Meditation

[Fingerprint]

Does anyone do, or has anyone tried meditation?

I got interested in it a while ago after watching a programe where a Buddhist monk taught a group of factory workers to meditate. It seemed like a really excellent way to relax and focus you mind. I read a few books on it but could not seem to do it myself, I just sat there breathing heavily until I got bored.

I started thinking about it again the other day and read a website about Christian meditation. I tried to follow the instructions but it didn't really do anything for me, I think it's a lot to do with training your mind so it probably takes quite a bit of practice.

Has anyone else tried meditation?

[luna-tic]

Hello Fingerprint, Years ago I was heavily into martial arts and beyond the physical training I found meditation a way to completely rid oneself of all the hustle and bustle associated with everyday life.
Personally I would not attach any religion to the proceedings as apart from various methods to induce meditative states, a name given to it is more of a selling point rather than to gain the desired effect.
Some people play music, light incense sticks or aromatic candles, trying to aid the senses.
Some will find a secluded place within nature or if you haven't the time maybe indoors without distractions (easier said than done).
For me it is peace of mind and can help to calm an otherwise hectic day but requires discipline and the ability to shut off from time to time.

[luna-tic]

The basic method is to sit in a chair with a high back, sit on the floor or leaning against something to keep the back straight to help with breathing. Slouching will reduce the breathing and lying down may induce sleep.
Close your eyes and take slow deep breaths,completely inhaling to full capacity and then exhaling feeling the air push right down through the diaphragm/lower stomach.Repeat about five times and then reduce the deep breath to a controlled normal pattern.Your hands can be down by your sides or relaxed in the lap. You should feel the weight (so to speak) lift from your shoulders.
Your mind should be empty of chatter but focused on being in the moment, at one with the stillness and hopefully quiet.
If you find yourself getting bored then the outside world is creeping into your thoughts and causing frustration.
Hope this helps :0)

[luna-tic]

I forgot to mention, it does not work for everyone and preferences of place, sitting position and so on may take time to be totally comfortable and reach the desired effect could take more than one try.

[luna-tic]

Sorry Fingerprint, To revise the above regarding deep exhaling of breath, it should of read: Pushing the air out while fully contracting the lower stomach muscles.
Each meditation should last approximately fifteen minutes to half an hour if possible.

[naomi24]

Morning chaps. I've tried to meditate many times, without much success. I've read books on the subject and I start off ok, but before I know it I realise I'm thinking of other things. I find the best place for me to get anywhere near meditation is sitting alone and quietly by the sea. I would like to be more successful - I'm sure it's beneficial to the inner being.

[jackthehat]

My local church hall refused to allow meditation classes or yoga (because it involves aspects of meditation) because 'clearing the mind means that there is a loss of vigilance and it is entirely crdible for Satan to enter into susceptible mind at these times' !!!!!!

Many of the churches, especially the happy-clappy types, are stringly against meditation in any form...........beware the wrath of Mani.

[jackthehat]

..........probably 'strongly' against it,too..........

[naomi24]

Morning Jack .................. that really made me laugh! I had visions of Satan sneaking unobserved right up someone's nose and into their brain!

[jackthehat]

I always pictured him using their ear.............lol

It'd certainly give you a fright, wouldn't it.........sitting there all tranquil, harmonious and balanced and you suddenly realised 'Old Nick's' rummaging through your mental chest o'drawers.........

[luna-tic]

According to "Fingerprint's" earlier religious test, I think 71% of Satan's power has already crept up my nose and many of the other Answerbank gang have his powers without even meditating.
What with that and me talking to the trees under the influence of my previously unbeknownst Pagan God.......I'm doing just dandy.
:0)