Problems Meditating

[crystal138]

I wasn't sure if this should be in this category or not, there are so many, lol...It seems utterly impossible for me to meditate. There is always SOMETHING going on in my head, whether it's music stuck in my head, random images, my inner voice, thoughts of someone, etc. etc. etc... Sometimes I can barely even control my thoughts anymore, it's very fraking annoying... I'm 7 1/2 months pregnant, that may have something to do with it... Does anyone have any suggestions besides the usual "go to a quiet place" etc.?

[James S]

Hi Crystal,

Trying to get your mind to be really quiet may be easy for a Tibetan Monk, but for the rest of us it is actually very difficult and does take a great deal of practice.

To get the most out of some meditation quiet times there are some more practical alternatives.

Lola's suggestion of focus sing on your breathing is not only an excellent suggestion, correct breathing is essential for meditation. Most people when asked to take a DEA breath make the common mistake of expanding their chest. In meditation (and Yoga), the correct way to breathe is from the stomach. I'm guessing at 7 1/2 months pregnant this isn't going to be the easiest thing for you, but however you can manage to do it, breathe using the diaphragm more than using the chest. You will get a deeper, more relaxed breath.

Another idea to help keep your mind quiet during meditation is by using a mantra. This is a phrase, any phrase, preferably something peaceful and positive, that you can repeat over and over. this will help keep your mind focused and relaxed.

The last suggestion I have is if you are only able to meditate on your own, invest in a guided meditation CD, or get yourself a couple of free meditation mp3's by going to www.emusic.com, sign up for the free trial they usually offer, and download a few tracks by the artist "Kelly Howell", or do a search for guided meditations.

A guided meditation gives your conscious mind some very relaxing visualization exercises that help you stay balanced, connect more with your sub-conscious and your soul or "higher self".

Whatever your preference, the trick with everyday meditation is not so much keeping your mind silent, but keeping your thoughts calm, positive, more balanced and less scattered.

[crystal138]

Thanks for the suggestions!  

[rave_master_naruto]

Most people when asked to take a DEA breath make the common mistake of expanding their chest. In meditation (and Yoga), the correct way to breathe is from the stomach.

hey james, i am curious about the correct breathing in meditation. why is it that when you meditate you should not use your chest?
And i found it to be difficult to relax if i use my stomach to breath.

[jilola]

I have a solution for you.
Stop trying to quiet your mind. There will always be stuff going on.
Just observe what goes through your mind and let it run its course without engaging it.
Do not comment, try to justify, to see where it came from  or where it's going to.
Just observe and let the things in yor mind flow freely.

Any attempt at quenching the thoughs and distractions will only make them more prominent and conspicuous.

2cents & L&L
Jouni

[James S]

hey james, i am curious about the correct breathing in meditation. why is it that when you meditate you should not use your chest?
And i found it to be difficult to relax if i use my stomach to breath.

It's the basic breathing technique that is taught in Yoga and all related meditations or exercises. Once you start getting used to it you'll find it more relaxing.

The big thing with concentrating on your breathing during meditation is most of us, most of the time breathe quite shallow - only just enough to keep ourselves conscious. As soon as you start focusing on your breathing, you start naturally breathing deeper. The more oxygen you get in, the more efficiently your body, and more importantly your brain, starts working.

Blessings,
James.

[jaycep]

this is why i dislike using the word meditation. people think that the most important thing is silencing their mind. i consider developing ones energy the most important thing. silencing the mind becomes easier as you increase energy, and even after advanced practicioners silence their mind forever ... they still strive to increase their energy. for this reason :: i consider developing energy the most important thing ... and for that reason - id ignore anything else that doesnt come easy

heres a technqiue... 1 = sit down and just wait for a spot on your body to activate. At this point, make this spot your SPOT.. and ignore any other ones that come about until your SPOT deactivates. When it activates, make up some funny/comical/magical sayings + encantations that relate to the spot. Or just sing doodly songs that relate to the spot. Or .. if you are a practical person --- just repeat the same word over and over again. I personally prefer to say "Here" while focusing on a spot on my body. Dont stress that the specific spot your working on is developing at the speed you want, it doesnt really matter because the rest of your energy body will fall into place quite nicely as you ignore it.

Key final note = dont stress no matter what. If you dont like meditating because its physically or mentally uncomfortable, change the way you go about it to make it comfortable. Also, make it fun. People forget that simple fact. When its fun, you continue to do it, and you progress at a TREMENDOUS rate. In reality, the meditation act is only a ritual that helps you relax. If its not relaxing, its useless. It would be more ideal to meditate while watching television.

I suggest these two resting positions that for some odd reason no one likes to put emphasis on.

1 = Lay down on your front, head turned to the left.
2 = Lay down on your back, pillow slightly under your top shoulders and under your head completely.

The latter is THE SECOND best exercise for beginners + lazy practicioners to develop their Deep/Fetus breathing abilities. Its truely amazing. MY method of doing this is by ATTENTING-TO my chest + lower back and only giving a very slight and light attention to my breathing. Basically... by not focusing on my breathing but by focusing on the areas around it, I breathe like a baby.

I switch up between the two. If one doesnt feel "right" for some reason. I turn over.

[kizzyboy328]

I find the best way to meditate is to focus on my breathing.....

In my mind i focus...In....Out

I don't even need a quiet place to meditate i just sit on the couch and do it...

[jalef]

another idea: loud music! just music without words, that will shut off most surface thoughts.
personally i dont like this method because its like cheating (you know you dont stop the surface thoughts on your own but with outer help).

[thefastcook]

I'm definitely not the last word regarding energy work with babies but I've worked with a lot of pregnant women over the years and while some are fine doing chi gung and such some find that they prefer to stay away from it during some of the later months.  I don't necessarily think that developing the "energy" is the most important thing anyway - it depends on what you want.  Just my 0.2 cents on that.

The meditation Jilola described is always a good one as it really is about just observing the state you're in now and ultimately accepting it for what it is.  That could be "high energy", "low energy", lot's of thoughts, emotions or whatever.  It's pretty much Vipassana meditation which is very gentle for both you and your baby.

[hugo]

If you're who I think you are Fast Cook(did you teach at the Taoist Institute?) then I know you know what you're talking about regarding energy work and pregnancy.  In any case I'd say something like Chia's inner smile would be gentle enough?

I suppose since this is the energy development forum most meditation here would be geared towards that but I'd go with something like Vipassana or mindfulness meditation too - and in the end these types of practices "develop" you energy anyway, just not in an "active" sense.