Hi, I'm in need of some assistance with clearing my mind. Occasionally when I meditate, I'll be trying to maybe visualise something, and instead of that image, something completely unrelated will start playing out in my head. It's really distracting because, if this makes any sense, it sort of feels like it's playing in front of what I'm visualising. Normally they are moving, detailed images lacking sound or touch or anything else for that matter. It doesn't even seem that I'm putting any effort into visualising these, they're just "there".
Does anyone have tips for dealing with this?

I cannot imagine continuously anything that I need an effort to do for a long period of time, I get other things in my mind, mostly just thoughts, sometimes another image, sometimes a whole memory. I think I just need to learn better concentration to avoid those.

Another thing are visions that seem not to came from anywhere, a bit like dreams even though I am awake, for those I do not need an effort, they can go on for a long time and I do not fight them either, just in case it might be something important in the end. If these were frequent, then I do not know how I would react, mine are still rare. Maybe I would try to change the scene, go from there where I seem to be to what I am after.

Hello,
In my experience, clearing your mind takes time to get to. I recommend that when you have a thought, put it in a bubble and imagine it floating away. This was a technique someone gave me and it helped me immensely. It gave me awareness as to when these thoughts came up, and over time it became much easier to get rid of them and ultimately not not have any disruptive thoughts.
I also found that trying to clear my mind entirely was not always the best for of meditation for me. I finally found Vaipassana meditation, and went to a 10-day silent meditation retreat and it absolutely changed meditation for me and really took my meditation to a different level.
You may wish to find one in your area. The first time you go you is free instead of $300-$400 for the 12 days. If you're serious about meditation, this is amazing.
Hope this helps.
-Ilyria

Personally, I find you don't really have to clear your mind that much. Let your mind wander - it'll never stop. It's impossible to stop unless you're dead - and just focus on your breathing. Or try to hear your heartbeat. If you stay focused on something non-mental, your mind will naturally go back to it every time.

Hi first thing I would say thoughts will allways come in acknowledge the thought. Then let it go try not to give it to much focus. Also when first starting to learn meditate don't try for to long. Maybe just a few minutes at first then gradually building up as you start to feel more comfortable. A few minutes each day is better then trying for a lot longer. No pressure enjoy

Proper breathing can help you to not only clear your mind but also clear any residual energy from your body. A slow inhale through the nose and a slow exhale through the mouth while envisioning sweeping away all cloudiness from your mind can help put you into the right state.

Thanks to everyone who chipped in! I'll have to see about vipassana meditation, and I'll definitely take everyone's advice and put them away to help with meditation.


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