How do 'you' meditate?

Answer 1

Since I have medical issues, I do a simple form of secular mindfulness meditation to relieve stress and anxiety. This helps to reduce high blood pressure and the frequency of headaches. It is a practice recommended by my primary licensed physician and is not encumbered by any superstitious nonsense.

I have actually studied a wide variety of religions and paths. Being more musically inclined, I was initially attracted to the practices of Jodo Shinshu (aka Shin Buddhism) and Nichiren Buddhism - with the combination of chanting a rhythmic phrase (Nembutsu or Odaimoku) and/or sutra recitation to a visual object (a scroll of Amida or a Gohonzon). So I decided to create a nonsectarian alternative in that vein. One practice that I find helpful in the vein of the Way of Oneness (the
realization of interdependence) is to chant “Be One, Be Peace” in a position of gassho to an object such as a Dharma Wheel or a drawing of enso (a circle) as used in Zen. Five minutes of this every morning before work does wonders for my blood pressure and stress level.

You are more than welcome to use the chant if you think you may find it possibly useful.

I use two forms: “Be One. Be Peace.” for those who prefer a four syllable “mantra” like “Namandabu.” Or “Be One. Be Love. Be Peace.” for those who prefer the pace of a six syllable “mantra” like “Nam(u) Myo-ho Ren-Ge Kyo” or “Na-Mu A-Mi-da Butsu.” People who like (or are drawn) to chant are attracted to the rhythm.

For me, the purpose of any practice is to encourage self-reflection, internalizing this awareness , and wonder/gratitude/awareness of the interdependent forces of the Universe (Dharmakaya - in Shin this is symbolized as Amida Buddha which allows practitioners to perceive these forces as “compassionate” and “caring” thus allowing us to relate to them easier, or as the Gohonzon in Nichiren Buddhism which is a calligraphic representation of the “Ceremony in the Air” from the Lotus Sutra which is also a representation of the interdependent forces of the Universe).

Oh yes, and it didn't cost me anything to learn nor were there any "initiations" involved.

Some good resources on "secular" meditation are "The Calm Technique" by Paul Wilson as well as "The Relaxation Response" by Herbert Benson. If you need more formal "assistance" or "training" then I would look into Natural Stress Relief which was founded by former Transcendental Meditation instructors upset at the rising cost and ongoing superstittion associated with TM. They charge $47 for their training compared with the $2,500 that TM would charge you.

http://www.naturalstressreliefusa.org/

Answer 2

To meditate is to engage in thought or contemplation; to reflect. What to meditate on is clearly outlined in the Bible:

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are pure, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--- meditate on these things.

By reading the Bible and talking to God I meditate on the things that are pure and the things that are important.

Answer 3

I meditate in my armory with soft music in the background (and sometimes not). Sometimes by candlelight, sometimes not. Usually late at night. I can lose myself for hours in meditation. Sometimes I just enjoy listening to the silence.

Answer 4

I sit in a quiet room with my legs folded beneath me, my arms outstretched extending towards the floor, my hands open palm side up with the index and thumb tips touching, my chin tilted slightly upward and my eyes closed. From there, I clear my mind of everything and try to have a moment where I think of absolutely nothing but the slow rhythm of my own breathing, and then, absolutely nothing at all.

At that point, I am one with everything around me, and everything around me is one with me. Does wonders for relaxing my body and mind. Best of all, I don't need a religion for it. I attain inner peace myself.

Answer 5

I sit in a chair, relaxed, and keep my eyes open. I look down at about a 45 degree angle and keep my hands in my lap. A bit how the people who practice Zen do it, only without the uncomfortable lotus pose.

Answer 6

relax think on or about a subject you wish to meditate on

Answer 7

I focus on my breath for 15 minutes a day.

Answer 8

I started with breath counting but now I focus on the creator.

Answer 9

I sit down, read the Bible, and run it through for as long as it takes. I'll even sleep on it (the matter, not the Bible).

Answer 10

sit outside quietly smoke a cigarette stare at nature