Comments on: How to Meditate

on 6/24/2008 I like to meditate on the Word of God (Scriptures, Bible) with soft praise music playing. : )

on 6/24/2008 Drinking tea and lighting incense can also contribute to the mediating process.

on 6/23/2008 Nice and simple. Just the way I like it.

on 5/16/2008 Meditation is the best. It helps me feel calm and in control. Thanks for the great tips!

on 8/2/2007 Any guided audio are not real meditation, but a form of hypnotism. Be auto suggestive or focus into your inner voice, rather than listening from anyone or anything outside of you.

on 8/8/2006 Most people think that to meditate, their mind must be empty. Because of this, many do not continue to meditate. In the beginning, thoughts will arise from all over the place and seem like a constant stream. This is okay. When a thought comes into your head, lead it gently back out, let your mind wander as it will until it settles. This may take some time, but the best thing to do is meditate regularly. Repetition and reinforcement are what it is all about. Sit for as long as is comfortable and then slowly bring your mind back to full consciousness. The more you do it, the longer you will be able to sit and the calmer your mind will become.

On another note, a very good way to practice meditation is to count your breaths. Take a deep breath in through your nose, down into your lower abdomen, then release it slowly through your mouth. That's one. Repeat, two. And again, three. Do this until you get to ten, and then work your way back down, and then back up again. Repeat as many times as you wish. But do not be discouraged if you lose count. Just begin again at one. The one thing that I cannot emphasize enough is to keep at it. And always keep the mindset of a beginner, once you start to believe that you are a master of something the ego takes over and destroys whatever progress you have made.

on 8/3/2006 Cello and lyre music are know to be relaxing, because their sound frequencies have the same range as the human voice. I use Bach's Unaccompanied cello suites, which makes me feel so relaxed.

on 7/21/2006 When meditating, cross your legs and put your hands on your thighs. Turn your palms up, and bend your fingers to where they are naturally most comfortable. This will open up the body, as well as the mind, making you more relaxed.

on 11/22/2005 Meditation is all about being aware of what's happening in your body and mind. It is different from sleep. Sleep is the unconcious state of mind whereas mediation is just opposite. A common problem beginners experience in practising mediation is that they cannot concentrate, their mind wanders, etc. The reason is that they haven't fulfilled the prerequisite for mediation, i.e. relaxation. Most of the people do meditation without being relaxed, so they don't succeed. Mind and body should be totally relaxed for a good mediation and to make it fruitful. Interested people can refer to some books on how to relax your body and mind.

on 11/22/2005 The Silva System provides a free 27 minute guided audio. It's very soothing and really helps you go deep. You can download it as an Mp3. It's a promo - don't know how long it will last - but try it out.
http://www.silvaultramindsystem.com/products/unlimited/

on 11/22/2005 I find it very difficult to think of nothing. One way I have found success as a beginner, is to sit crosslegged with a candle flame at eye level. I stare at the flame for 3 - 10 minutes, and then shut my eyes and picture the flame between my eyes. I repeat this pattern again and again. Not only is it relaxing and mind cleansing, but it is very rewarding to realize that after an hour, I accomplished thinking of nothing. It is very spiritual. I think a lot of people confuse concentrating with meditation. For example, I know someone who said, " I meditated on a problem until I came up with the solution." That would require thinking of the "said problem." I'd label that concentrating, not meditating. I think they are two entirely different things. They are both related (and good for one's soul), but different.

on 11/22/2005 Try out http://sagewithin.com for a lot of helpful tips on meditations and also lots of guided meditations to practice with. It's all free too!

on 11/22/2005 Feel your pulse, either through your wrist or chest, and just listen to your heartbeat. Concentrate and appreciate every beat, and feel the blood pulsing though your body. Imagine this blood to be energy spreading all over your body, making you stronger.

on 11/22/2005 Light a birthday candle (or a half a birthday candle, for a shorter meditation) and just focus on the flame.

Some people prefer focused meditation, and these have a built-in timer.

on 11/22/2005 Get in a comfortable position that works for you. Don't think that, just because the lotus style looks cool, it'll help you relax. That's a good way to hurt yourself.