Do you meditate? What system or school do you follow?

The subject line says it all, but I'm really curious as to where my fellow mentanauts are at. I use a zuowang (sitting and forgetting) approach--I like to keep things simple--but I'm open to any other ideas or approaches.

Let me know what you're doing and what adventures you've had!

a reply to: ParadigmMind

just kind of got stuck here a while ago. Cant stop.

I use the "oh I left the lights on" method.

a reply to: ParadigmMind

Soto Zen.

Name?

Don't know just some basic breathing/relaxing clearing of thought techniques learned in Martial arts as a teen. Works great still all these years later whenever stress levels rise or for working out.

Some types of music helps as well.



"No Mind"

I follow no system. It just happens as it will, and I allow it to flow as it will.

a reply to: ParadigmMind


Ummm...a mix of Soto...Dogen...Falun Gong...Kripalu Yoga...and visualization...coupled with void meditation...

Each has it's place and purpose...

As for experiences...nothing short of miraculous...

But that's another conversation...



YouSir

TM.

Started in the early 70's, it's calming.

I meditate frequently, I don't have a system per say, but I have study many, I just visualize brilliant healing light, or healing waters, coming from the universe and bathing my body part by part cleansing and healing.

It works for me.

originally posted by: InTheLight
I follow no system. It just happens as it will, and I allow it to flow as it will.

This is the same for me as well. Actually I don't even really know if what I experience is "proper" meditating - I have yet to invest time into reading up on it.

I just know that I love the utter calm and have the loveliest full-body vibrations. It kind of feels like I can "sense" every cell in my body at once...and this probably isn't very clear, but it's the best way I can explain it.

The only meditation I really do is experiencing energetic body states.

Normally the energy is available when I am not focused on specific task. I sometimes play around with sound/music manipulation to increase the flow. But to much flow can be uncomfortable. I want a specific blend of low level heat and vibration that makes this body comfortable for me.

I have had days where I testing pushing energy thru the hands constantly but the body feels weird after doing it to much.

Mindfulness Meditation. Good stuff. Use the guided meditations CD by Kabat-Zinn.

originally posted by: MoonBlossom

originally posted by: InTheLight
I follow no system. It just happens as it will, and I allow it to flow as it will.

This is the same for me as well. Actually I don't even really know if what I experience is "proper" meditating - I have yet to invest time into reading up on it.

I just know that I love the utter calm and have the loveliest full-body vibrations. It kind of feels like I can "sense" every cell in my body at once...and this probably isn't very clear, but it's the best way I can explain it.

To me it is joining or becoming a part of everything - just being in the moment. Well that is how it starts off, then anything can happen once I open my third eye.

a reply to: ParadigmMind

No method is more simple or easy than TM (Transcendental Mediation). Unfortunately, it is expensive today for some reason. I was taught the technique back in 1973 through my university at a cost of less than $20.

The initiation aspect for a beginner is key to accepting that it is a serious endeavor, but a decent book on the process can provide all of the basics but without the pomp and ceremony of the initiation. Your only aid is a matra. No need for a certain position, pillow, setting, time of day or teacher. Make no mistake, meditation that GOES somewhere, as I wrote above, is a serious endeavor giving you a whole new view on everything. It is refreshing when during a session you suddenly understand insights into various aspects of existence. If meditation techniques were taught in homes and schools, the human race would be entirely different than it is today.

I'm the same as InTheLight.

I don't use any system, it comes in waves of energy without trying, mostly at home when im reading or focusing on life etc.

Does anyone get an almost overwhelming "unknown" knowledge of things you maybe reading or studying? seems to happen to me often the more i focus.

a reply to: Painterz

Haha, funny. Who's mind is meditating, yours or the one you're listening to?
See? Canned meditations, try fresh in between. You know, if you got the time to cook...

a reply to: ParadigmMind

Single malt, comfortable arm chair and some calming music.

Alternatively a good meditative spot is behind the garden shed, put your rake, shovel and lawnmower out as if you are digging over a patch or trimming the lawn and your missus will leave you to meditate in peace, that is what folding arm chair's are for, also mini fridges in shed's, I wonder who thought of that, the breathing and relaxation then take care of themselves.

a reply to: ParadigmMind
I don't stick with a technique very long but recently I've been envisioning a spinning, glowing, golden Merkaba over my head.

a reply to: ParadigmMind

Any suggestions for someone who cant meditate. I have been trying to learn for over 20 years. I have read books, listened to tapes, gone to classes. Nothing helps. i have one of those brains that my thoughts constantly pop in and wont let me relax. I was told to acknowledge the thoughts and let them pass. then more just come in. I would love to learn peace and relaxation.

a reply to: ParadigmMind

Yes. For 45 years. Transcendental Meditation...and for 35 or so years, Astral Travel/Projection. Ive had hundreds and hundreds of experiences.

Ive learned to go forward, backwards, see the deceased, view the living...no matter the distance or time. But this took years to achieve.

And in my case...I discovered I was a natural at Astral travel.*

*you could pm me anytime for private discussion/questions

originally posted by: HODOSKE
a reply to: ParadigmMind

Any suggestions for someone who cant meditate. I have been trying to learn for over 20 years. I have read books, listened to tapes, gone to classes. Nothing helps. i have one of those brains that my thoughts constantly pop in and wont let me relax. I was told to acknowledge the thoughts and let them pass. then more just come in. I would love to learn peace and relaxation.

I was in the same position as you. Music was the answer.

In the begging it was purposeful. I picked music that made me think about spirituality, love and peace. When I would listen to the music I would intentionally think about what the song inspired within me.

I pick the music I listen too, and make sure the music is compatible with my current state of mind. This method works with all music from heavy metal to gospel, but it might be easier to start with lighter inspirational music.

Eventually the music became a trigger for genuine meditation. Now I listen to a meditation playlist and my mind is free to go anywhere regardless of the message in the song.

Once you turn the music into a trigger to meditate the path to real meditation will become available to you.

But it's not something that I believe can be properly explained, which is why so many have tried.