Help with Meditation

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Permalink Reply by Lisa Witherow on November 12, 2009 at 10:40pm

Hi Denise -

Let me start by saying, I'm certainly no expert on meditation! I can relate to the inability to meditate though; I could never get my thoughts to slow down, feel relaxed enough, or have the time (away from the kids!). The bonus is, it's a quiet activity that can be done before the family wakes up or after the kids go to bed! It also doesn't take much space or special equipment. In my studies, I've learned a lot about meditation and the state of mind that allows meditation to take place, so maybe that can be of some help to get the relaxation started...

First - it really is normal for meditation to be difficult. Our environment has trained our brains to be "on" all the time. Many of us can't even turn off multi-tasking, let alone cease all active thought. It takes practice for your brain to quiet, so don't consider yourself a failure if you have thoughts interrupt you - just acknowledge that you're actively thinking and return to your relaxing thought.

Everyone responds to relaxation imagery and practices differently. It can take some time to identify what works well for you, and then more practice to allow it to take over active thought. Imagery of a relaxing place, body scan, and focusing on your breath are all good exercises to try. Relaxation really is a skill - so give yourself time to master it.

And finally, I've had some clients who have tried relaxation CDs that include binaury beats (some are just music that don't require headphones, and those are truly just calming music). Many of these binaury beat systems promise to make relaxation easy, and they may. The concern I have is the after effect that I have seen in EEGs. The CDs that a few of my clients used did seem to raise alpha waves throughout the brain, but other frequencies in the brain were often overactive as well. I mention this not to say that they should never be used, but if you do consider them, keep in mind that they are a generalized approach that people react to very differently. If you decide to use them, pay close attention to your sleep patterns, ability to focus during active tasks and your moods.

It's not easy in the context of our fast-paced lives, but the benefits of meditation are huge (how many stressed out Buddhist Monks do you know?!)

Peace to all,

Lisa

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Permalink Reply by Mary Johnson on November 14, 2009 at 1:05pm

Great information, Lisa. The Monk reference is an excellent message - Thank you for sharing!

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Permalink Reply by Christa on November 15, 2009 at 2:41am

If you have an iPhone, there is a wonderful app with several binaural beat programs - it is called "Mind Wave" - the best $1.99 I have ever spent! There is a web site, too...

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Permalink Reply by Denisehyeong on November 13, 2009 at 7:56am

Thank you Lisa.

I intend (though we'll see if I have the fortitude!) to not use the computer at home for a whole day as one of my gifts.

While the internet is a great place to find information (like this site!), I know I spend way too much time on there that could be better spent with my family, or doing more positive productive things for myself.

Your suggestions are practical and simple. I'll try and report back next week and let you know how I'm doing!
thanks
Denise

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Permalink Reply by Barbara Quin on November 13, 2009 at 9:47am

Hi, Denise -

Lisa's suggestions are great and she covers the pertinent areas - very good advice! I am attaching my response in document form because it's kind of lengthy and I didn't want to take up too much room here...

I hope my comments will help you understand this process. It's great that you want to learn more about it! I encourage you to keep at it until you are able to give yourself this Gift of Time with your Creator and Live in the Light!

Many blessings!
~ Barbara

Attachments:

• Meditation for Beginners.doc, 31 KB
• BOL.EmbracetheLight.jpg, 62 KB

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Permalink Reply by Denisehyeong on November 13, 2009 at 10:54am

Barbara, thank you so much. These are wonderful insights and suggestions.

This is a big gift for me today!

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Permalink Reply by Barbara Quin on November 13, 2009 at 6:32pm

Denise- I hope it will be helpful to you!
Blessings!

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Permalink Reply by Mary Johnson on November 14, 2009 at 1:04pm

Thanks, Barbara!

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Permalink Reply by Cindy on November 13, 2009 at 12:41pm

I got my best help from Belleruth Naperstek (I know GREAT name, right?) and you can see her CDs at www.healthjourneys.com

I love her voice and she has a real understanding that we're not all yogis sitting in mountain huts in the Himalayas!!

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Permalink Reply by Mary Johnson on November 14, 2009 at 12:59pm

Thanks for sharing, Cindy. I'm definitely checking out Belleruth.

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Permalink Reply by Lotusgirl on December 1, 2009 at 8:24am

I second this. This woman is amazing. Her CD's have helped many, many people dealing with different issues.
I find her choice of words and the sound of her voice perfect for someone who needs guided imagery and affirmations.

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Permalink Reply by Mary Johnson on November 14, 2009 at 1:03pm

This is such a great discussion idea, Denise. Thanks for posting! The other members' direction and input are definitely something we can all benefit from.

You may also want to watch for Angel's Meditation series here on 29Gifts. Check the Events section on the main menu bar periodically for updates. I've found them greatly beneficial in my quest to start meditating daily.

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