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

I feel that meditation is a very useful practice to help me with my ADHD and anger issues. I would be lost without it!!!

peaceplease.... you are not alone. I would say be grateful for the 10 minutes. It was the same for me when I started back doing it regularly again. Gradually I have been able to increase the time but I don't think the amount of time is so important. Especially in the beginning.

When distracting thoughts come into your head acknowledge them and then return to your breath. You may not go a minute without a distracting thought. The minute will stretch over time. Just be okay with it happening. It is not a measure of success. Just let yourself experience whatever comes without expectation or judgement.

If you read some of the early posts you will see that we all felt the same. Just keep at it would be my advice. Let us know how it goes so we can encourage and support you.

Thanks Skully. Always good to hear about how it benefits people.

I missed sitting meditation this a.m., as I was rushing to get Sherman to a vet appointment. I could try to meditate this evening, but morning is best, just before starting my day. I have had more moments of mindfulness, waking up to be in the present moment while doing other things, chores, driving, etc. Also, another form of meditation is noting physical sensations in the body, tension, temperature, pain or discomfort, etc. Sundog, I'm sorry that you felt depressed yesterday. A yucky feeling, I know. Glad you felt better again. I'm glad that you and SanitySeeker are feeling benefits of the practice.

Hi peaceplease! Welcome! I agree with sanityseeker that 10 minutes is a GREAT start!!!!! I also just wanted to add that, for me, it really has been about PRACTICE. I honestly believe that's partly why it's called meditation "practice", because it doesn't come naturally to everyone and it does require regular practice, just like learning the piano or any other skill or technique. So I really think it's worth sticking with it and trying to meditate for a little bit each day, even if it feels difficult. Definitely I found it helpful to start out with short sessions.

It also helped me to read some books on mindfulness meditation. If you google Jon Kabat Zinn or Jack Kornfield, for example, you'll find some good links.

Thanks ((((((((((((lavie))))))))))))))) Is Sherman ok? I hope so

Not a good sit (there's judging mind) this a.m. My mind was filled with worries (about Sherman still not eating, about a doll workshop I'm offering and feel unprepared and inept). I have a therapy session in a half hour. I'll try to sit this p.m. Kornfield's A Path With Heart is a great book, BTW. Thanks Sundog for your concerns re Sherman.

((((((((((((lavie)))))))))))))) I'm sorry you did not have a good "sit" this morning. And I'm really sorry you're still worrying about Sherman not eating. When do you get the lab results back? Soon, I hope.

I sat in the sun in the backyard again this morning and it felt good, but it was much shorter than I would have liked as hubby and the dogs came bursting in, back from their walk. Going to try and do some more meditation on my lunchtime walk presently. There's a beautiful, quiet spot I've found to sit where I will be completely undisturbed.

I wish I felt better......I feel really down again today. A lot of it is physical. I have these bad headaches most days and I just feel this general malaise and bleck. And yet the weather is so beautiful outside. And sitting out in the sun does feel good. But I can't shake these bad feelings. I feel like my body is trying to tell me something, but I don't know what. I'm getting nowhere with my regular doc and I can't make contact with this naturopath so I'll have to look for a new one.

Sorry for the !! Thanks for listening

I hope Sherman feels better soon Lavie. It is distressing when our beloved pets are unwell. My heart goes out to you. How did the doll workshop go? Sometimes distractions are helpful. Thanks for the book recommendation.

I am sorry to hear you are still feeling down. Nice to hear your sits in the sun are therapeutic as you travel through this time. I hope you connect with naturopath. Be curious to hear your experience with naturopathy. Always open to listening Sun. Goodness knows I have done my share of it.

My meditations again today have mostly been about maintaining a calm before a doctor appointment. I have a lot on the agenda to go over with him in a very short time. I have my list so I hope that will help.

I have much on my mind now that I have initiated applications for disability assistance. Again. Pulled out last year when the processed overwhelmed me by its intrusiveness. I am starting to feel the panic of intrusion again. Meditation is helping to keep the panic at bay. Returning to the anchor of my breath is how I am keeping from retreating these day. Not entertaining any of the parinoid thoughts. Or at least doing my best to acknowledge will being careful not to be drawn in.

Time now to get physcially ready. Staying mindful will keep me okay mentally and emotionally. That is the goal... the hope anyways. May I not meltdown!!

It's wonderful that the meditation is helping keep your panic at bay ((((((((((((sanityseeker))))))))))) I'm really sorry you are facing the stress of applying for disability assistance. Well done for writing a list of things to go over with your doc. Lists are invaluable in that situation! I really hope the appointment goes well and I'm sending you calming energy and zen vibes

The list helped. The appointment went well with no meltdown. Thankfully it is Friday. One more appointment today and I am done for now. Thanks for the calming energy and zen vibes.

Sleep came relatively easy last night after meditating... though I couldn't seem to stay asleep. Up early this morning and feeling rested enough. Will meditate this afternoon.... maybe a walk to the river. I am still practicing the walking meditation. Mostly in the house but also when I am walking around the garden during my search for early spring bulbs.

Thinking of Sherman this morning and hoping he is better Lavie.

Have a good day everyone.

Really glad the appointment went well (((((((((ss))))))))))) Have a lovely walking meditation this afternoon.

Meditated before bed last night and felt ok-ish, but then I slept really badly and couldn't get comfortable or settle in bed for a large part of the night. Feel really tired today but in some way that's not a bad thing as it dampens everything down and I feel quite calm. Had a good session in the sun this morning. Spoke to the naturopathic doc today and I like her a lot and feel quite hopeful. I have a face to face appointment next week.

Also sending loving thoughts to ((((((lavie)))) and (((((Sherman))))

((((((SS)))))) and ((((((Sundog))))))
I sat for about 20 minutes this a.m. I wasn't that concentrated, but tried counting in- and out-breaths, up to 8, which helped somewhat. Thanks so much for your concerns about Sherman and me. The fecal test was negative for parasites, but he'll start a de-worming med today anyway, if I can get the liquid down his throat (poor boy). He had no trouble downing white rice and chicken breast, as well as his treats. I think the little weasel is angling for an upgrade in his fare . Sorry for being off-topic.

I need to use meditation for sitting with emotions, namely sadness/resentment that both love and money have been so scarce throughout my adult life. Valentine's Day is not a favorite holiday of mine

hello everyone
i dont come on much but when i do i can just feel the love and encouragement you all have <3 thank you, you are all wonderful!
music usually helps me focus on letting my thoughts pass by, but not radio music, i mean the calming meditation music, does anyone know any good links to some good music to listen to while meditating, a peaceful, one with the earth calming one would be awesome.
i love you all!!

Sorry you had a restless sleep too Sun. Maybe tonight will better. Glad to hear you connected with the naturapath. I hope the meeting goes well next week.

My sleepless night last night caught up on me and I ended up having a nap which will not bode well for tonight. I didn't make it to the river. The rains moved in before i got out there so it was just a short walk in the rain today.

Thanks for the update Lavie on Sherman. It sounds like he has you figured out. lol. Hopefully he will feel better soon. Speaking of picky eating pets.... I was feeling guilty about only giving my cat kibble. At the grocery store one day I decided to treat her to some can't moist food. It is pricy stuff! Anyways.... she turned her noise up at it and returned to her kibble. Lucky me she picked the cheap stuff. She is a very healthy cat with a beautiful coat of fur so kibble seems enough for her.

I hope your sitting with your emotions tonight is comforting Lavie. I pray your hopes and dreams for love and security catch up with you in their perfect time. You would be a gift to any relationship.

Hi peace.... thank you for your kind words and welcome to our circle of support and encouragement.

I have no specific musical recommendation but I have found several on youtube that I like. Maybe I have some saved in my favourites. I will look. I am particularly found of native american flutes and drums personally. Very earthy and spiritual. I have a few CD's but for variety i go to youtube.

Thanks for your kind words, SS. They just made me tear up a bit. My heart is very full of sadness lately for the degree of solitude I've had through my life. I see how my fears of rejection and self-esteem problems are at the root, but they don't just go away. Valentine's Day isn't helping at all. I need to post on this. I know this thread isn't the place. Sorry. And sorry you're having sleep problems. I know how disruptive that can be. I hope it gets better for you. And Sherman! I don't know how I'll ever wean the little weasel off of chicken breast, steak and white rice. Boy, does he play me!!

Peaceplease, I've found some great meditative music on Youtube. Just do a search for "meditative music". There's a ton of it.

I sat this a.m. for about 20 minutes. I did a metta practice, since I was too restless for staying with breathing. It's hard to settle my mind these days. I guess peacefulness and concentration will come and go, like everything else.

Hello ((((((((guys)))))))) Welcome ((((((peace))))))

I'm think it's great this thread has been moved to the Self-Help forum!

((((((((lavie))))))))) I'm so sorry for your loneliness and sadness. I agree with ss that you are a true gem and any man would be very lucky to be together with you. I really mean that I don't like Valentine's Day either, even now that I'm married. It just seems forced somehow.

Hugs to you (((((((((((ss)))))))))))) I hope you're able to sleep tonight despite taking a nap. I love that you have a cat who prefers kibble to wet food!!!

I'm still not feeling very well (allergy/sinus issues and bad headaches) but I have had some good sits the past couple of days. Especially my morning ones. I sit outside in the sun and the warmth of the sunlight on my face adds a whole other dimension (it's not broiling hot or anything! But the sunshine is very pleasantly and gently warm). I've been really focusing on the feeling of that warmth and imagining it bathing my whole body with healing rays! Unfortunately our weather is going to change dramatically tomorrow with a return to rain and much cooler temps. So I'll just have to try and re-create that warmth in my imagination!!

Hugs to all.

May we love and be loved

You are right Lavie... those fears don't just go away. We learn them over time as a survival mechanism. It takes time to dig up something so deeply rooted and entangled into all parts of our life.

Please feel free to post about it here Lavie. It gives us another opportunity to support each other. I think as we share our current challenges amid our renewed efforts to practice meditation we see in practical terms how it may be helping. My hope is that meditation will centre us, help us to observe our fears differently or at least from a different place, when confronted by them.

I like the wholistic aspect of meditation. It puts me in touch with how all of me is responding at any given moment of time. Physically, emotionally, mentally. Meditation is a spiritual tool for putting things back in balance. It invites my spirit, my fearless self, to emerge. The journey continues.

I attended a family gathering yesterday. A funeral for my dad's brother. On top of the anticipated anxiety of being in a crowd etc were all these emotions about my mother. Several times I needed to fight the tears and the pressure to meltdown under its weight. It will be 30 years this April. People say it gets easier with time.... not true. On some levels it just gets harder with time because as each day, year, decade passes you miss them more. At least that is how it is for me.

I relied on moments of meditation to help return me to centre throughout the day to manage the anxiety and keep me in place. I did make an early exit but it was progress for me to actually attend. It was a challenge afterwards on the trip home to not obsess on replaying the day just to pick apart my performance or allow something that hurt my feelings to keep ringing in my head. Nevertheless I did indulge in a pity party comparing myself to my siblings and cousins. Feeling shame, embarassment and deep sadness for the situation I find myself in.

I never thought I would ever experience these feelings. I was tracking to be in their place and beyond.... once. Had things not gone so very wrong I would, like them be anticipating a comfortable and financially secure retirement. But I am not and that makes me sad and ashamed. It causes my confidence and self esteem to hit the pavement. I feel a burden with no redeeming value especially now that my talents and intellect can't save me anymore.

It took a rather lengthy self affirming meditation last night to pull me out of the sadnesses of the past, beyond the worries of today and the future, apart from my disappointments, shame and overall sense of hopelessness. I grasped like a lifeline the calm that came with every affirmed breath to renew again my acceptance of what is, letting go of all else in those moments of peaceful solitude. Refreshed and reaffirmed to keep on keepin' on.

It has been a quiet restful day. Spent some time watching and waiting for the baby hummers to take flight. It can be kind of hypnotizing. I find it very relaxing. The warm weather has meant more time outside. Early spring bulbs are beginning to show up and buds are appearing on shrubs and trees. It was a delight to see.

I did sleep better last night thanks Sun. Yea... I am glad she prefers the kibble too. No smell, no cans. Thanks kitty

Sorry to hear you are still not feeling well but glad to hear your sits havve been beneficial. I know what you mean about the pleasure of taking in the warmth of the sun. I find it very healing too. We had a moment of sun today but it didn't quite break from behind the clouds. I love looking at the sun with my eyes closed when everything is red. I see so many images form and sometimes I can got lost in a 3D world beyond the image. Like another dimension.

You may now need to transition to letting the rains cool, cleansing, renewing powers bath you with healing when the sun isn't there to accommodate. I love the feel of the rain on my face.

What a beautiful post, ss So wise and insightful.

This is my hope too. I also like to think of meditation as "mind training". I find it immensely encouraging that meditation has been shown to change the brain structure of people who take up this practice regularly. Over the decades I have etched some really deep "anxiety pathways" into my brain. My anxiety response is almost always on. Meditation provides an opportunity to etch some healthier pathways into my brain by giving me a tool with which to cultivate a sense of peace and calm within my own body and mind. This may well turn out to be a life-long mission for me! But I like to think that each time I meditate I am taking a step in the direction of inner peace.

Well done!! Really, really well done. I'm so glad that meditation helped you to get through this experience. I'm so sorry that you had to deal with some very painful feelings about your mother's passing I do agree with you that the death of a parent can give rise to a grief so profound that it really doesn't lessen with time.

This is so beautiful expressed! I'm really happy you have found this wonderful calm and peace

((((((SanitySeeker)))))) Sorry for the pain that you experienced yesterday at your uncle's funeral, and for the pain of the issues you've expressed here. I relate, as I have cousins, aunts, uncles who've been quite successful, and I compare myself unfavorably, regretting so many things. I'm sorry for your losses. ((((((Sundog))))))I hope that you can get relief soon from the allergy/sinus discomfort and headaches. Thank you both for your warmth and support. I'm glad that meditation and sunshine has brought some comfort to both of you.

I intended to attend the meditation group this evening. A friend even called this p.m. to plan to see me there. But, I pooped out at the last minute. I shouldn't have, but I felt tired and low all day. I have to fight the urge to stay home, when it would benefit me to get out. Tomorrow is another day!!

I don't know about you Lavie but sometimes pooping out is what is best for me. It is a question of balance but I would encourage you not to assume every decision to bow out is not of equal benefit for you as opting in. I think there are times bowing out is just an avoidence technique but sometimes avoiding stimulation when we are already feeling some overload is valuable self care.

Perhaps there is a better option for you then a group meditation right now. Perhaps, given the strain you have been under, the sadness you feel needs some privacy and a break from stimulation.

One of the things meditation is teaching me about acceptance is to trust that what is, is enough. Even if I make a different decision to one that might seem obvious and viewed to be in my best interest, the decision I choose is the one I live with. The one that can be used to serve my best interests if I let it. If I don't judge myself in the process. Its what you do now that you have made the decision that matters more then anything you did, even if what you did can be classified a mistake. There really are no mistakes, just oppportunities to do things differently, learn and grow.

I hope you all have a comforting and restful night. Take good care of you.

What a beautiful way to look at it! Thanks (((((ss))))))

((((((((((lavie)))))))))))) I hope you had a relaxing evening. I totally agree with SS that it's a good thing to take it easy if you're really tired. Hugs to you

Thanks Sun. Since you liked that I will add this. Rain is natures way of kissing your cares away. Every gift of nature, including the weather..... wind, rain, sunshine and snow, each offers healing medicine to those who seek the connection.

I used to hate the wind. I lived in a town that was always windy. It was dusty and dirty and everyday I would curse it. Then one day I was told I needed to embrace the wind. If I continued to curse the wind my recentment towards it would just grow and my discomfort would increase. It took moving home to a wetter climate zone to gain an appreciation for the wind. No dust, no dirt just fresh clean wind flying through my hair, caressing my face and causing my skin to tingle. I learned to love the wind and now when I see it tickling the trees I am out there looking up and taking it all in as it ministers healing to my body, mind, emotions and spirit.

No sit yet today nor last night. Some meditative walking through out the morning to slow me down some since I did an all nighter writing a report. I hope to get out for a walk later today.

Wishing you all peace.