I need HELP with my meditation PLEASE?!

[EmeraldEYES]

This Is my process...
I start by chanting a Shiva mantra 108 times on my rudraksha beads.
I picture Shiva in my third eye. And try to subside my thoughts.
After I finish my chant I go into a breathing meditation and focus on my breathing and try to silence my thoughts. I just started meditating again after a whole year of stopping. I have been mediating for about a week and half now everyday. My whole meditation take usually 30 to 45 minutes and then I stop. But here is the thing.. During my breathing meditation sometimes I see colors, sparks, and a indigo dot where my third eye is. But when ever I ask questions I don't feel like I get answers. And I don't really feel the presence of my spirit guides. I can slow my thoughts down a lot and at times my thoughts stop completely.. It just seems like I am still having trouble getting to the next level?! What do you think? any suggestions?
Thank you
Love and Ligh

All is as it is supposed to be. Be happy and thankful with where you are.

45 Minutes wow!!! I never every come close to that. Reading your text and technique I dont realy know either It looks like you stress yourself a lot and you expect something to happen. Have you tried to relax more and just let things happen without expectation?

Hi emerald eyes
The last two posts give good answers.
The thing about meditation is that it is something we DO and to expect something specific in return can be disappointing.
You will no doubt get "results" but they may not be what you expect...you may only experience them as something positive.
What do you see as the "next level"?
It can be a good idea when you are experiencing a little stress with your practice to go back to basics for a while like sitting for a shorter time, simply watching the breath, or practicing just being still.
Best
Prana

[WmBuzz71]

Balance, meditating is one part of growing spiritually. You also need to exercise the body and mind also. The body represents Earth, so you must keep your body in shape and eat healthy. The Mind represent the Universe, you need to exercise it also, by reading, or writing, or keep it active by learning. The mind is also represents the consciousness, so be forgiving, charitable, and loving, etc.

So, lets say that you meditate for a half hour daily per session, its wise that you also workout the body and mind for a half hour daily, also.

When everything is running smoothly in the physical life, you will start noticing changes in your inner world also.

I too see the rainbow colours when I meditate and I'm very, very relaxed. If you are tense or have certain expectations then you put a strain on the experience. Try meditating in different environments to feel out which works best for you.

[LucidMoob]

Prana has got it spot on here, expecting results will always be a hindrance. Expectations, participially in relation to such delicate practice as meditation, can/will often leave one feeling disappointed, especially if you've only been back into it for a couple of weeks.

Doing 30-45 minutes is awsum tho, keep it up and you will get results, just try not to expect any particular results, or even any result. Just enjoy the quiet time during meditation and observe the moment and you mind. I heard a great analagy yesterday that said something like...'a hen sits on her eggs day after day and doesn't really know why, she just does it. Then one day when she's out looking for food she comes back to find that chicks have hatched'!

[Thunder Bow]

Try make believe. Use your imagination to imagine what your guides might look like. The take a journey with them, and then, see what they might say to you.

[EmeraldEYES]

Well, Thank you for such wonderful responses!
I believe it is my expectation that has been holding be back some what.
Slowly I feel I am progressing now

In Meditation,the objective is not to focus your attention on anything in particular.As you are trying to reach a diffrent level of consciousness,a deeper level,the psychic part of your being.It is essential to lose awarness of your surroundings.If you are aware of your enviroment,then the objective part of your mind is still active.You want to reach an inner awarness.You should be relaxed an stress free,clothes should not be tight.Deep breathing is helpful prior to meditation,this helps clear stallm air from the bottom of the lungs,and vitalises the blood.The meditation should not be a forced state or condition.Whenyou feel ready to enter your meditation,you should feel in a proper mood of well being.If you wish an answer to somthing.keep the thought in mind then remain,compleatly devoid of any thoughts or emotions,waiting for your consciousness to be taken over by what ever impression should come fort.You can not use will in meditation and you can not command an experience of any particulare kind.When you feel tired then you stop meditating,if you are successfull the experience it will be like an intuitive thought or flash of illummination in your consciousness