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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by linkadge on September 26, 2010, at 15:18:53
I have tried meditation a number of times, but here is my problem:
I sit there and close my eyes. After that, I go completely brain dead.
The books on meditation say: "when a thought comes into your mind, address it then just let it go..." The problem is *nothing* comes into my mind at all; nothing at all.
Linkadge
Posted by TenMan on September 26, 2010, at 17:44:57
In reply to my problem with meditation, posted by linkadge on September 26, 2010, at 15:18:53
Do you normally have poverty of thought? Is thinking difficult or an effort for you?
Posted by johnj1 on September 26, 2010, at 18:51:21
In reply to my problem with meditation, posted by linkadge on September 26, 2010, at 15:18:53
Link:
I took a class, and have become friends, with someone that knows a lot about meditation. I have tried different types. Such as, paying attention to my breath, mindfullness, etc. The only type that really works for me is picking a phrase and saying half of it on my breath in and half on the way out. You have to pick something such as a portion of a prayer, or a yoga phrase, etc., I find that works rather well.
Cheers,
Posted by Hombre on September 26, 2010, at 19:54:49
In reply to my problem with meditation, posted by linkadge on September 26, 2010, at 15:18:53
Whether or not you have thoughts, you're still way too much in your head. Put your mind, your eyes, your ears into your body. Watch the breath, if anything. Don't focus on thoughts. Just try to get all quiet inside like you thought you just heard something and you tell everyone, "Shhh!" and then you listen with a heightened awareness. It's that kind of quiet you should have inside.
The main thing is to just sit for at least 20 minutes. Don't expect anything to happen. Just do it. The benefit comes over time.
Posted by linkadge on September 27, 2010, at 20:13:03
In reply to Re: my problem with meditation, posted by Hombre on September 26, 2010, at 19:54:49
>Don't focus on thoughts. Just try to get all >quiet inside like you thought you just heard >something and you tell everyone, "Shhh!" and >then you listen with a heightened awareness.
Thats the point, I have no thoughts. I essentially feel asleep. An hour could pass an I remember nothing at all. Is this the point? I am just wondering how meditation is supposed to be different from staring at the wall, or zoning out infront of TV??
If my mind was racing, I could see meditation to slow my thoughs, but when I start, it is as if my brain just shuts off.
Linkadge
Posted by Hombre on September 28, 2010, at 0:09:26
In reply to Re: my problem with meditation, posted by linkadge on September 27, 2010, at 20:13:03
The difference between meditation and zoning out is that your mind is paying attention during meditation. That's why it's good to anchor onto your body and the sensations you feel inside of it. But instead of being "inside" your thoughts and your bodily sensations, you step back and try to observe without getting caught up in them.
One trick is to try to feel your pulse in various parts of the body. Start with the top of your head, then behind the eyes, then the back of your head, then your throat, etc slowly working your way down your body and limbs. Take your time and really try to feel for a pulse. Spend a few minutes at each point then move on. By the time you work your way down to your toes, you will be more relaxed and will have discovered more sensation in your body.
Posted by Cydnie on October 12, 2010, at 12:35:47
In reply to Re: my problem with meditation, posted by Hombre on September 28, 2010, at 0:09:26
I have always had trouble meditating as well and for me, I decided that I should try to do more things that I feel mesmerized when I do them (or zoned out) like driving somewhere you always drive and doing it while almost in a trance because you've driven there before or something. Anyway, I tried this recently, and every once in awhile I reminded myself, this felt very meditative, and so relaxing, and just breathed and continued on my journey letting my thoughts just go where they might, and driving. My sister told me she has trouble "meditating" too, but walking on the beach, quietly, and just taking deep breaths was a good meditation for her! Maybe it's just different and we need to find what works best for each of us! If you feel relaxed after a walk, a drive, gardening, that's so worth it!!!
Posted by Alexanderfromdenmark on October 15, 2010, at 11:04:55
In reply to my problem with meditation, posted by linkadge on September 26, 2010, at 15:18:53
Maybe meditation is not for you.
This is the end of the thread.
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