MM all!

I'm not sure if I have the right thread or not, but this one seemed to be the most appropriate for my question. If not, please let me know. I've been studying the craft for a few months now (yep another newbie) but where I seem to be having the hardest struggles are with my meditation exercises. I get my altar all set up, music going setting the mood, candles, etc. and then my brain just goes into overdrive and doesn't allow me to either relax or move forward with what I'm trying to visualize. I honestly do not have any problems with dreams or my imagination normally, but when I try to meditate, it just seems that my brain wants to go in the opposite direction, thinking this or that. Its almost like I hit this dark wall that's blocking me from parting the veil.

I hope what I'm trying to say up there makes some sense to you all and I'm hoping that maybe some of you at one time or another have had some issues with your own meditations and may have some tips to share. Your help would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you and BB!

Abby

Hunnny, it's quite normal for this to happen and it happens to me ALOT.

What may help is to find a decent guidance tape/cd/video that will lead you through or try an online one. Make sure you're not gonna be disturbed, get some headphones and get yourslf comfortable. Sometimes you just need to work through things in your head. Another good one is to count, from the number one upwards with each breath, if your mind wanders start counting again, keep doing this and hopefully you should get some kind of improvement. Its hard isn't it when our minds are working overtime, mine is like it ALL the time. If you need any support just let me know.

The most helpful book i ever read on meditation was a tibetan book of wisdom......and it describes the mind as a boiling pot of water.......before your mind can ever "simmer" , many, many things must come to the surface to be expelled......so just keep at it, it will come.

Let's try a simple approach . No candles , no music , nothing . No visualizations too . It's best to keep meditation simple and clean . Too many things , like ther music , candles , altar can push your mind into overdrive when your mind keep thinking or paying attention to the altars , music and stuff . No situmaltion of the senses is my personal preference .

You could start from the basic breathing meditation. You sit straight and place your tongue on your upper palate , close your eyes or semi-close your eyes . Opening your eyes fully may allow you to focus on other things like a crystal or bell...and your focus may shift out into that crystal rather than your meditation . Place your right palm resting on your left palm , two tips of thumbs connected and both palms resting on the lap . If you have your own ways to rest your hand , then it's up to you . Use belly breathing and pay attention to the in-breathe and the out breathe . Observe how you breathe in and how you breathe out .

After every set of in-breathe and out-breathe , count 1. When your count goes to 10 , reset it back to 0. You may prefer not to have the counting , but again , personal preference . If your mind wonders around ,gently put your attention to your breathe again .

I personally felt that you were not really meditating , but was focusing more on the music , altar ...etc .

It's normal for thoughts , images , unknown audio to appear in your head . Just observe your breathing and that'[s all you have to do .

Hi Hon, sounds like you are trying too hard.

"I gotta meditate....I gotta meditate" followed by "oh I wish my mind would be still" and then "why can't I do this" or "did I do this/that/the other". Happens to us all, doesn't matter how long you have been meditating.

I was very lucky that I was taught how to meditate by a very lovely Buddhist at the Manchester Buddhist Centre (UK) and the technique is near enough as to what Wandering Mystic has put down, there were a few more counting exercises, but then I guess it was because it was a guided meditation that we covered more.

Sometimes its nice to have all the "stuff" around, music playing etc, but its not necessary and can be quite distracting. I can meditate on the bus now, although I do try not to on the way home as I always fall asleep (thankfully the regulars don't mind my snoring! ).

Yes practice is good, but forcing it never works. You are in effect training your mind and its no different to any other muscle, after a while it gets tired! Start with five/ten mins for a week and then build up.

Its nice to have all the "stuff" around, music playing etc, but its not necessary and can be quite distracting....I always worry about the candles. Once you get the hang of it all then add the "bells, whistles and doodaas", but only if you want to.

Also think about your meditation position. Some people can do the lotus position, i can't, just not flexible enough now, but when I could my feet used to go numb! Lying down is not ideal, especially if you feel tired, as, yup, you will just fall asleep (or maybe that's just me). I find sitting with the soles of my feet together with my hands resting on my knees comfortable. Sit upright against a wall if you feel that it will help. You can meditate sitting in a chair too, feet flat on the floor, hands as described by Wandering Mystic.

As for thoughts creeping in, the monk who taught me said there were as many ways to deal with them as there are people, each to their own. He suggested several ways, one simple one being acknowledging the thought and then letting it go and starting your counting over. This is the most effective one I have tried that works for me.

Also some people meditate better in the morning, some in the evening and some can meditate anywhere and anytime. Its finding what suits you the best.

Love & Light
Rowan

okey not sure why I have a thumb pointing down in the text. I have no idea as to how I did that. All I did was type the word down.......

Rowan

I always find out side works better for me, bit chilly this time of year thought.
But if you can find a sunny spot and bask for a bit.
But when I am inside, I find some times I just have to move on and do something else till I am calmer in my head, then try again,
I do find that if I feel I have been productive in some way I can sit and focus much faster.
Much like the water boiling analogy, I like that one..And in reading the wonderful advice from every one, I am going to try some new stuff myself,
you just have to find what works for you.
Morkatt that is a wonderful site, thanks for sharing with us�.

Thank you all so much for all your suggestions and help and sympathy! I sincerely appreciate it! I'm taking many notes from all of your suggestions and ideas. I completely agree with you that I was just trying to hard and the whole, hey what if the candle tips over doesn't help I'm sure! lol Your suggestions about counting, breathing and no candles, music, etc. will really help me focus I think!

Thanks so much again and I will let you know how it goes! Hugs and BB to you all!

Abby