What tools, methods, helps do you employ for meditation? How do you focus and when do you find it most helpful

Question

I usually meditate at least twice a day using soft classical music, or instrumental Christian music, I light a candle, turn down the lights and currently I am using "The Imitation of Christ" as my devotional guide, I also try to say the Rosary daily which is another form of Catholic meditation. Thanks all for another day of interesting debating and learning. Good night.
Peace Be With You,
Debra

Answer 1

I focus on my breath. I cannot filter internal or external distractions easily, so I become an 'observer' and watch them float by like logs going down a river. I cannot use music or incense that distract me. I do use posture and a special place when possible.

I use the methods taught in "Healing Power" ten steps to pain management and spriritual development. I like focusing on one of the spriritual qualities in the morning and use affirmations related to it (on a card) to keep it in mind throughout the day. I know nothing about rosary tho mate is RC, but I like the idea of having the 100 spiritual qualities in a bead string to consider. I think I neglect some.

You can use any passage or idea on a card to keep it in the front of the mind through the day. It does not even need to be 'spiritual'. You can use other self-improvement ideas, inspirational passages or something to further goals and dreams. My goal is to feel calm and safe in all situations.

Answer 2

Thomas a Kempis' "The Imitation of Christ" is a wonderful book and good to work through slowly for both Catholics and Protestants. I, too, am fond of the rosary as a contemplative practice; the 'mysteries' - which are events in the gospels experienced through the the Lord's mother - enable one to focus on Christ more fully. I've also found the Labyrinth to be interesting as a way to go on a brief spiritual pilgrimage. There was one at a retreat center near my town but it's become overgrown with grass and I don't know if the place plans to re-groom it in Spring. Once a year I go to a monastery for a personal retreat and join in the community's Liturgy of the Hours, which is also uplifting.

Answer 3

Boy, I wish I could find a consistent time for a daily meditation practice. It seems my schedule is too hectic for that.

Really, I have meditated in many places and at many times of the day. I don't need anything special to do it, but I enjoy lighting candles and/or incense and I sometimes set a statue of a God, Goddess, or the Buddha in front of me as inspiration. I don't usually listen to music while meditating, although I have some CDs that would probably work well for that purpose. Instead I use them to wake up gently in the morning.

Answer 4

I pick a focus, usually a flower or a leaf, and sit down and focus on it, trying to remove whatever attachments I feel towards that object. If I don't have time to sit down I'll do it while walking to class, focusing on a certain tree or shrub as I walk by...

Answer 5

Hymns,prayerbooks, the Bible, short or one word or one line prayers,prayer beads,sign language
I also use things like postures(kneeling,lying down in the dark,prostration,sitting up straight,etc) and environment( walking in nature,looking at icons, incense,candles and the like )

Answer 6

the imitation of christ!!! Love it!. . hmm. . what do u do w/ the rosary to meditate?? i was always curious. i meditate by focusing on something. .

Answer 7

I use a bottle of Champagne in an ice bucket and a tall crystal glass.
I drink watching the sun set, from the deck of my sail boat.
No fairy tales used or needed.

Answer 8

*hugs* I missed you so much :)

I need it to be quiet. I normally hold onto the crucifix on my favorite Rosary while doing so.

Answer 9

I use Icons