how can i meditate?

Question

Ive seen in t.v. people going hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm but is that about it?

Answer 1

(Someone asked a similar question last night; this is what I offered there:)

There are many styles and techniques.

Among the most simple and at the same time very profound is just cultivating an honest awareness of your present experiencing.

A useful way to do this is to have some aspect of the on-going moment to connect with as a kind of reminder to be present. Some people use a repeated phrase (like the Jesus Prayer or Transcendental Meditation [mantra] or the Relaxation Response [just repeating a word like "one"]).

Many people use their breath -- just resting their awareness at a point they notice the breath (nostrils or throat or chest or belly -- Zen often uses the belly). No judgment and no real goal other than just being present and noticing.

Most people quickly "notice," however, that simply "just being present and noticing" isn't so simple. Our minds tend to wander. We get caught up in thinking about something else. That's completely normal. Just go back to the breath, over and over and over.

(Many people feel it helps them to count their breaths, and there can be various particular ways to do that. One is to breathe in and out, and know "one," in and out and know "two," ... up to ten, and then just start over. If you lose count, no big deal, just start with "one" and do it some more.)

Maybe 15-20 minutes to start out, and you can work up to longer periods over time. A regular time of the day and a regular place can be useful. An upright posture -- both relaxed and alert -- is recommended.

Most meditations like this are with eyes closed, but you can do it with your eyes open, too (Zen tends to sit eye-open, gazing downwards at nothing in particular at around a 45 degree angle).

As simple as it is, it can bring a lot of benefits. Noticing, for example, how much of the time our thoughts in our head are just a kind of inconsequential chatter. Learning patience by simply seeing how our minds go, and by returning over and over -- without judging it as a big deal -- to the sensation of breathing.

And here's something not everyone expects. Usually this kind of activity is distinctly relaxing (slowed breathing, slowed heart rate, lowered blood pressure, etc.). But it can also come about that muscles may twitch as you relax and "release." And sometimes, too, especially on intensive meditation retreats, it can be very emotional, as our "hearts" also relax and release emotional material that we hold inside.

Nothing special and utterly profound -- "just being."

Answer 2

This is a basic form of what I do. It's a mix of different types. It’s a powerful tool. First choose your mantra. This is a word of power, love, and life. I chose, "God", as I intend to be infused with, and maintain His spirit until next time. You can use any word, or short sentence meaningful to you. Another example of a good mantra is the word Love. I can't imagine using another mantra now, so take time with this. When you have it, get comfy. Use whatever position you fancy. Then deliberately go through every, single, tiny muscle in your entire body, (even the tiniest ones in your face), relaxing and filling each one with a protective, loving, healing white light from God. Do this while repeating your mantra silently. When you are completely relaxed and full of light, including your insides. Your body will be like it’s asleep, while your mind is wide awake. This can open you to spiritual contact. This is what makes the next action very important. Surround yourself with protective white light. I like to make all my white light sparkle & shimmer. Try not to think of anything except your mantra, and the sparkling white light. After this there are some variations you can try. Later. Sounds simple, but it’s not, it takes a great deal of commitment, determination, and concentration. Do this at the same time everyday. If you have any questions, write me.
blessed be

Answer 3

My boyfriends used to be a chronic insomniac so he used a particular type of meditation as a substitute for sleep. It's sort of exactly like self-hypnosis, he relaxed completely and then tried to get into the mind of a table so to speak. Eventually he got so bored that his brain shut down and he all but stopped breathing. Curiously enough it works. He's checked out other forms of meditation but said they were a load of bull.

Answer 4

The main things is to focus on breathing which will clear the mind. I like to focus on a candle, it helps me. And I do it in a hat bubble bath with incense, my whole body relaxes then. We all do it different and you have to find what works for you. Here are some links, I hope that they work for you...

BB

http://www.how-to-meditate.org/
http://www.learningmeditation.com/
http://www.meditationcenter.com/
http://home.att.net/~meditation/MeditationHandbook.html
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_5_3X_Meditation.asp?sitearea=ETO

Answer 5

Focus on your breathing and nothing else. When you can do that, then you can begin to separate out what is real and what is not real. There is a big difference between who you are and what family, society, government and your environment have made you!!!

Answer 6

It is about observing the thoughts in the mind until they cease. And its Ommmmmmm.

Answer 7

i meditate when i listen to music. I also meditate in some dreams.

Answer 8

http://spirituality.indiatimes.com/articlelist/35361.cms

http://www.swamisukhabodhananda.net/index.php?file=faq