Meditation anyone? 30 minutes a day for 8 weeks... you in?

(((((((((sanityseeker)))))))))) I'm really sorry it's been such a rough day emotionally. I hope the phone call with your Dad went as well as possible.

I'm glad you had such a cleansing walk in the rain. There is something wonderful about letting yourself get soaked to the skin when you know you can have a hot shower afterwards. I'm happy that you are getting so much out of the walking meditation Hope tomorrow is easier for you.

(((((((((((((lavie))))))))))))))))) THANK YOU so much for that wonderful explanation of metta meditation. I think the part where you send well wishes to someone in your life who you find difficult is especially valuable. Thanks so much again (((((lavie))))

I didn't meditate this a.m. as I was in a rush to get to an alanon mtg. on time. I still felt good all day, til now. I decided not to go to a music party, as I haven't been learning/practicing mandolin, and everyone there are great musicians. Freezing rain is predicted, so maybe it's just as well. I can try to sit this evening, at least for a bit. I wish everyone well.

Thanks Sun. I agree.... nothing like a walk in the pouring rain and coming home to a warm shower. I made it through the call well enough. It can be taxing to paint a pretty picture when you are feeling distressed but it is worth it to not burden someone with things they can not effect.

I spent the rest of the night in mindlessness. Treating myself with kindness and acknowledging but not dwelling on worrisome thoughts. I benefited from a relaxing sit, a quiet time of receiving from the universe and some time in prayer lifting up those people put upon my heart to pray for. I was inspired by the teaching Lavie shared about matta meditations.

Thank you Lavie for sharing more about the matta meditations. I hope you feel better for making the choice to stay home. Sometimes life gets us so busy 'doing' we don't always listen when what we need is to slow down for a time and just 'be' with ourselves, comforting ourselves for a while.

The matta meditation reminds me of what I am familiar with as intercessory prayer. The concept of doing things in 4's is also consistent with cultural teachings I have absorbed from my aboriginal ancestry. I love it when I see those likenesses.

It is always interesting to me that while sources may vary the lesson, the gift, the destination remains the same. Reminds me of the saying that suggests there are many ways to enlightenment and Love will always show us the way if we are open to the receiving and releasing of its power in our lives.

I didn't get to bed until I had passed the place of feeling sleepy and was starting to feel re-energized again. I decided to lay in bed and in the darkness I did some focused breathing and let myself look mindlessly behind the darkness until I was ready to roll over and sleep.

I slept well and with the sense of overcoming I woke up with I have been able to resist ruminating. I have instead been able to notice those things that reinforce my peace and embrace a spirit of thanksgiving.

I had a short sit this morning meditating on the word peace this morning and have returned to the word as a guide throughout the day. Its been refreshing and comforting to me today.

I'm so glad you're doing better ((((((((((sanityseeker))))))))))) It's great that you got a good night's sleep and that you've been able to resist ruminating today (that's huge!)

So glad you had a good day (((((((((lavie)))))))))))) and I hope you're having a relaxing evening. If freezing rain is predicted where you are, it's good to know you are safely at home

Usually I meditate lying down on the floor with my knees bent, feet on the floor, arms at my sides. This is because it's the most comfortable position for me. However, I really like the idea of a more formal meditation practice where you sit upright, with a pose that's erect and dignified, yet relaxed. I did buy a meditation cushion a while back, along with a couple of those yoga bricks to support my knees. But I just can't get comfortable sitting like that for any length of time. So now I just sit in a chair. The last couple of mornings I've sat in a chair for the morning session and I've stuck with the lying on the floor for the evening session. The sitting in the chair feels more like "real" meditation so I'm definitely going to stick with that. The lying on the floor feels more like a relaxation exercise, which is good too!

May you be free of harm and suffering

Remaining mindful of where I am I move through the day maintain a sense of calm and acceptance. It is comforting and healing. Tomorrow will bring what tomorrow brings. My meditation this morning was restful as just sat listening to the beat of my heart.

I usually sit upright on a blanket on the floor with my knees crossed and my hands resting palm up on my knees. It usually takes me a while to find that relaxed place with my back straight. My only discomfort is when my legs go to sleep. If I am just meditating to let go of something nagging on me then I will sit in my lounger and just focus on my breathing and allow it to slow me down.

For years I have relied on meditation as an anxiety buster but since starting here again to give more time to meditating I am quicker to use it before the anxiety gets out of control. I tend to get quiet impatient if I am waiting for someone. Every second that goes by increases the anxiety. While waiting a few times yesterday, with hardly a thought I closed my eyes and just breathed or listened to the music on the radio. It made a difference to how I made it through the day.

I am going to take some time this evening to listen to a dharma talk 'Finding ease with emotions'. I am looking foward to it. Thanks a gain Lavie for the link.

I hope the practice is bearing fruit for all who are taking the time to show themselves the act of kindness it truly is.

I google CenterPointe.... the auditory technology Gus told us about... thanks again Gus. It sounds very intriguing. I sent away for the free demo. I look forward to trying it out.

Here's a link to the Institute and a review if others are interested in reading more about it. Anything that will fast forward and intensify meditation fits my ADD tendencies.

http://www.centerpointe.com/
http://www.personal-development.info/centerpointe.html

Kudos SanitySeeker and Sundog for your continuing efforts with meditation. As they say, "it's simple, but not easy". Even a 5 minute sit is better than none. There's nothing wrong with sitting in a chair, or anyplace that's comfortable. A teacher recently said, "Enlightenment can be found in chairs, too". Sometimes, I meditate lying down, though I find that I'm more prone to sleepiness that way. Sloth and torpor are the most frequent hindrances for me on my path. I sat this morning for about 20 minutes, but I sipped coffee here and there, and once fetched a dog toy from under the sofa (again). It will be a new stage of development when I can ignore Sherman's whines, or go into another room where I can close him out. I'm pathetically co-dependent with my dog. Sundog, I know you understand. Since I went out to an Alanon anniversary party/meeting this afternoon, I skipped going to the sangha for meditation this evening.

At dharmaseed.org, one talk that I really liked is called "How the dharma saved my life", by Bob Stahl, very down to earth. Ajahn Sumedho's talks are good, too. He has a great sense of humor. A lot of the talks are inspiring, and "prime the pump" for meditation. Some are geared for advanced students, and get into more of the Buddhist philosophy, not necessary for establishing a meditation practice. You can also search by keywords, e.g. anxiety, depression, etc.

Metta, y'all

Thanks for the suggestions. So much to choose from to fit any occassion.

I did that Lavie. I searched anxiety and got a lot of hits. Thanks again for the link. I imaging spending a lot of time there.

Metta to you too.

It's so good to hear how you guys are doing with your sits. And to learn more from you about different aspects of meditation practice. I really appreciate sharing our experiences. I've been doing part of the metta meditation the last couple of times I've meditated (though I haven't got as far as focusing on a person I find difficult and wishing them well). I really like it. I try and say the sentences to myself throughout the day too.

I didn't check out dharmaseed.org yet because I've been reading quite a bit online and also in my Shambhala Sun meditation magazine. But I'm definitely planning on checking it out. It sounds like a great resource.

May we be at peace

I sat for almost 20 minutes this a.m. My mind was jumpy, but I kept bringing it back to my breath. The teachers say that meditation isn't necessarily about being in a concentrated state. The recognizing thinking and returning to the anchor over and over is meditation too. I really really hope that I don't sound pedantic in these posts. I'm such a beginner with all of this. I started many years ago, but kept drifting away. So, it's starting all over again to train my mind. May we all be happy and peaceful.

I had an extended sit this morning too. Returning to my breath when I would notice giving attention to a passing thought. Not pedantic at all Lavie. I appreciate you sharing any teachings you have been given. Wishing you all a day of acknowledging blessings.

Wish I had found this thread when it first started. I definitely want to start meditating. I've been thinking about it for some time now. I don't know that I could actually sit for 30 minutes all at once, but I want to try something.
I don't even know where to start.
I'd like to join you guys even though I'm late if that's ok.

Great to see you here!! ((((((((((JJ)))))))))))) You're not late at all! We're just getting going!!!! So pull up a zafu and come join us!!

I agree with sanityseeker, you're not being pedantic at all!! ((((((((lavie))))))))) And we really appreciate what you share with us

I sat outside this morning in the sunshine. I'm not feeling great physically today, but it was definitely soothing to sit quietly in the morning sun and focus on my breathing.

Peaceful hugs to all

Great to have you join us JJ. We are not being religious about the amount of time in one sit but use the 30 minutes a day as a guide stretched throughout the day. We are here to support and encourage each other to gift ourself with the benefits of meditating.

Awwww.... sweet sunshine. I am glad it was soothing for you Sun. Be well.

Well, I sat for 20 minutes this a.m. My mind was turbulent at first, always a good clue when on an outbreath, saying silently "rising", and on an inbreath, saying "falling".

My teachers say to stick with one technique per sit, but I switched to metta, because "rising...falling" following the breath was too subtle this morning. Doing metta did help settle my mind and give some degree of concentration.

I create restlessness frequently by telling myself that I "should" be doing something else. I have to use a mantra "I'm in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing", to reassure myself that what I am doing is a good use of time. I don't apply cognitive and self-soothing tools often enough. That's a goal of mine. I hope everybody's well.

Good for you (((((((((lavie)))))))))))) And I can really relate to what you say about creating stress and restlessness for yourself with the "I shoulds".

I missed my sit this morning. I was running late. My husband and I generally drive in to work together (since we work together). He takes the dogs for their morning walk and I use that time to do housework or meditate This morning I didn't have time to do anything (got up too late). When I take the dogs out at lunchtime for their walk I'm planning on finding somewhere quiet on the hillside to sit, so I'm looking forward to that.

I meditated briefly last night. I felt sooooooo depressed yesterday. Just really, really down. Depression is not my main problem. Anxiety is my main problem, but yesterday the depression pushed everything else aside. During meditation last night I felt a lot of sadness. Perhaps I should have just let myself cry. Thankfully I'm feeling a little better today.

Hugs to all!

I did a "sit" in the sun on a hillside yesterday lunchtime on my walk. It felt really good. Last night I did my usual lying down meditation and this morning I sat again in the sun in our backyard next to my buddha statue. Meditating in the sunshine and feeling the warmth of the sun on my face definitely feels very special.

May we be happy

Very special indeed. I do a lot of that in my garden when the sun comes out. It is very soothng and healing. I am glad you had a chance to take some time for it the last couple of days.

Sorry to hear depression caught you the other day. Has your anxiety level been especially high lately? I find depression often follows anxiety overload for me. In almost the same way it does a manic episode. It seems to be my overload default position.

Meditation is proving helpful. It gives me a break from strain and it helps me to withstand more and recover faster. Focusing on my physical responses in the moment calms me emotionally and gives my thinking a rest.

Internet was down yesterday so missed checking in until now.

My sits have been more casual and a bit longer the last day or so. Unwinding in my lounger and just breathing and releasing tension mostly. It takes up most of the time.

I did a lot of anxiety-busting meditating the last couple of days too. Hospitals, getting blood drawn, seeing a dr etc really heighten anxiety. I brought myself back to an anchor each time the anxiety would start to rise. It is making a real difference already.

It's WONDERFUL that you're noticing the positive effects of meditation already!! ((((((sanityseeker)))))))) I'm so happy you've been able to use it as an anchor in stressful situations.

I do agree with you that depression often follows anxiety. I really like what you say here about focusing on the body's physical responses and, in so doing, giving yourself a break from thinking. Thinking - or, more precisely, over-thinking - is often my downfall!

Hugs to you! (((((((((((sanityseeker))))))))))))

I know. Can't count the times someone has said to me, 'you think too much' or 'wow... you have really thought this through' or words to that effect. Meditation is helping me to control it better. How about you? Is it helping with the over thinking for you at all?

Did you ever look into the matt. I have still to use mine. I always have an excuse.

It helps me while I'm meditating. But, so far, it hasn't really prevented me from over-thinking the rest of the time.

I need to get rid of the distinction in my mind between "meditating" and "not meditating". Really, meditating - or mindfulness- is a way of life. I haven't got there yet!! But I need to keep thinking (haha!!) along those lines, and incorporate more mindfulness/meditation into my everyday life, even when I'm not "officially" meditating. So, for example, if I notice myself over-thinking, I could just be mindful of that and gently bring myself back to my breath. That's what I need to work at!!

PS: No, I haven't looked into the mat yet. Thank you for reminding me!!!!! I'll do that today for sure!!

I have to give you an example of a kind of over thinking that I noticed the other day. It was during the Super Bowl game. I watch for the commercials only to be disappointed I could only watch on a Canadian channel so no US commercials. Anyways.... I watch some of the game. A running back with the ball was heading towards the side lines and ended up knocking down a camera man.

Until I could solve the question of how that accident could have been prevented I couldn't stop thinking about it. I had to find a solution that would satisfy me. In this case I decided when ever the play is near a camera the boom men should be at the ready to pick up and move out of the way. In this case there was enough distance from the side line for the collison to have been avoided. Satisfied with my solution I returned to the game.

If I am not over thinking what something meant, what I should do, what might happen if I do, what will happen if I don't...... I am finding other things to consume my thoughts.

Yes that is what I am beginning to realize. Making it more of a constant then its own experience. That I think may be the secret to not returning as quickly to over thinking.

i love the feeling i get after meditating however i find it super hard to do. the thoughts in my head are super loud and always constant, the longest ive managed to meditate is lik 10 minutes, i really think this would help my depression and my sleep habits but im having so much trouble with it. any ideas?