REM/anxiety
 

Posting for a friend, thought maybe someone here may be able to help.
He said he is having trouble meditating as he has rapid eye movement. He tried to clear his mind and not think about anything and just relax in the moment but can feel his body's anxiety.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions

hello there. your friend's lacking more precise meditation instructions.

about the eyes, they should be semi open and staring at the floor with a relaxed forehead. but the eyes shouldn't focus on anything.


about the mental attitude, we're not supposed to think nothing. we're supposed to bring our attention back to the present moment by observing the inhalation and the exhalation process. at some arbitrary moment, the mind will go somewhere else. it's ok. just come back to the present moment gently. meditation is a graceful practice.

repeat this coming back attitude as many times as possible. that's our training.

I used to have anxiety when I meditated. Everyone might be different, but I started off with guided meditations, cause I just couldn't relax doing it myself. I'm slowly going off the guided meditations and just listening to soft instrumental music. He might want to find out the root of his anxiety too. Once I did, meditations become easier. Just don't give up!!

Ajasatya shown here Zazen posture.

Dear friend, there is rule that we must lock our eyes in horizen and ignore every visuals comes in closed eyes, and our mind's entire focus & concentration on technique say breathing point.