learn to meditate

I took a yoga class a couple weeks ago… It was interesting. Parts of it were really relaxing. I’m not a religious person, but I am spiritual; so I guess meditation fits the bill. I’d like to do it about (or at least) once a week, but first I need to actually learn how to! I guess I’ll look at how some of you achieved this and see what works for me! :D

I went to meditation instruction last night. The instructor pretty much just said the same things I’d read in books. New ideas:

• Keep eyes open, even if unfocused, because you’re not trying to shut the world out
• Say the word “thinking” when you catch yourself thinking
• Sit on a cushion or brick high enough to prevent sleeping feet, and allow knees lower than hips for easier posture. Don’t be too proud to use a seat.
• Practice, practice, practice

I attempted today. Mostly it’s hard to meditate with an attention-hungry cat around. He pulled his usual nighttime routine, complete with door knob rattling and caterwauling. He did give up, maybe 15 minutes in, can’t be sure because I was refusing to look at the clock.

I wish I had a quiet place to try this. I was not comfortable at the meditation center (they are more focused on ceremony and supernatural than I have interest in) so I’m not sure if I want to go back there. I think I’ll give it one more try at the next open house I can get to. Also, I’m thinking about trying to meditate at work. I’m typically the last one to leave for the day (last one to arrive in the am because cat makes me want to sleep in) so I do have access to a quiet space. I could stay for 15 minutes when I’m done working for the day. Starting tomorrow!

For the first time since I re-opened this goal, I’m actually free for the weekly open house at the meditation center near my boyfriend’s house.
The timing couldn’t be better as I am in desperate need of relaxation and quiet time and it happens to be a special open house with some kind of special speaker.

I’m looking forward to learning how to do this effectively tonight from an Indian guy in my Toastmasters class who meditates religously.

i found some online lessons and i think i’m gonna try it out.

I was trying to cheer sarainparis on this goal, which is her challenge goal, and instead I adopted it as my goal. Not that I don’t want to learn to meditate. I believe that there are many different methods of meditation, and it’s good to learn about them. However, I’ve discovered this much so far: the way to really learn meditation is to try it, to do it, to practice it, and not to just read about it. And since I’ve already got a goal for that, practice mindfulness, I’m going to go ahead and mark this one as “DONE.”
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Best wishes on completing your challenge goal, sarahinparis! I think it’s a worthwhile goal.

Someone in my Toastmasters club is giving a speech about meditation next week. Hopefully I’ll be able to pick up some good tips on how to get started.

My desire to experience peace and contentment has led me to this goal. My drive to be productive has kept me from it. In an effort to slow down enough to get started, I have scheduled a personal retreat at the Mt. Angel Abbey. I plan to fast and continue reading “Christian Insight Mediation: Following in the Footsteps of John of the Cross”. It is based upon Theravada Buddhism as a means of self-emptying and purifying action leading to a more meaningful life. Although I am neither Catholic, nor Buddhist, I want to learn from those who have been there.

My best friend showed me the proper way to breathe this weekend. More specifically, she showed me “belly breathing”.....probably also known as “cleansing” breathing. I started to believe it was part of my life purpose when the very same day, I read an article about proper breathing (related to meditation and quieting the mind). Figured it’s something I should work on.

Trying to find the time to do this is my next step. I have a plethora of books about this very topic…..”Wherever You Go, There You Are”, “How to Meditate” (by a female Buddhist monk, no less), “Awakening the Buddha Within”......I haven’t read any of them yet. Some of these books I’ve had for years.

I won’t promise anything right now. Wouldn’t want to set myself up for disappointment. But, I do have the goal in mind, and that’s a start.

To make progress on this I think I need to track it.

Today I did 8 minutes of a 10 minutes guided meditation. It’s a start.