NEW TO MEDITATION

I AM NEW TO PRACTICING MEDITATION AND I KNOW IT REQUIRES PRACTICE BUT HOW MIGHT ONE KNOW IF THEY ARE ON THE RIGHT TRACK?

don't put too much pressure on yourself. just start out by focusing on your breath and the rest will happen on its own

You may not know it but you have probably meditated before.

Any sort of relaxation of the body and mind is a form of meditation, so I suggest you start working on your relaxation techniques.

Just sit in a comfortable position with your eyes closed and focus on your breathing and just feel as relaxed as possible.

I say do this everyday for at least an hour if you have the time, if you dont have the time then think about going to bed an hour early or waking up an hour early.

Let me know how you get on.

[Zagacat]

I used to feel like I was looking for a "track". I was uncertain that I was meditating correctly as there was not immediate out come for me. However, as I pressed on, the confirmation of it's success was not during the meditation itself. I would pose a thought/idea/question, and it would actually manifest for me at some point later. I had a few subtle but hair raising experiences with this that were quite comforting. Good luck to you.

Thanks guys!
Zaga you were super helpful...i read/hear about all these experiences and wonder how it might happen for me and your description makes a lot if sense to me!

Meditating is a lot harder than most people think. Who'd of thought it would be so tough to sit and do nothing!?!

I recommend counting your breaths. It gets you into focusing on them and gets your mind off of whatever you're mind's on.

When you first start, it takes some getting used to. I remember feeling like I wanted to jump out of my skin the whole time (too much coffee? maybe...). After a bit it gets easier.

Good luck!

[Ravens_Light]

Hello there, P ♥..

What Zagacat mentions in their post about confirmation coming later, is the same thing that I experienced... Sometimes you may experience phenomena that you might read as being connected with meditation (i.e. seeing lights/colors, experiencing sounds, smells, all sorts of sensory type stimuli) however altho' that can be indicative of connection to Source, the real magic will be what you come to feel and realize after doing it for a while.. I would say that I didn't realize the specific impact of meditation until I practiced for about 30 mins to 1 hr/day for about a month...

Now, even if I stop for a while, I am more attuned to it's effects and have realized that even ONE session has an 'affect' on my ability to stay centered and focused.

Pay attention to subtle changes in how you see and experience life. Again, this is where the real power is in meditation. A change in perspective that creates a new understanding. Not to mention the ability to experience more focus and peace in your life. :)

IMHO, there is no 'correct' way to practice meditation. Allowing some time to quiet the mind and just 'be' is all you need. Try your best to allow your experience to unfold however it does.. If you're uncomfortable, stretch.. If you have an itch, scratch.. If a thought or feeling comes, just let it wisp away -- send it off to the angels.. Know that life and all your thoughts and concerns will still be there once you are done meditating...

Intrustive thoughts will come, but over a short period of time you'll see that you are finding it easier and easier to empty your mind. Some days will be better than others.. Some weeks will be better than others... However over time you will no doubt see that you have progressed.. And trust me when I say, once you experience the impact of this simple practice, you'll be highly motivated to make time for it

Blessings on your path..♥

Cam/EarthMamma

Originally Posted by EarthMamma

Hello there, P ♥..

What Zagacat mentions in their post about confirmation coming later, is the same thing that I experienced... Sometimes you may experience phenomena that you might read as being connected with meditation (i.e. seeing lights/colors, experiencing sounds, smells, all sorts of sensory type stimuli) however altho' that can be indicative of connection to Source, the real magic will be what you come to feel and realize after doing it for a while.. I would say that I didn't realize the specific impact of meditation until I practiced for about 30 mins to 1 hr/day for about a month...

Now, even if I stop for a while, I am more attuned to it's effects and have realized that even ONE session has an 'affect' on my ability to stay centered and focused.

Pay attention to subtle changes in how you see and experience life. Again, this is where the real power is in meditation. A change in perspective that creates a new understanding. Not to mention the ability to experience more focus and peace in your life. :)

IMHO, there is no 'correct' way to practice meditation. Allowing some time to quiet the mind and just 'be' is all you need. Try your best to allow your experience to unfold however it does.. If you're uncomfortable, stretch.. If you have an itch, scratch.. If a thought or feeling comes, just let it wisp away -- send it off to the angels.. Know that life and all your thoughts and concerns will still be there once you are done meditating...

Intrustive thoughts will come, but over a short period of time you'll see that you are finding it easier and easier to empty your mind. Some days will be better than others.. Some weeks will be better than others... However over time you will no doubt see that you have progressed.. And trust me when I say, once you experience the impact of this simple practice, you'll be highly motivated to make time for it

Blessings on your path..♥

Cam/EarthMamma

Words of wisdom, find a place within, with some practice you will give it a name, an important one to you alone, (i call mine sanctuary) when its recognised for its rellevance, you will realise its importance, hold it closely, its significance takes many, many hours to develop. Once realised, the inner peace you will find is a place you will treasure above all wordly physical possesions or attributes of which the beauty is, its yours and always has been....

meditation isn't about quieting your mind, it's about finding a focus and relaxing. Try some youtube guided meditations.

I am new to meditation as well. I started off using guided meditation CDs and found them very helpful to get aquainted with the whole concept of meditation. I'm still using them, but I am also meditating without them and using techniques from a couple of books as well.

To be honest, I don't really think there is a right or wrong way of doing it as techniques seem to vary depending on which book you read or which CD you listen to.

It's about calming your body and mind and leaving your intellect and emotion behind in the material world as you allow your mind to drift off to a higher place. All I know is that I always feel so at peace afterwards and almost physically taller somehow. It's a great feeling.