I really don't know how to word this so I'll word it the best I can and still get my question out. Ummm... I've been meditating lately. I just sit on my bed with it quiet and I go into deep thought. I was wondering are there any techniques or anything ya'll do while meditating that helps you along or makes you more relaxed? There, I think I worded that well enough.
Yes, there are a multitude of techniques, as you will see if you google it. Different bodily positions, or movements, adding sound and/or visual aids, different thoughtpatterns, environments, temperatures, tastes, breathing etc..and even the lack of all these. You can apply methods or rules created by others, if you feel more comfortable doing this or create your own routines. Try out a few different ones, then soon you will discover which ones you prefer. Any waking activities can also be performed in a meditative state.
Because Ive heard people talk about the things they can do in their mind while meditating and I was wanting to experience this so that was why I was wondering if their were things I could do to go a bit deeper into meditation. Thanks.
I have to concentrate on my breathing, or my mind wanders and I get distracted. Streching is also nice, it'll release tension in the body, which will aide relaxation.
and what the hell is that supposed mean?... Besides, you gotta tell me how to concentrate on one thought and not allow sleep take over you while meditating...?
Spidergoat, If you mean relaxation as being the sole purpouse of meditation then I agree. It's pretty pointless if that is the only reason why someone does it. Might aswell smoke some :m: for the same effect. Some might not even define 'relaxation' as meditation as 'meditation' implies the focus of the mind or awareness upon a certain thought, sensation etc... However relaxation is not overrated in the sense that it is in many ways a prerequisite for the meditative state. In essence relaxation is simply preparation for meditation. A restless mind is impossible to focus, a relaxed mind is not. My meditation is currently centered upon gaining focus and mental discipline. This means for me concentrating upon simple thoughts or sensations such as counting breaths. If my mind wanders I try to simply accept that my mind has wandered and go back to focusing on the task. The thought of my 'mind is wandering' is incredibly self-defeating.
Yes, I think the relaxation part is incidental. Perhaps the purpose of meditation is disassociation with the body. Buddhists meditate not on thoughts exactly, but on the source of thought. Eventually, in the absence of thinking, it becomes obvious that there is no self apart from everything else.
When I meditate I usually focus on one thing like your "third eye". I have had some guided meditations. I once went into a trance when this women was telling me stuff, kinda cool.
I need to learn more techniques about meditation. I think that the ones that i use are not good for someone like me that has a lack of concentration. I´ve found a nice website on net about budhism. Its great and i think that it has a lot of information about meditation: www.buddhanet.net
All I can advise is transcendental meditation. It can be learned easily and you do no more than what you just described. When initiated into TM you are given a mantra that you say to yourself silently. The effects are profound. If you are more than idly curious I would check out the closest TM center. There is an abundance of scientific literature on TM. here is googled sources to TM. Geistkiesel
Sit in a really uncomfortable position like half lotus or full lotus for avoiding sleep. Im convinced thats what those horrible meditation postures are for. Try meditation standing up to avoid sleep too, or walking. Count breaths one thru 10 and watch your thoughts without identifying with them as tho theyre you. I think you have to develope some serious ability in concentration before you have much of a chance at meditation. See if you can get to 10 breaths without being distracted and forgetting what your doing (counting 1-10 breaths and starting over), or talking yourself out of the practice to go do something else instead. Its not as easy as it sounds. Once you get to a place where habitual persistant thoughts no longer distract you then you will open up to a different kind of awareness. Maybe thats what youre looking for.
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Once you are flexible enough, full lotus is comfortable. You know that yoga position where the individual is to fold in half and put his head on his knees? That's not to stretch; that's to relax the spine. Afully comfortable when standing up; good for the head as well. If you want to concentrate on the pain, sure, sit in the position that hurts you. If you don't want to fall asleep, think of something that truly interests you. Edit: Allow me to explain. You are to cross your legs in meditation to help you keep your back straight. Full lotus is very good for that. All yoga positions are extremely comfortable when your body is ready to do them with full correctness; plus, it's benefitial to all muscles. I was told that the yoga positions came about as Buddha (or someone else in meditation) wanted to stretch from long sitting.
