Finding the right form of meditation for YOU!

Discussion started by Maff 12 years ago

My first encounters with meditation were less than successful. Trying to learn from a couple of books I followed the instructions to find a quiet area and sit in comfortable clothing. Then I was told to be aware of my thoughts but not to let them lead my mind into an endless cycle of chatter. Rather I should notice thoughts as they arise but let them pass by. Other techniques focused on breathing from the diaphragm and being aware of each inhalation and exhalation.

Unfortunately for me I have never been found of quiet and silence...at all! These attempts then ended in failure as I did not even get a glimmer of any potential benefits. Luckily for me I was introduced to mantra meditation a few years later by a practitioner who taught me how to repeatedly chant a specific phrase rhythmically. Within 30 seconds of this practise I knew I had found something special...or more accurately it had found me since I had not actively sought it out. This form of meditation suits me perfectly. I do not have to be quiet yet my consciousness still achieves the focus and clarity as it would with any form of meditation. I have now been practising daily for 7 years and will be doing so for the rest of my life I have no doubt.

So I guess my point is that there is a form of meditation to suit everyone. Don't feel discouraged if you don't succeed with initial attempts or the first technique you try, Persevere...the benefits are certainly worth it in my humble opinion!

It would be great to hear what you guys think about this. What have your experiences been? What was your learning curve? For newbies, are you struggling to get into the groove of regular meditation? Perhaps those of us with a little more experience can help you out. Let's open this up....

 

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Maff
Maff
Glad to hear you are finding meditation of help Sara and sticking with the mindfullness practice. As I mentioned, I find it very difficult and prefer chanting a mantra or moving meditation. It's interesting that you mention dancing as a form of meditation. People often assume meditation is strictly sitting still in silence but one can "meditate" in many, many ways. Anything that "stils" the mind can be clased as meditative. I find walks in the countryside are an amazingly powerful way for me to clear my mind of stressful thoughts, think clearly and feel more like myself. Of course may reading this won't be capable of country walks or dancing but tai chi and qi gong are less strenuous alterntive forms of "meditation in motion"
12 years ago
SaraT
SaraT
I am now practicing the mindfull meditation tecnique you described first. It is hard some days not to get caught up in your own thoughts, but it gets better with practice. What really helps as well is dancing, I use it as a form of moving meditation, where I can let go of all thoughts and be present in my body. Of course, being present in your body when it is screaming in pain is not very helpfull, so it does not work when I am very ill. But those days when I am better, I always dance and let the joy of being alive wash over me.
12 years ago

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