because it gives my "thinking brain" something to focus on, as well.

I have also found that if I'm meditating on my own and my mind starts to wander and "wake up", I have sort of trained myself to think "Apple" and focus on visualizing an apple - sight, feel, scent, sound, taste - and that helps quiet my head again.

I generally use meditation as a relaxation technique - I have a lot of tensio in my muscles, and I find that doing meditation helps relax them and loosen them up some.

Answer 3

I've tried to meditate but I cant seem to get anything constructive out of it. I've bought 2 books and like 6 meditation CD's to help me but still no luck. I have friends that meditate and they swear by it.

Answer 4

Yes.

Meditation is not about technique. True meditation is when you are not doing anything - just aware.

~ Eric Putkonen

Answer 5

Yes. I like walking meditation the best.

Answer 6

I meditate on God's Word...His Holy Scripture:

"This book of the law shall not depart from thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous and then thou shalt have good success". ( Joshua 1:8)

Answer 7

Yes I can empty my mind very easily. It is relaxing but better than that, it gives you discipline over your mind. I also enjoy walking meditation.

Answer 8

sit with legs cross hands rested on knee's close eye's picture a black board or chalk board imagine wiping it clean with a wet towel and focus on the board not anything or body around. do this for 3-4 min and it will help to focus.

Answer 9

yes i do..meditation can help to understand our own mind.learning how to transform our mind from negative to positive..disturbed to peaceful..

Answer 10

I tried it but instead I end up daydreaming and having constant thoughts in my head. So I can't clear it.