How to meditate - Stories relating to the practice of meditation.

Hello,

So after lurking around the subreddit, reading different posts and reading all of your different experiences, and how your life has changes since starting the journey.

My problem is that I start the meditative process, sit for 10 minutes, (which is really hard, after a long period of relying on constant media, to calm my negative thoughts). But it's the consistency that im struggling with. Even though I know it would benefit me to dedicate myself completely, I still struggle to get it done, and often do other things, often relapsing back to weed and instant gratification.

In a time where we are more connected that ever, I've never felt more absent to my own self, and my inner feelings.

I hope some of you guys resonate with my experience, and could provide some tips as to what helped you overcome the initial burden.

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I wish you all a great Saturday, Easter, Ramadan or whatever your belief is.

Going through a lot right now and I keep hearing to try mediation. I am really drawn to the idea of a meditation retreat, I think going away would be good for me.

My question is.....any recommendations for good mediation retreats in Costa Rica? At least that's the destination that keeps coming up. And would be cool to travel there. But I am open to other destinations.

Thanks!

I have a pretty unique experience I guess when it comes to me having a cat and meditation practice. Most people seem to have a problem keeping their cat away while their trying to zone in but o have the opposite…I have an orange tabby cat and for some reason when I meditate it’s almost like a border appears around me and he won’t come within that border. He sits just outside of my practice area and waits till I essentially invite him in like a vampire from those old movies. If he’s sitting on me and I start my meditation almost like a reflex he just gets up and goes to the outside this invisible border. This isn’t a complaint I just want to know if anyone knows why this happens. Most people it seems like their cat wants to be directly in their personal space but not my baby. I know cats tend to vibrate higher than humans when they per and if I need some healing my son will be the first in line vocal cords at full volume and biscuit factory open for business on my cheeks and throat. but specifically when I meditate he likes to play the role or guardian (meaning he just sits and watches me from outside his invisible border till I’m done) I wanna see if any spiritual people out in the world could know why this happens.

Emotions follow thoughts. Be ready.

Thought comes up. Except thought back to breath. Carefully watch how emotions get affected by thought. Try to handle the emotion. Not with force but by just letting it happen. Become one step ahead of your emotions and get better at acting accordingly. With time you know wich thoughts cause wich emotions and they will get way less scary. Become even beautiful.

I know that might be logic to some but for others it could help maybe.

I understand that this group is for sharing past experiences and, insights about and of meditation. But isn't this counter intuitive to meditation itself? In all honest, I see it as so. And I wonder if meditation does take place in this group? And if not, may I be recommended a group that does?

Just a general feeling of, now im out of a relaxed state my my mind and body seem irritated like my body is restless?

This is just vent skip it if you want

Im very frustrated with myself and my inability to take action towards the things i want.

The cycle goes like this. Every night I think of all the endless things I could accomplish the next day. I get myself all excited about achieving my dreams and goals.

But as soon as I have the perfect opportunity to do want I want, i stand there like a fucking idiot and dont take any action

The main things this affecting right now is my dating and my career. Whenever i see someone Im interested in or I have free time to work on my career. I start making bullshit excuses and freeze like a fawn.

Im really lost on what to do Thank you

Hello all,

I am a 19M, engineering student who has been medicated on stimulants for most of my life. I have started incorporating guided meditations through an app called Balance, and have managed to spend 10 minutes a day at least three times a week over the past month.

I like Balance because it teaches specific types of meditation, like breath focus or body scans, and explains how they are helpful for me and my focus.

Before balance, I would assume meditation as something that is done for hours, in deep trances. I feel like I have no understanding of meditation outside of this app, and want to understand how it can help me in my life.

Are there any recommendations or resources you would recommend I pursue? Preferably not a book, I really struggle with reading.

HI! I know this has probably been asked a lot and it's probably annoying but would you recommend for someone who's trying to get into self mediation for their self improvement journey? I won't lie I've been frustrated because I can't think of anything to look for but I really do want to know so I can better myself.

I've been trying to meditate every day using Yt, Insight Timer, Calm, Chopra and a few others. Some of them have been amazing and I've honestly never felt so clear in my life but I always find after a few sessions it feels like I've "milked" the app or creator and I'm looking for something else. I just really want a program or something I can use for a long period and commit to that will help with getting results. I'm pretty disorganised at the best of times but I have found I've been meditating most nights or when I'm super tired. Does anyone have anything they can recommend that they've loved? I am interested to hear everyone's experience! I'm interested in either paid or free apps. Something I can commit to and keep as part of a routine.

Well, during today's meditation, an intrusive thought caught my attention: I thought about how I carry a certain regret about my past, for having always been an extremely anxious and depressed person, unable to take advantage of and spread compassion with the people around me. My adolescence was a period lived in the dark. I think if I could, I would do it all over again. But still, I'm grateful, this path led me to the practice of meditation. Today I have the opportunity to change

I loved someone and it felt like it will never end, but it did faster

Tho it also showed my depression, pure OCD (intrusive thoughts and images), anxiety and PTSD

It's been 5-6 years and my emotions switch to body sensation like clenching fist while feeling nothing, knife in back, or i can feel sadness anger or hurt

I don't know what love is anymore except certain stuff i thought about recently

How can I trust myself, how can I trust how i feel about someone, how can I actually feel like a normal human being

I can't do therapy and i don't have anyone smart enough to talk about this

Open to reading, videos, anything that can help me opening my mind.

Today I was meditating outside, and I noticed… with the birds chirping, wind blowing, waves crashing, and cars occasionally driving by, I found it easier to be in the present moment walk the “razor edge of the Now,” as Tolle might put it.

I think it was because of all the external stimuli being present to act as an anchor. When I’m in complete silence, the best anchor I have is my breath, and sometimes it’s not enough to keep my mind from wondering. I think that having multiple that you are aware of (while still not making any judgement of them), can benefit staying mindful/present for longer.

Does anyone have thoughts that support/refute this? Would love to hear.

So the problem I am having right now started a while after my first couples of meditation sessions.
So I can't be myself with myself anymore I know this sounds weird but I guess I think in other people head I can't be alone anymore.
It all started when I tried to use erotic meditations / self-hypnosis and include other people
And then I went down a downward spiral for over 10 years I can't be alone in my head and I can't find peace My job/carrer situation got worse and worse I can't be alone in my head anymore
And I feel like I am losing my mind and it will lead to my suicide if didn't do something about it

I’ve been off and on with meditation for a while. Feels like lately it’s just a one way road to panic attacks. Like I’m just running into a brick wall over and over again.

It’s like this. I’ll sit down. Close my eyes. Put ear plugs in and then add noise cancelling headphones with very low volume brown noise. Open my mind and allow my thought to go free. Sorta like sitting in a boat and letting the water take you wherever it’s going.

That was really great bc it allowed me to get closer to my thoughts and remember how I felt about stuff. Basically I have memory blanks where I’ll forget my feelings. Like I was really anxious, angry, or sad about something that occurred.

Now it’s just near instant panic attacks. There’s so many problems in my life and things I try not to think about. Start to meditate it feels like a tsunami hits me as I bear the full weight of my thoughts.

Feel so distant from my true self. My memory blanks leaves me flying blind emotionally speaking. The same goes with being unaware of subconscious thoughts. It fucking sucks and I don’t know what to do.

TL;DR - Basically my question is how I can meditate and avoid having constant panic attacks.

I have felt inspired and, to some degree, guided to share this message with you all here today. If you also feel guided, then I invite you to read and consider this message here today.

The time of solar eclipses is a time of powerful transformation in which solar and cosmic energies amplify the consciousness, free will, and manifestation energy of conscious beings.

Mass meditation is the practice of meditating in groups at pre-determined times in order to heal, energize, inspire, and expand individual and group conscious awareness. It also reduces crime and violence world-wide in real-time. There have been multiple scientific studies which prove its effects. You can read about them here:

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/511271

https://meditationlifestyle.com/study-maharishi-effect-group-meditation-crime-rate/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3772979/

Or you can search for "Mass Meditation Effect/Experiment" on your search engines for more information.

On Monday, April 8th 2024 at 6:18 PM UTC, there will be a total solar eclipse whose path of travel will intersect through the United States in major cities such as San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas in Texas; Little Rock, Arkansas; Bloomington and Indianapolis in Indiana; Dayton and Cleveland in Ohio; Erie, Pennsylvania; Buffalo, Rochester, and Plattsburgh in New York.

At that exact time, a mass meditation will be held to decide and manifest the most positive restoration and future for the United States of America. You can read about it here:

https://www.welovemassmeditation.com/2024/02/meditation-for-united-states-total-solar-eclipse-on-monday-april-8th-2024-at-6-18-pm-utc.html?m=1

It's hidden darkness's must come to light and be transmuted in order to reclaim sovereignty and bring fair truth to its peoples. It is of the utmost importance that as many US citizens as possible choose to participate in this in order for this process to come about swiftly and smoothly. It only takes 20 minutes.

People from other countries can, of course, participate as well.

You may also choose to follow your own meditation procedure during that time if you feel guided and/or do not feel fully comfortable with the guidelines listed above.

I am not here to oppress, argue, and/or infringe on the free-will choice of other beings. I am only a humble messenger here to share this information with those who are open, ready, and willing to receive it.

Thank you.

Anyone experienced something similar or have any ideas as to an 'explanation'?? I've been mediating, rather unsuccessfully I reckon, for a few years. One day, like any other (sad to say) a few months back, I rowed with my wife, got upset and went for a walk to calm down. I climbed a hill backing on to our house, beautiful view, almost sunset, I remember reflecting on the 'quiet glory' of sky and clouds given the time of day. I Sat down admiring the view and thought I may as well try some 'casual' meditation. Focusing on the breath, and unusually so, I felt very focused, became very focused on my breath, no distractions no waver. I remember thinking 'so nice being able to focus like this, wish I could be more in the 'zone'' (but never considering it anything 'miraculous' - although it did feel somewhat unusual). Anyway, few minutes on, I got up to walk across the field at the top of this hill, got a few yards and WHOOSH!!! I've described the next few moments to trusted aquaintances but I am hesitant I tend to shed tears not sure why (always tried presenting myself as a 'tough guy', lol). What I experienced has never happened since, I wont forget it. It's difficult to find the right words: I was walking and continued to walk whilst being presented with a.. 'void' a blackness, it felt like being on the very edge of an enormous nothingness, infinity itself, something so vast something beyond understanding, I had no feelings of fear or trepidation, just a calm awe. This was accompanied by a 'whooshing' sensation or 'noise' not quite sure what...something you'd kind of expect in a movie when standing on the edge of an enormous precipise! Whilst all this was 'happening' I continued to walk totally unperturbed, my step never faltering, just knowing where I was going, feeling very calm and peaceful, not excited, not worried, just 'there', but with no apparent visual cues, just 'blackness'. I dont know how long this went on for, but at somepoint, my mind blurted out 'fkn hell, what the fk is this all about?!' At that point, the void the blackness the whooshing vanished, and I was left just walking in familiar surroundings, feeling ok, just ok, not in awe, not excited, not trying to catch my breath, not beside myself, I was just calm 'me'. It's only later when I started to recall the experience that it kind of hit me, profound meaning? profound implication? or just a medical curio? thanks for listening.

Recently I've been trying out box breathing in 10 second intervals and can only make it to around 8 minutes so far. But it's very relaxing and makes time pass quickly.

What's your favorite breathing exercise, how do you practice it, and why?

I wanted to share my experiences up to this point, i've been meditating for over 5 years, and most recently in the last year, everyday for sometimes over an hour.

1. synchronicities all the time, sometimes it's just ridiculous and it makes me laugh at how life is playing silly games with me. It seems as if i'm always at the rughr place, at the right time

2. intuition is atuned. I am able to feel emotions and they tend to guide me.

3. dreams are more vivid, memorable and meaningful

4. negative thoughts and emotions seemed to swing by but leave sooner. Having more control of myself. Realizing that the anxiety, fear is not me, but if it shows up, i'm also looking into it and uncovering a trauma or childhood memory.

5. remembering random memories from my past, with no apparent meaning

6. sometimes getting ear ringing randomly, like a high frequency tune for no apparent reason.

7. lack of desire for alcohol, drugs, casual sex and night clubs.

8. my desires and wishes coming to fruition.

9. being in the present, enjoying the present experiences.

These are just some of the experiences but it has been an incredible and transformative journey, and i'm loving to see the "progress" and changed that everyday brings.

I have experienced this for a while I thought it was biological it wasn’t. There is most definitely a spiritual world but why is this occurs why am I feeling these things for what purpose do they serve

God is real, all else illusory.

The world is an illusion, like seeing a snake in a rope. It was never there. It was just your imagination.

The wave comes out of the ocean and thinks "this is me, I'm a wave". It loses sight of it's vastness.

When images appear on a movie screen, we get so caught up in the movie that we lose sight of the screen, or the underlying reality.

All suffering comes from seeing two where there's one. When there's apparent separation, there's suffering. When there's oneness, there's just the one consciousness.

People will say "but what about all this killing, war, and famine?". War? Worry about the war within yourself. Nothing is happening outside of yourself, because you're all that exists.

As long as you love the world and are having fun experiencing apparent separation, you won't gravitate to spiritual things. When you're tired of playing the role of an individual, you'll return home like The Prodigal Son.

What's the harm in enjoying the world or returning to oneness? Nothing is happening. The one consciousness is having fun. This is all his divine lila or play.

Don't take anything seriously because like Paramahansa Yogananda said, the world is just "dream images".

This is the truth of all religions. Two becoming one. Losing your self (individual ego) in the infinite. This is also why the word yoga means "union".

It's nice to realize the truth and live it. It turns out, playing a role as someone you're not isn't always fun, and seems to take quite a bit of energy. When it gets exhausting... turn back toward your self.

Happy travels everyone.

A disclaimer first: I started anxiety meds 6y ago coinciding with my mother's death. Over the past few years I've felt entirely calm and weened off with doctor's approval. The last few months I've had some anxiety inducing situations and I've had a handful of flare-ups.

I've attempted vipassana per "mindfulness in plain English" on and off for about 4 years, without much progress. I've expressed an interest in TM for a while (not here to discuss whether a scam or not), and came to the conclusion I'd never settle my curiosity until I tried. The concept of having access to a teacher for life seemed like what I needed.

The first two days felt relaxed, I was slightly more energetic, and optimistic about pursuing this long term. Starting on day 3 I started to develop a headache, and by day 5 was experiencing brain fog, dissociation, emotional detachment, extra lethargy, heightened anxiety. I took extra time coming out and still all I wanted to do was crawl into bed. I explained this to my teacher who advised I tackle it at my own pace, and said that it may be a release of stress. He's confident I'm practicing the technique properly.

I stopped entirely, and took this time to ensure my daily life practices were a bit more stable - cold face washing, routine exercise, consistent sleep/wake times, less phone time/dopamine hits, and I started feeling considerably better after about a week. A few days ago I attempted a short, 5 minute meditation and within about 30 minutes, the same headache and brain fog returned, carrying into the next day. I am now at a point where I'm nervous to continue for fear of these feelings again.

Should I trust my gut and not pursue what feels bad? Or is there a reasonable amount of "pushing through" necessary while the potential for deep rooted emotions manifest? Is it possible TM has just gotten me to a certain place quicker and the same could happen with a consistent/intense practice of vipassana?

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Okay, so for context, I'm very laid-back and sit around in stretched positions for hours. But that's not why I'm posting. One of these days I wondered what would happen if I suppressed all my senses: Sight, Smell, Taste, Hearing and Touch. It worked, but maybe too well. I started with sight by closing my eyes, suppressing the taste of my saliva as my braces made my saliva accumulate in my mouth, removing the smell of my room, and ignoring the sound of my TV in the distance. Finally, I stopped thinking of the feeling of the fabric of my bed on my back and fell into this deep abyss. I could only describe it as pure darkness. It was comforting, a little too comforting. I got up immediately and my heart felt like it was pounding against my ribs. Ever since I've felt the vibrations of my heartbeat anytime I relaxed. Is what I experienced similar to any other form of meditation recorded before or am I over-reacting?

I have a hard time with my own thoughts.... Can I please have advice of how to start a productive prossses for meditation with the chill others have... I am diagnosed with high functioning autism Asperger's. Undiagnosed ADHD. 35F.

Thank u for ur time.

Today morning I decided to just observe my thoughts, in an attempt to reach silence if I did it long enough. Not long after this exercise I noticed this anxiety. It seems/seemed like the anxiety is always at bay. Like I am living to maintain that anxiety. Like it's always ready to attack. And it feels like it's been there my whole life. This anxiety that follows me everywhere I go, with every action I take.

Do you guys have any advice or similar experience or perhaps any thoughts on what this is.

Thanks for listening.

Hey, so long story short I have burned out myself pretty bad and I want to incorporate meditation every day from now.

I am currently on sick leave 50% so that means I work 4 hours per day and I have a lot of spare time.

I am excersising every day but I also want to start doing relaxing meditations. The thing is I dont like doing things halfassed so I want to really push this and do it for maybe 2-3 hours a day for a few months to see where I end up.

I would love some input on good meditation techniques that get you super relaxed and that really activates the parasympathetic nervous system.

I have adhd so I know this will be a really Hard challange but im 100% sure some of my adhd symptoms will lessen if I do 2-3 hours of meditation per day.

Any other lifestyle changes to become more chilla out is also appreciated.

TLDR: I brunt myself out and want to heal with meditation 2-3 hours a day. I am asking for your favorite meditation to get really relaxed.

Lately I've started to ,,dig deeper" into spiritual content and there's so much concepts that are so deep and so surreal to me, it makes me think that I have to spend hundreds of hours of reading into things before I can even grasp what these people are talking about. Makes me feel like I'm attending a lecture in quantum physics when I can't even understand elementary school mathematics.

I've read some very basic spiritual books, for example Way Of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman and The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. The teachings in these books really resonated with me, I find them easily digestable and very inspiring. They are the reason I started meditating.

Is there any value in going beyond that? Part of me just wants to practice meditation and not overcomplicate things, another part thinks that there might be something important I'm missing out on.

I have started meditating again and I have a hard time do it on my own. I have been trying to find good spoken guided meditations but haven't found too much. Looking for info on resources, audible, YouTube, Spotify, etc. Thank in advance!

On March 17th Sadhguru had to undergo a n emergency brain surgery due to internal bleeding. He had been through severe headache since 4weeks. It's really amazing to see how he has healed himself so quickly and miraculously 🙏

Many are curious to know Why this happened to Sadhguru. My thought was as Sadhguru in throwing away his life energies recklessly with so many initiation, consecration and experiential intense programs, the physical body with its own limitations started breaking down as he had to be slowed down.

What's your take on this?