Meditation

Louise22

Hi guys

Massive apologies if there is already a thread of this nature but just looking for some advice/stories/experiences of people who have meditated in the past or are currently doing so. Did you take classes or teach yourself? Did it work for anxiety/general stress?

Any stories would be very much appreciated

Devi

Hi,

been doing it for years - for me it has given me inner strength and the ability to deal with all of life's ups and downs in a calm and methodical manner.

I was taught it but it isn't hard.

You sit in a cross legged, but comfortable position on the floor (will be uncomfortable if you are not used to it but gets easier over time).

Close your eyes and take deep breaths, concentrating on your breathing - and nothing else. Start off by doing 5 minutes or for as long as is comfortable, increasing it each time by a few minutes.

Hope this helps.

Devi

Louise22

Thanks Devi

I have read a lot about it, and the general consensus seems to be that it can take a long time to master but obviously you seemed to have learnt it faster

zoelife

meditating can be the easiest thing in the world and the hardest but whether you feel like it at the time or not it does help although if you're expecting a magic bullet this isn't one.

I find that having a CD/soundtrack helps me and that many of the Buddhist centres have drop in classes that are low cost if you haven't got somewhere you can have some space and you dont have to be a buddhist to benefit.

simple methods are focussing on your breathe or using a mantra (words phrases) like calm and relax or anything you want really plenty on the net to look at and download free this is just how I do things

Good Luck

sockdrawer

I meditate, sometimes successfully, sometimes not! As Zoelife said, it can be easy, or difficult depending on your mood.
I found youtube very useful, there are guided meditation videos etc there for free. I do want to go to a Buddhist centre at some point, as they run very inexpensive classes at the one nearest me, but somehow I never seem to have the time. My loss, as I feel it would be very useful.

LibbyR26

My friend and I went on a weekend course for beginners at the buddist monastry at Samye-Ling in Dumfries and Galloway. I'd never been to that type of thing before and really enjoyed. I still use the techniques, although perhaps not as often as I should. I can't remember how much it cost but I can remember thinking it was really good value at the time.

Bronnie

A bit of a tangent, but I find I really dislike the act of concentrating on my breathing. I'm doing a beginners pilates course atm and although I like the exercises, for some reason I feel uncomfortable when I make myself aware of my breathing which is not conducive to relaxation....... I'm not explaining it very well...I wonder if anyone else knows what I mean??!! Is this a beginner's thing or just me?

maytaurus

Have a look here
http://www.mymeditationgarden.com/guided-meditations/the-big-list-of-free-guided-meditations/

busiscoming2

Bronnie wrote: »

A bit of a tangent, but I find I really dislike the act of concentrating on my breathing. I'm doing a beginners pilates course atm and although I like the exercises, for some reason I feel uncomfortable when I make myself aware of my breathing which is not conducive to relaxation....... I'm not explaining it very well...I wonder if anyone else knows what I mean??!! Is this a beginner's thing or just me?

I know what you mean. I have been going to a Yoga class for about 6 months now and at first I had the same problem, but it does get easier and more 'natural'.

Mojisola

It's not essential to sit cross-legged or on the floor. Sit somewhere that you're comfortable.