General Chat

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Does anyone meditate? I'm a newbie at it, but finding it difficult. The first step is learning how to breathe, I'm having a problem focusing with the breathing, anyone have any tips? deb

Hi Deb - meditating is great and a really useful skill to have. I found when first starting that it pays not to try too hard or for too long at a time. When you're trying to get the breathing 'right' start off by just breathing and noticing how it feels in your chest. Then you can work on breathing evenly and deeply by imagining your breaths travelling down the length of your arms and falling off your fingertips. It sounds silly but it worked for me. Hope it helps you. Best wishes, Felicity

Thanks Felicity, I'll try that. I think that, I'm pushing it and expecting too much too soon. Baby steps I guess is the best option. I must admit, it is getting better every time, but still haven't mastered it. Deb

It's a bit like riding a bike - you try and try and then one day you realize that you just did it! Good luck! :-)

Thamks

Debs Meditation is best started in small doses, say 5 or 10 minutes and going for longer periods when you get used to it. It is essential to be physically comfortable as even crossed ankles can cause discomfort after a few minutes and spoil everything. To empty the mind of thoughts, close the eyes and concentrate on one thing, in the imagination. Personally, I picture a candle flame and watch it's every flicker and change of colour. Others I know choose some sort of emblem or symbol. If you are thinking of transcendental meditation, you really need to join a group and have some tuition. len

I always have a problem with this so will try your suggestions. I have such a busy mind that it won't stop letting other thoughts in and distracts me. Thanks for the tips.

Liz, it might help you to not fight the thoughts, to just let them come and 'observe' them from a distance as it were. If you just let your body 'be' and 'do its thing' you'll probably find that calm comes of its own accord. As Len says, once things begin to settle a little bit, you can choose a thought or image to focus on. Best wishes.

Len, Thank you for the tip.I'll put it into practice. Liz - Glad it's not just me having a tough time with it. Deb

Deb. I could send you an audio cassette, if you have the means of listening to it. You would have to remind me of your address, though. Len

Had acupuncture and acupressure massage today - see my Chinese medicine thread -and was left to relax for 40 mins in a darkened room. It was noisy outside tho in the street, but I tried to shut it out and some of the time it worked, not sure if I dozed off but 'saw' a sort of purple vortex in front of my eyes a couple of times and tried to focus on that. Wish I could afford the acupuncture often but don't think I will be able to unfortunately. Came away feeling much less tense in my body than I usually do. Will try the 'purple haze' tonight when I get into bed and hope it helps me go off into dreamland. Deb- good luck, try thinking of my purple colour! We might connect!