Those of you that meditate: Could you share some of your experiences & insights on meditation? I started meditating as part of the June Challenge, but I feel like there's still a lot I don't get. I am aware that there are many possible meditations and styles, and I'm curious about what they are.
Here's what I've tried so far:
- Clearing my mind of thought, or at least letting go of thoughts as they bubble up. If I do this laying down, I almost always fall asleep. (Once, I Walked around the neighborhood attempting to quiet all verbal thoughts, which was quite a challenge, but worthwhile.)
- Erin's Chakra Cleansing
- Recorded visualizations/guided meditations (2)
- Visualizations that I've created myself—a couple that are somewhat regular, and others that are improvised on the spot. Example: If I feel like I'm too influenced by other people, I'll imagine myself in a white room. Gently, but firmly, I invite all the people in it to leave. Often, the person whose influence on me is negative is the one who resists leaving. I continue the request for him/her/them to leave my space until I'm alone and calm.
What are some of the other possibilities?
What kinds of meditations do you do?
What do you find to be most beneficial?
Do you prefer to meditate sitting, standing, walking, laying down?
Do you try to avoid falling asleep?
What do you want to get out of meditating? For you, what's the purpose?