I'm 23-years-old and recently got sober in Alcoholics Anonymous. One of the steps involves prayer and meditation. I'm cool with praying--I mean, I believe in God and stuff, and it's easy for me to talk to Him. But I don't get the meditation thing. It's not that I don't want to try, I just don't know what to do. When I think of people meditating, I think of someone sitting crosslegged, saying, "Om," over and over or something like that. And don't even get me started on how to get my mind to go blank! I really wanna work on it. Anyone know anything about how to meditate?

I concentrate on my breathing to start. When I start thinking about something in particular, I immediately ignore the train of thought and let my mind wander. I run so many ideas into my head at once (almost like free association) without letting any of it digest that it doesn't make sense anymore. I stay very aware of whether or not I've wandered and let my mind analyze something.

I find that when I stop finding meaning in the things that go on in my mind, I get close to that blankness, and hopefully I'll get better.

Travis,

First of all, congratulations on getting sober. That's a wonderful accomplishment.
The other user who left advice was completely right. Listening to your breath and letting go of attachments to thoughts is a perfect way to meditate. And you don't have to just do it lying in a darkened room.

This type of meditation can be done when you're driving your car to work, walking the dog or washing the dishes after dinner. Anytime you're involved in something where you'd normally focus on perhaps troubling thoughts or expectant jitters, clear your mind. Allow a bit of respite for your consciousness. These are moments when we heal and are exposed to grace.

Meditation does not have to be anything outside of your normal routine. It's just a different way of looking at things.

Love and Light,

Chrystalle

When i meditate i try my best to just listen... not talk, or ask for anything, or worry about work... just listen to what's going on around me.

Take it all in.

Steff

I'm a muslim and I feel extreemly relaxed when I listen to Quran the words of God. Try it I'm sure it will work out. Get a tape and listen to it. If you need any help, I can take to websites and you can listen to it. Good luck.

As i surfed this web site i signed up for the monthly newsletter and you get a free meditation download. It is pretty cool because it actually walks you through a 15 minute meditation.

You should give it a go -- it's free, afterall.

Seth

Mediation does not have to be sitting completely still in the dark while concentrating on your breathing..mediation can be accomplished by doing anything that relaxes or comforts you. You need to find something or somewhere that makes you feel safe, where you don't have to think about anything but yourself. It can be accomplished through any sort of activity whether it be sitting still, listening to music, walking, daydreaming etc... Allow yourself to daydream, it's healthy

Like anything worthwhile, meditation requires practice. To get the most from meditation you need to do it every day. This requires a place and time where you will not be disturbed.

1. Sit with a straight back. Don’t try to meditate lying down because you are likely to fall asleep. Meditation brings relaxation and peace but at the same time this is a dynamic peace. Meditation is quite different than the relaxation of sleep. When we really meditate, we are fully alert and conscious. Our sense of awareness is heightened. Afterwards you’ll have a positive feeling for the world and a renewed sense of dynamism.
2. Don’t eat before meditating. After a heavy meal your body will be lethargic with digestion.
3. It is not necessary to mediate in the lotus posture. It is fine to meditate in a chair, as long as the back is straight.
4. It is helpful to take a shower before meditating.
5. Burning incense and having a candle are not necessary, but they can add a little extra inspiration.
6. It is good to meditate early in the morning. It is said the best time is 3am, although, I feel it is more important to be awake and not sleepy, I meditate at 6.30am.

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Tanyaa
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