[heyhey.im.j]

I've been thinking about trying meditation for a more healthy balance and mind control against my anxiety issues. If you have ever learned the practice of meditation please let me know how successful it is for you, and what I should expect.
I wanted to try a different approach to reducing and relieving the effects of my anxiety in a non medicinal form. I have been on several different medications that don't really seem to help when I need them to. I thought that trying to re train my mind to re direct negative, persistent thoughts cluttering my mind. What things do I need in order to take this plunge? Are there any preparations I need to know about before doing so? Any advice is welcomed and appreciated!

[Webgoji]

Okay, here we gooooo ...

1. To prepare, get some comfortable clothes. Seriously, that's about it.
2. Find a meditation teacher. Many Buddhist temples will teach meditation for relaxation without any religious teachings, you can also find teachers at places like the YMCA and others.
A) A teacher is important because they can guide you though the meditations, watch how you are reacting and help answer your questions. Websites, book and CD's aren't very interactive.
3. Have an open mind. That's all you'll need. Oh, and comfortable clothes again.

4. I separate this one because it's more advice than anything. Don't worry about what you "see" when you first start meditation. It's different than anything you've done before and can be a little weird at first.

If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask. I've taught meditations for relaxation at the local college and spent a considerable amount of time in more advanced meditation myself and can hopefully offer something of value if you need.

[Maranara]

Meditation has been a literal lifesaver for me. Don't expect results instantly, but they will come. It's just like anything else; it takes a while to get in to it and understand what you are doing. Don't give up and do it regularly for results.

I think a good trial for meditation is DBT Self Help. Look into the section lableled "Instant Mindfulness". It has some good, short guided meditations. I also like anything by Pema Chodron.

I moved across the country...no money, no insurance, didn't know anyone. I'd like to get a meditation instructor eventually but the closest temple or anything of that sort is too far away to go regularly. My self help routine saved my life.

[Gus1234U]

there are many excellent links and posts on meditation in the Social Groups - Mindfulness Meditation, and discussion of Buddhism. they are public groups, you can read without joining. (located at the bottom of the Forums Index page.)

essentially meditation is an activity which increases one's awareness.
what you do with that information depends on what you want to get from it.
if you are interested in reducing feelings of distress, then you might also want to use some thought-rehabilitation practices as well as physical care (eating right, sleeping enough, and avoiding stress whenever possible).

there are also links to CBT, DBT, Lojong and Affirmations in those forums.
another tool that helps some people is called Holosync. you can find it in various forms, but it is very helpful in supporting meditation for beginners, as it engages the mind and reduces distractions.

the positive effects of meditation on the brain are well documented, and long lasting. even a few minutes a day of intentional awareness can help the brain to focus longer and withstand more stress.

best wishes~
Gus

[Fuzzybear]

[Thunder Bow]

There are some good beginners meditation CDs on

Sounds True