how do you meditate?

Question

I don't know much about meditation. I'd like to. Any resources you can point me to or suggestions you can give will be appreciated.

GRITS: and then what? just breathe and be silent? My problem is my mind races like crazy all day and all night. I wake up to it still running from the night b4. I just want to meditate my way to peace and quiet and let myself actully relax, my muscles, my mind, my everything. know what i mean?

Answer 1

Hi JC,
if you just want to quieten your mind down a bit, may i suggest that you try some relaxation techniques... it's hard to quieten an active mind, but fully relaxing is a way to do it...
i used to find the 'progressive relaxation' technique very helpful... it teaches you the difference between being tense and being relaxed, and teaches you how to relax your muscles... you could set half an hour a day aside to do it... it used to work for me... look up 'progressive relaxation' on google... its a very simple and easy technique.

if you are still interested in meditation... a good place to start is to learn about 'mindulness' meditation... this technique teaches you to 'watch' your thoughts and actions... it allows you to take a step back from your own head, giving you a bit of space and perspective... you allow yourself to have your thoughts but you don't encourage them; you watch them rather than getting totally involved with them... this makes your mind freer, clearer and less cluttered.

Look up 'mindfulness meditation' on google... there's loads written about it... it's quite a simple technique so start by finding some simple instructions about it.

Meditation can help you understand your brain a bit more, it can give you a bit more insight into how to deal with emotions.
But it doesn't suit everyone and it can be complex and confusing if it isn't taught right... i've been practising meditation on and off for about 10 years and i still get confused about it because it's hard to find anyone who knows about it deeply enough to answer any of my questions... and i'm still finding out important new stuff about it...

it might be a good idea to go to a meditation class or group because then you get intructions and you commit yourself to sitting still for a while!

Best of luck with your busy little head! ;-)
zag

Answer 2

Meditation is not easy, No matter what anyone says. The best thing to do is get in a comfortable position close your eyes and breath deep in thought your nose and out through your mouth, As you exhale you can say OM or Love Just find a word a saying that works for you. And yes your brain will continue to break in, Just breath trough it. Meditation is like learning any thing else it takes time. Your mind is used to working 24/7 and to just ask it to stop with out some sort of training is impossible. But meditation is well worth the effort, The purpose is to help you slow your mind not to stop it. But it does take time, It is well worth the effort.

Answer 3

your mind is like a child, give it something to do and it intrigued for a while, tell it to be quiet and do nothing and it doesn't listen. this is the hardest thing to get past when you start meditating. at first sit and quiet the mind, focus on your breathing at first, make sure that it is peaceful (if the mind starts to wonder just come back to concentrating on breathing).
their are some great books on Buddhist meditation that are good to learn from. no they don't try to convert you to become a Buddhist. they show different techniques on the proper positioning of the body to meditate comfortably and how to get past the hindrances to do it mentally.

Answer 4

Here's what I reccomend. Pick a phrase that means something to you. It can be a passage from the bible, a quotation from a famous person, or an inspirational saying. As you inhale, say the phrase in you head. When you finish saying it internaly, begin exhaling saying the phrase. The idea is to use the phrase to time your breaths so that you exhale as much as you inhale. At first extranious thoughts will still drift in. Let them come, but don't let them connect to anything. If they do, start over. It takes pratice but after a while all that will be in your mind is the phrase. After more pratice even that will drop out, and all that will be inside is stillness and quietude.

Answer 5

I lie down on my stomach, but many prefer to do this sitting. Just make sure you're comfortable, but keep your back straight so you don't fall asleep.
Breathe in through your nose, exhale through your mouth. Breathe with your stomach instead of your upper body- that is while breathing do your best not to expand your chest while you inhale, but keep it still and expand your stomach instead. Focus solely on breathing thusly. Close your eyes. Focus on the sensation of breathing. Every breath you take in, know that you are replenishing yourself with good energy and every time you exhale, you are ridding your body of bad energy.
If done correctly you will feel energized and refreshed and focused when you decide to stop.

ETA: If your mind is too occupied, when your eyes are closed, acknowledge each thought one at a time aloud to excise it from your mind the move on.
While meditating, focus solely on one issue at a time. Do not digress, simply breathe. Don't work yourself too hard over whatever the issue maybe, but acknowledge its presence in your life and gently, think of a resolution. If it becomes too stressful, dismiss it and go onto a new thought or focus on breathing.

ETA2: If your body is tense, before you begin meditation, tighten every muscle one at a time. Begin with your toes and feet, hold for 15 seconds, release. Work your way up to your calves, thighs, stomach, chest, arms, hands and end at your neck.
Yoga is a good thing. Often times your local YMCA or community club will offer free or discounted lessons. It's also not hard to UTube Yoga lessons or rent them via Netflix or Blockbuster.

Answer 6

The only time I "meditate" per se is when I am reading and studying The Holy Bible. As far as getting in the Lotus position and repeating some verbal mantra and opening my mind to all things around me...NO WAY!

I have no desire and will not open my mind to and/or welcome whatever wants to come calling from the transcendental plain...The Lord of the Air lives there.

Answer 7

Meditate on God's Word. It will lead you to eternal life, peace, joy, and the favor of God.

Answer 8

I usually set on the edge of my bed or in a chair and relax with some music preferably gospel and focus my heart to God with praises of love towards him and allow his spirit to deal with my heart.

Answer 9

first sit in a proper position: sit straight on the floor pretzel style and put your hands on your knees. Close your eyes, don't think about anything except god. Keep your eyesight in the middle of your forehead and visualize god or Om. Focus on your breathing pattern. I hope this advice helps you.

Answer 10

Alone with my Bible. Just me and God, and I reflect on my life, where I have been, and where I want to be. How I can be a better father, servant, husband. I look at how others may see me, and think about how to be better.