Meditation

[befers]

So I'm not sure why, but I decided I wanted to try meditating. I researched a little bit online about how to do it, and what you are supposed to do, and figured the best thing to do would be to just try it out. So tonight I did. I don't think I'm very good at it. I kept giggling, and once, Abby Cat jumped on me, which didn't help my focus at all.

Comments

[yagathai]

I've never had a "transcendental experience" while meditating, and I don't know that I'd recognize one if it bit me on the ass, but I have found breath-focus meditation to be extremely helpful in calming myself down, feeling better when I'm sick and especially exercising.

[elissa_carey]

It's ok for your mind to wander. It's going to do that. It's when it's distracting you, and you're unable to just let go and be, that it can be a problem. :)

[cyan_fireflash]

Mahh, takes time to get it babe. Just focus on your breathing and try to make it regular while doing it. Something monotone like a meditation music tape or I-tunes trackes might help. I alos found personally whren I started picturing a little making a little white dot appear and concentrating on it. Takes pratice to keep you mind from wandering from it tho.
I always find my mind going to different places whe I do it. But It's sorda like i'm floating now through the thoughts rather then them more being things that jolt me out of what I'm doing.
just keep punching at it and you'll get it. Like everything worth doing, takes pratice.

[passingfancy]

Another tip to beginner's meditation, which I got from my therapist (who spent some time as a young practitioner with a Zen mentor), is that you have to start small. Begin with only a few minutes at a time, and slowly you can build up to 5, 10, 15 and even longer if you wish.

There is also some good music that can be used in meditation, or mantras to keep your mind focused.

It's awesome that you're getting into meditation. Everything I said is academic and not anecdotal, I myself have not been successful at meditation. Even during a yoga class, my mind is a whirring torrent of random thought. If you find anything that really clicks with you, I hope you'll share your wisdom. Maybe something that works for you will help me quiet my mind.

[anisette_toast]

Don't feel bad about not being able to stay focused for very long. Like said above... takes practice and you need to build up to it.

Not only are there some good music CD's out there for meditation, but there are also some great guided meditations as well. Some are a little hokey at first, but I have found they help.

If Abby Cat is too distracting, try to find a place where she can't get to you. However, I do find that most animals tend to be very good for assisting with meditation once they get used to what you're doing. :)