How do you meditate?

[bobberski]

I've tried but I don't think I fully understand how to do it. First off, I need this because I usually have trouble falling asleep. It's kind of embarrassing to say but... I don't think I know how to breathe correctly. Obviously I can breath correctly enough to live but not enough to meditate or anything else. So, annoying you can give me would be appreciated

[dutchraptor]

This might not be very helpfull because I don't use this to meditate for lucid dreaming but I'll throw it in there anyways. I mediatate through martial arts, in particular mauy thai (thailand kickboxing). I don't actually practise the sport but i imitate the moves in slow motion. After a while I sit down and I start to act lik energy is flowing in and out of me (purely for making myself calm, nothing spiritual) after a while I slowly lower myself and try to mimic the breathing pattern which I have when i sleep. Thats all really, I don't follow any specific techniques but this gets me extremely calm and tranquil.

[faceonmars]

I practice a form of visual meditation. I visualize an object... for instance a candle... this helps sleep onset tremendously.

[Robot_Butler]

I use a mix of things I have learned over the years. It is mostly bits and pieces from the Monroe Institute and Robert Bruce's books. I sort of just do whatever routine I remember at the time.

[wesnaw]

Get into a comfortable position and close your eyes. From there, just relax and clear of mind of lingering thoughts. When you feel you are calm, recite a mantra. *Example* (I do reality checks in my dream.) I meditate for about 15-30 min and i get really relaxed and usually, i can fall asleep easier . hope that helped!

[Alucinor XIII]

Bobberski: Well, there are two types of meditation- Absorptive (Concentration) and Insight Meditation. Most of what was described so far is the first, where you relax, and pick an object of meditation such as an idea, a visualization, or even a physical routine such as martial arts-- al of which take up all your concentration and therefore calm the mind of other thoughts. (Ever been so absorbed by a TV show, text message, or a book that you didn't even hear someone call your name? Kinda like that. ) Insight meditation takes it one step further. You focus on something (breath is a good one) as an anchor, and once you've reached a sufficient point of concentration and your mind is quiet, you try to explore your mind (your faults, your perceptions, preconceptions, etc). With this point of clarity-- having all erattic thoughts and distractions calmed via a concentration/anchor-- you see yourself clearly, and understand the world around you better. Edit: Oh, and as for the breathing problem, you should try passively watching it! It takes a while, but a part of meditation is realizing that things are constantly progressing-- your breath goes on without your input, and eventually you will realize that even your mind will ramble on without your direct input! (Crazy huh?) Simply try to watch the breath, feel it enter your nostril, and feel it exit the same way. Do the same with your mind-- you will have random thoughts, don't try to shut them out completely, just notice them, and let them go after you've given a quick assesment, and then return to your concentration until another thought arises strongly enough to grasp your attention-- then observe that thought, momentarily, with the unbiased clarity of a quiet mind, and rince repeat. =]

[faceonmars]

Bobberski: Well, there are two types of meditation- Absorptive (Concentration) and Insight Meditation. Sorry,Alucinor. BS is BS... there are dozens of types of meditation. Guided Meditation In this method of meditation you consciously visualize places or situations you might find peace and relaxation. Try to utilize as many of your senses as you can, such as smells, sights and sounds. You may choose to be led through this process by a guiding voice or, in Virtual Dreaming at least, by your own ability to visualize through sounds that emulate the desired scenario. Guided imagery and visual meditation fall under this category. Mantra Meditation A Mantra is simply a repeated word or phrase. Pick something that flows freely off your tongue or your can have a Mantra assigned to bring out certain qualities in your meditation. Repeating your Mantra will clear your mind and can lead to a deep state of relaxation to achieve awareness. Mindfulness Meditation This type of meditation is based on developing consciousness and inner peace of living in the 'now'. By focusing on what you feel during this type of meditation, such as your breathing, one can observe and/or clear thoughts and emotions . There are many more types of meditation. Discovering what works for you is the key!

[Alucinor XIII]

Yes, and all those meditation fall under those two categories of meditation I listed- Misunderstanding is misunderstanding, faceonmars. The first two focus on a task wholey , the last one you list is one in which you are using the concentrative power as a tool to gain insight. Concentration, and Insight. (Im repeating what the current Dalai Lama himself has said-- but I guess BS is BS. )

[bobberski]

Hahaha well thanks guys! I'm gonna try all of them!

[Mrsf0011]

I have 2 more useful ones to Try. 1. Get in comfortable position, Close your eyes, Base your meditation on your thoughts, see if you can guess what your next thought will be, and just Listen keeping your attention on your brain. You will find that thoughts only come once your attention is taken off your brain. The whole point of any meidtation is the ability to relax your mind with out the inteferance of mind chatter, so you can find clarity and direct your thoughts/feelings when your in a relaxed enough state or just to stay relaxed.. 2. Again get comfortable, close your eyes, and just listen to your surrounding and just observe any near by sounds e.g (birds, electronic devices, other people talking, or walking around) when your mind is busy with a task that doesnt involve thinking there will be no mind chatter.

[Qwer]

try simply enjoying your breath. we go by living everyday life taking breath for granted, and not focusing on how good it feels. and think about it oxygen is life, if you dont breath you will die. so just sit or lie down, close your eyes, relax and enjoy how good your breath feels, feel that you are breathing in life and feel your body sucking the life out of the air. and as well as that feel how good it feels to not be worrying about anything or thinking about anything, just being in the moment.