[Tail Gunner]

(09-11-2014 12:15 AM)JoyStick Wrote:  

I was trying the exercise in the OP and trying to breathe through my nose but it was weird and hard to do because my nose always feel somewhat stuffed up, possibly due to drug abuse when I was younger, especially in my left nostril. So for as long as I can remember I have always breathes through my mouth. Can anybody relate and can anybody give me tips?

The point is to initially concentrate on some area of your body as a means of calming and emptying your mind. I personally find it just as easy to mentally count during every inhale and exhale (i.e., 1-1, 2-2, 3-3). When I reach ten I then start over. After I fully relax, I can then stop counting and just focus on my breathing -- and stop counting. It eventually feels as if I am breathing through my eyes, which I still find very disconcerting.

It can be very difficult at first. When I began, it took me twenty minutes just to calm down enough to begin meditation. I have severe monkey-mind (jumping around from thought to thought). If I can do it, anyone can.

[simondice]

Meditation is one the best things you can do for your life.

As a habitual meditator, I can attest at the power of these life-altering techniques.
Our brain is the most powerful machine in the world, whatever we can visualize, we can obtain because it'll work side-by-side with our intuition.

Meditation allow us to become aware of our thoughts, and the power they have on our whole being. The body cannot operate without the mind, and the mind is controlled by thoughts which make everything happen.
Meditation allow us to focus on that one thought we want to create and our brain will use its infinite power in order to find a way to happen.

At first, it'll feel like things are bad and you see how much your thoughts, habits and action affect your life and how shitty our daily thoughts are.

So after recognizing this and focusing on that one thing we truly want, our brain will focus and align its intuition in order to get it.
When you focus on your breathing and return to the present, we know exactly what to do and we know where we can look for it.

Our interactions with women sky-rocket and we're much more in-tune with the vibe.

So putting it together, we focus on our thoughts, the ones we want to project to the world+ our energy+ actions = Abundant, happy life with your purpose.

So yeah, it's kind of a big deal

[Nomad77]

All of this stuff can be explained as simply giving your mind a rest. Your mind needs to rest the same way your body needs to rest. Unfortunately, in our world today our mind rarely ever gets to rest. It is constantly bombarded with stimuli. Mediation is nothing more than the art of learning to rest your mind. If we could simply stop thinking for just 5 minutes a day it would produce remarkable results in our lives.

[Tail Gunner]

(09-11-2014 02:09 AM)Nomad77 Wrote:  

All of this stuff can be explained as simply giving your mind a rest. Your mind needs to rest the same way your body needs to rest. Unfortunately, in our world today our mind rarely ever gets to rest. It is constantly bombarded with stimuli. Mediation is nothing more than the art of learning to rest your mind. If we could simply stop thinking for just 5 minutes a day it would produce remarkable results in our lives.

My first ever POTD. Yes, you should shut down your mind so that it can simply get some rest. Even a five to ten minute respite is incredibly refreshing.



The one point that I would add is that meditation provides your mind with a rest that even sleep does not provide. One of my issues is that I do not feel refreshed after a night's sleep. But I find that even ten minutes of deep meditation does provide that rest. I must recommit to meditation as a daily activity.

[Nomad77]

Thanks! That's true. Sleep provides the body with rest but not necessarily your mind. If you go to sleep thinking about five things you will continue to think about them while you sleep. Meditation is like shutting down programs running on your computer so your processor can get a break and cool down. Every train of thought you can remove from your mind for a just a few minutes means one less thread your mind has to process. In many respects your mind works exactly like that computer you are reading this on.

[Bill]

(09-11-2014 11:22 AM)Nomad77 Wrote:  

Thanks! That's true. Sleep provides the body with rest but not necessarily your mind. If you go to sleep thinking about five things you will continue to think about them while you sleep. Meditation is like shutting down programs running on your computer so your processor can get a break and cool down. Every train of thought you can remove from your mind for a just a few minutes means one less thread your mind has to process. In many respects your mind works exactly like that computer you are reading this on.

Maybe meditation works like an aniti-virus program. It scans the system to find dangerous programs and blocks them. Thus it helps to increase willpower which happens when the programs are not disturbed by a virus.

For beginners I think starting meditation in the morning after a short workout is best. Things you do in the morning are saved as priority in the system. Also a good thing for beginners is: one could just close the eyes and counts till 50 or 100. This can be done throughout the day and it´s an easy step for the later meditation with open eyes and being focused.

[Tail Gunner]

(09-11-2014 12:19 PM)Bill Wrote:  

For beginners I think starting meditation in the morning after a short workout is best.

I experimented with something this morning -- and it worked out great. I meditated for about twenty minutes (about ten minutes to calm down and about ten minutes of true meditation). I then went for a long walk.

When I bumped this thread, I stated that meditation is very difficult for me, because I have a hyper-active mind and that, right now, I can only manage mindfulness (living in the moment without allowing the mind to wander) for a few minutes during an hour's walk.

But today, after meditating before the walk, I was able to keep a clear mind during about one-third of the walk (i.e., about twenty minutes versus two minutes). So, I will definitely continue to experiment with meditation and mindfulness.

[Nomad77]

You can practice mediation at any time. Just close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Imagine there is a dot between your eyes and focus on that dot. Don't try to fight your thoughts but don't engage them either. Just let them flow through you. The more you do it the better you will become - just like everything else. The point is to attain a state of calm and inner peace.

[Thomas the Rhymer]

(09-11-2014 12:15 AM)JoyStick Wrote:  

I was trying the exercise in the OP and trying to breathe through my nose but it was weird and hard to do because my nose always feel somewhat stuffed up, possibly due to drug abuse when I was younger, especially in my left nostril. So for as long as I can remember I have always breathes through my mouth. Can anybody relate and can anybody give me tips?

Mouthbreathing is a terrible habit. You are basically breathing unfiltered air. The nose is designed to filter out some of the toxins you breath in. It sounds like you need to unclog your nose.

First of all, stop smoking if you are a smoker.

Then, get yourself some saline nasal spray from pharmacy. Rinse your nose every 2 hours or so as necessary for blockage. Try and force yourself to breath through your nose - the movement of air will gradually retrain your nose to stop clogging up all the time.

After a few weeks you should be able to breath through your nose, giving your lungs filtered air. I myself am an ex-mouth breather and once you go nasal it's really hard to go back to mouth breathing, I can feel the difference in the air quality reaching my lungs.

If this doesn't work, consider getting an allergy spray or allergy pill; if that doesn't work, consider getting a steroid spray - consult your doctor or pharmacist for these options.

Last resort is surgery, if there is an actual physical obstruction.

[Tail Gunner]

(09-11-2014 01:38 PM)Thomas the Rhymer Wrote:  

Then, get yourself some saline nasal spray from pharmacy. Rinse your nose every 2 hours or so as necessary for blockage.

Or snort warm water with sea salt through each nostril from a shot glass, until it reaches your throat -- and then spit it out. Sounds disgusting, but it works to improve any type of nasal congestion and the salt water will sooth the nasal membranes. You could also try a neti pot (although I have not).

[heavy]

Interesting post, and weird because of the book I'm currently reading (This will be the second time in two days I've mentioned this)...

I'm reading 10% Happier by Dan Harris. Excellent book. He does an unbelievable job at his experience in skepticism at meditation, entertaining it, starting to do it, then struggling thru a 10 day meditation retreat.

I've always had a fairly neutral view of meditation...yes it's great, but isn't it just pacifying failure...but not denying it would be good for me. Anywho, whatever your view of meditation before reading this, you'll have a WAY better understanding if you read this book...even/especially if you've never done it regularly (yours truly).

Edit: I read a lot of books...this is top 5% where I would recommend it as it's easy and entertaining, but also tackles serious self-help topics.

[horn]

I read 10% Better as well. It's fine, but I didn't want to hear every last details of his personal life and chase up the corporate ladder. I think just reading any meditation book would be better, but this book is also an entree if you're skeptical!

[Nomad77]

http://www.ted.com/talks/andy_puddicombe...cebook.com

[RawGod]

Meditation is lifting weights for the mind.
Just as important and beneficial.

[kbell]

Does mediation at night make it harder for you to sleep? Sometimes it does for me. Not sure why that is.

[argy]

(09-14-2014 09:10 PM)kbell Wrote:  

Does mediation at night make it harder for you to sleep? Sometimes it does for me. Not sure why that is.

Yep. I'd do it another time. I think it is because it can provide such a good 'rest' that you feel re-energized. It can be similar to the process you go through right before sleeping (i.e. calming down, clearing the mind), so after doing it you've taken the edge off your tiredness.

[simondice]

(09-15-2014 07:00 PM)argy Wrote:  

(09-14-2014 09:10 PM)kbell Wrote:  

Does mediation at night make it harder for you to sleep? Sometimes it does for me. Not sure why that is.

Yep. I'd do it another time. I think it is because it can provide such a good 'rest' that you feel re-energized. It can be similar to the process you go through right before sleeping (i.e. calming down, clearing the mind), so after doing it you've taken the edge off your tiredness.

After meditation I'm always ready to sleep, you'll remember your dreams better

[horn]

The key areas were mindfulness helped me was: 1) Reduce all kinds of anxiety, esp approach anxiety, and 2) Allow me to stay in the 'now' moment. I don't worry if she's busy, has a bf, doesn't drink, lesbian, not looking, not her type, not her race, not good looking enough, not rich enough, not ripped enough, can't figure out logistics at this location.

I approach her, open, decide yes/no/maybe girl, and proceed with Game accordingly.

This has allowed me to pick up far hotter, and far younger girls than I imagined previously.

[argy]

https://www.facebook.com/humansofnewyork...=1&theater

[solo]

Great thread. I think I too could possibly stand to benefit a lot from getting into meditation/mindfulness since I also tend to think a lot (too much).

It's just that every time I've tried it, I've ended up not following through for various reasons. For one, I've never completely understood what meditation is supposed to be like. Is one supposed to "stop thinking", "think more", "think deeper" or allow the mind to "think freely" etc? I like the definition in this thread: "shutting down". Maybe "shutting down" completely isn't possible though? Maybe meditation is supposed to be allowing the mind to think freely but not engaging in it, to stand as an outsider contemplating?

I've only half-assed the attempts though, which is probably the real reason for my failure. Making a routine out of it is probably key. Question is what time of day is best. The morning was mentioned here.

Also good tip about the meditation stool or normal chair. Trying these meditation positions even for a very short while is killing me.

Finally, meditation while in physical motion was also mentioned. I've wondered if this couldn't be a better way to meditate? I've sometimes found myself slipping into a meditative state while running, skiing or at the gym. I don't like sitting still, but maybe it wouldn't hurt me if I tried it a bit more.

[RexImperator]

You can practice it at any time, while doing all sorts of activities. It's not really a "shortcut", though, because it takes a period time to develop the skill.

At first the purpose is to quiet the mind but you don't force it to be quiet so much as observe it. It doesn't happen all at once. You try not to follow random thoughts. Let them pass. The eventual goal is dis-identification from the thought patterns.

I'd also recommend looking into Eckhart Tolle's Power of Now for ways of incorporating it into everyday life.

[xmlenigma]

Been doing meditation since 07/08 and teaching since 09/10. Done 10+ long "silence" meditation retreats.

Yes, it "happens" when you are 100% INVOLVED in some PHYSICAL ACTIVITY bringing you into the NOW. It takes you away from MIND CHATTER on PAST & FUTURE.

But like all things, its PRACTICE is required for it to HAPPEN more to you as LIFE goes on.

So, what is meditation? ... DOING NOTHING. Allowing yourself time; body & mind to DO NOTHING and JUST BE.

Dont think, Dont try to stop the thinking, Dont TRY anything. Just BE.
Let go and allow the mind to go wherever and do whatever..

At one meditation retreat this was said by someone..

"A lot of thoughts keep "coming" into my mind when I sit to meditate"
Teacher replied: "Thoughts are not coming, they are GOING"

It is time when you allow all the things inside you to LEAVE.

Most people / schools will say, OBSERVE them, do not judge or hold on. Some will say become AWARE of them.. dont try to control or change.

Bottom line.. Just BE.

How to get to that place? Time & practice.. MIND does not operate like the BODY. To DO something with/ transform/ teach the BODY, one has to DO SOMETHING.
For the MIND... DO NOTHING.. Because the nature of the MIND is to ALWAYS keep DOING SOMETHING.

Mind is like surface of WATER. You can make the ripples STOP by touching the WATER or doing something. You have to LET it SETTLE on its own.. Just DO NOTHING.

Slowly the ripples will settle, dust settles and the clearer the water, the deeper you can SEE. ... Same with your MIND.

How to learn & practice?

.. You can do on your own.. or follow some guided meditation audio.. or best way to truly realize the experience.. go for a retreat. You will thank yourself for it.

(10-28-2014 10:37 AM)solo Wrote:  

Great thread. I think I too could possibly stand to benefit a lot from getting into meditation/mindfulness since I also tend to think a lot (too much).

It's just that every time I've tried it, I've ended up not following through for various reasons. For one, I've never completely understood what meditation is supposed to be like. Is one supposed to "stop thinking", "think more", "think deeper" or allow the mind to "think freely" etc? I like the definition in this thread: "shutting down". Maybe "shutting down" completely isn't possible though? Maybe meditation is supposed to be allowing the mind to think freely but not engaging in it, to stand as an outsider contemplating?

I've only half-assed the attempts though, which is probably the real reason for my failure. Making a routine out of it is probably key. Question is what time of day is best. The morning was mentioned here.

Also good tip about the meditation stool or normal chair. Trying these meditation positions even for a very short while is killing me.

Finally, meditation while in physical motion was also mentioned. I've wondered if this couldn't be a better way to meditate? I've sometimes found myself slipping into a meditative state while running, skiing or at the gym. I don't like sitting still, but maybe it wouldn't hurt me if I tried it a bit more.

(10-28-2014 11:06 AM)RexImperator Wrote:  

You can practice it at any time, while doing all sorts of activities. It's not really a "shortcut", though, because it takes a period time to develop the skill.

At first the purpose is to quiet the mind but you don't force it to be quiet so much as observe it. It doesn't happen all at once. You try not to follow random thoughts. Let them pass. The eventual goal is dis-identification from the thought patterns.

I'd also recommend looking into Eckhart Tolle's Power of Now for ways of incorporating it into everyday life.

[reco2100]

This is really good stuff. I am fairly new to the forum but I have been meditating on and off since I was very young. About 40 years ago. Mom took us to a TM lesson and I have learned a lot since then.

Never done the retreat but I am part of a meditation group now and we explore the deeper lessons regularly.

One of the most important things is to not think so much. I know this sounds counterintuitive and crazy but basically we do too much thinking. The same as "just be" and let your mind relax and get to your true emotions.

The other part of this is to not judge. That sounds easier than it is. For instance when you are meditating and your mind will not stop and the chattering monkeys will not let you have some peace and you tell yourself to just stop it! That is judging. Instead you need to let those thoughts just float away. And get back to your breathing.

Essentially it is becoming conscious. If you can go unconscious 1000 times a day you can become conscious 1000 times a day. That is mindfulness.

[Bill]

(09-11-2014 12:50 PM)Tail Gunner Wrote:  

(09-11-2014 12:19 PM)Bill Wrote:  

For beginners I think starting meditation in the morning after a short workout is best.

I experimented with something this morning -- and it worked out great. I meditated for about twenty minutes (about ten minutes to calm down and about ten minutes of true meditation). I then went for a long walk.

When I bumped this thread, I stated that meditation is very difficult for me, because I have a hyper-active mind and that, right now, I can only manage mindfulness (living in the moment without allowing the mind to wander) for a few minutes during an hour's walk.

But today, after meditating before the walk, I was able to keep a clear mind during about one-third of the walk (i.e., about twenty minutes versus two minutes). So, I will definitely continue to experiment with meditation and mindfulness.

I experimented with new stuff and it works quite good. I think a general problem at least for me is that I can not control my thoughts very well. I think for that writing a diary is a good way to organize your mind.

In the evening when I go to bed I write little bit then I do read some novel.

In the morning in bed I close my eyes and "write mentally". This helps to control my mind. Then I think about passwords and stuff so my mind has a minor workout.

Then I open my eyes and write a little bit.

After that I read some pages in the novel but I make some stops to visualize things with closed eyes.

When starting the day I make many breaks with closed eyes to visualize stuff I want to have in my mind.

The effect of the routine is: calming, clearer thinking, stronger will.