I have a really hard time with meditating as well, between the chattering of my mind & the fact that I can't visualize at all just leaves me feeling let down at the end of the session. So I really appreciate any tips & methods that are shared.

http://www.themeditationpodcast.com/

I find the meditations offered here to be particularly helpful. I loaded them onto my iPod for ease of use. I am particularly fond of #2 Calming the Body (i have issues with anxiety) and #6 Falling Asleep (i suffer from chronic insomnia)


My husband (very cerebral, logical, and analytical) uses a technique called Yoga Nidra http://www.yogawonders.com/

But for most people meditation begins with breath. Try this:

Go outside, if possible sit with your back supported by a mature tree. It would be wonderful if you could practice in a calm nature environment (a forest glade, at the beach, or beside a babbling brook), but it isn't neccessary.

Take slow deep breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth. Make the exhale slower than the inhale. If you have difficulty purse your lips like a fish.

Clear your mind. Focus on being in the moment. Focus on your breath. This is about mindfullness. Your mind will most likely fill with distracting chatter or images. That's ok. Just dismiss them and refocus on your breathing. Five minutes is a good goal for beginners, but if you are really struggling reduce it to three minutes for the first two weeks. Practice daily (or twice daily if possible) Repetition and perseverance are key to learning meditation. Don't beat yourself up or get discouraged that you "can't" do it. Just dismiss the negative thoughts and return your attention to the moment.

Very nice thread!! :thumbup: :hail::

*takes note* :included::

Bump ba da bump bump

Some great advice :thumbup: meditation is a problem for me also, my mind always wanders....

:included:: Bump! Since this is where I'm struggling!

Not only did I want to bump this, I wanted to add to the thread.

I've been working with "belly breathing" lately with some interesting results. I have a large heavy smokey quartz in my keeping. I rest it on my sternum, effectively preventing me from breathing with my chest muscles, then I focus on slow deep breathing that fills my whole body. Very calming and cleansing.

very helpful info here :thumbup:

I have nothing to add because everyone has already said it Very good thread!!!

starfire :dragons::

Do you guys feel numb sometime? When I meditate, I can't really feel anything while trying to focus on other things. Does it feel better when your numb during meditation? Also I want to say is I can't visualize thing that are in my head. When I mean is, is visualizing just come to the mind or you have to think about it. When meditating I also having trouble visualizing and focusing on my breath at the same time. I feel like I'm being pulling apart from breathing and off to focusing my mind. When you meditate, do image things or do you let it come to you? Because when I'm trying to image things it doesn't work out too well, and when I let it come to me, I don't see anything there. Do you see sometime sun spot when your closing your eyes? When close my I and focuses I can't see anythings but just black or white background and I can feel my forehead pulsing. If anyone can explaining this to me, it will be very helpful?