I've been trying to meditate but cannot seem to focus, any suggestions?

Question

I have been attempting to meditate on a daily basis but can never seem to completely clear my mind and relax. It constantly wanders. I've tried having a focal point and set-up a specific area and an alter without any success of concentration. Do you have any ideas or suggestions? Thank you!

Answer 1

I think the best thing to do is to keep practicing, and stop trying too hard. Just tell yourself you're going to mediate and whatever happens is good. You could try some mind-dulling music or white noise, or mentally repeating a mantra. You could also try visualization exercises-- imagining each section of your body slowly filling with white light; visualizing the "blackboard"- where you see yourself writing each letter of the alphabet in reverse order, writing then erasing each letter-- all kinds of visualizations that quiet the mind.

Answer 2

Even in Shikanataza, the purest Meditation available, it is expected thoughts will arise.
If you have a thought, just allow it to come and go... do not elaborate on it.

On Meditation :
You can take a certain posture with a specific breathing method, and it stills your mind... but it's a false stillness.

And though you may experience enlightenment while you're in Meditation... you have to experience it 24/7 somehow (more on that below).

Meditation's highest aim is when you create stillness and experience what you really are. It's temporary, and hard to extend beyond the cushion.

Luckily, there is a more efficient and a lasting way to experience what you are.
It's known as self-inquiry.
I was very successful in finding the answer via my body in Zazen.

Adyashanti, who "woke up out of Zen," realized the power of asking "Who am I?"... and awakened.

Closing, I will just say Meditation is a useful tool, but not required.

Answer 3

Stop trying to clear your mind. You might need to start with focused meditation. Here's a pretty easy one for most people.

Sit in a comfortable spot. Imagine roots going deep into the earth from the base of your spine, like a tree. Picture them going down until you feel anchored or see blue light below you. Draw energy up through your roots and into your body. Now imagine it expanding around you like branches or an aura. Keep going until you feel full or lose your concentration. If you feel refreshed, it worked.

There are lots of guided meditations and they often work to get you ready to meditate or to help teach you how. Chakra ones work great and are easy to find in books.

Answer 4

I can daw myself inward y going through this exercise: Sit in a relazing position. relax toes, then feet, then ankles, then calves, ...working upward and concentrating on the body. When fully relaxed, think of the prayer or supplication.

Answer 5

use a pebble nucleus ...try to count the pebbles while closing your eyes.mark a starting point and focus on counting ..... try this..it will help you.

Answer 6

try concentration.org and holisticonline.com