help me learn how to meditate

[joco]

A few days ago, I managed to connect and became consciously aware of my higher self. It was a very interesting and eye-opening experience. My higher self was able to instantly take me (my waking, physical world me) into a deep meditative state where we could speak together easily.

After that, I felt a great openess and understanding.

My self told me that the more I meditated, the more I will understand, but that I must be patient and learn to meditate by myself (waking self).

Problem is, I do not know how to meditate very well - I need to be able to quiet all thought (very difficult!). Can anyone help me learn to meditate?

[AuspiciousEight]

joco,

There are various different kinds of meditations. Generally, they are aimed at the same goal of quieting the mind, making you more aware, etc. Thus, I'm sure different people will lead you to different styles and kinds of meditations. This just depends upon who you ask.

The practice of quieting all thought is a fairly difficult one. And yet, at the same time, it's incredibly easy.

Ultimately, you don't need to perform any kind of traditional meditation if you do not want to. Meditation can be easily carried out throughout your day to day life.

Here are some tips for quieting the mind:

1) Practice the art of observing the mind. Don't identify or get engrossed in the thoughts, as this gives them more energy. Just casually observe the thoughts without partaking in any of them. Eventually, they will begin to weaken, and finally, they will stop.

2) DO NOT try to use intense focus to stop the mind. Many beginner's make this mistake. The mind will become quiet when you stop paying attention to it. That's just it's nature. You don't need to kill yourself to quiet your mind, so don't bother trying.

3) Let go of the things and content that are driving the mind. Let go of all sense of personal pride, fear, and desire to think. Let go of any interest or involvement in the content of your mind, REGARDLESS of what that content may be. One thought is just as valueless as any other thought.


The act of quieting the mind isn't as simple as many believe. It tends to be sort of a progressive thing for most people, and may actually take months or years to bear any kind of results. Like many things, it requires patience and perseverance. In other words, don't give up.

If you're looking for more detailed instruction on meditation, Google is a very handy resource. Alternatively, there is an article on my site that overviews a variety of different types and styles of meditation(see signature).

God Bless,

[Nneka]

You can start by paying attention to your breath. Your breath is a good starting place because it is with you always and it forces you into the moment.

As AuspiciousEight suggested, don't try to stop your thoughts. This is futile and will prove extremely difficult and frustrating. Instead, direct your thinking to watch your breath.

Also, if you start analyzing your breath, instruct your mind to pay attention to the air as it passes through your nostrils only.

When you are able to do this consistently, you can try a few other techniques.

As a caveat, there are many means and reasons for "meditation". Most of the western world considers meditation the slowing of the mind for stress relief purposes. This is a good start. However, if it's clarity you seek, bringing your attention only to the present moment is the beginning of the level of meditation you want to practice.

Check out Awareness Meditation, if you want something guided.