Meditation Thread

[Kodo]

"One of the basic qualities of meditation is, it creates a distance between you and your personality."
- Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, Isha Yoga

“Meditation brings wisdom; lack of mediation leaves ignorance. Know well what leads you forward and what hold you back, and choose the path that leads to wisdom.”
- Gautama Siddharta, the founder of Buddhism

When you think of someone meditating, they are only practicing. Practicing means they are focusing their mind on an object of concentration so intently, that they become the object and are truly meditative. Meditation means going back to your original nature. In a sense, everybody does meditation, but not in the most focused way. The mind can be easily distracted and cannot stay focused on one thing long enough for meditation to happen. So that is why meditation requires practice.

The possible benefits of meditation are truly infinite. The individual effects are as unique as people are unique, and that is the beauty of life. Just one meditation can alter someone's life on such a deep level. If that person were to practice meditation and cultivate self-realization, there is no telling how many lives can benefit from that person. It similar to the effect of just the right song playing on the radio at just the right time for just the right person.

There are many physical, mental, and spiritual benefits to meditation, but to name a few: reduced stress, lower blood pressure, easier breathing, more joy, more love, higher energy, higher concentration, increased self-potential, higher states of relaxation, mental calmness and heightened mental clarity, inner well-being, spiritual growth, freedom from body & mind... there is no end to the benefits.

As for me, I have been a meditator for about two years. It started off slow, but I was hooked since my first time, and it has led me on one of the most beautiful and exciting journeys. Life has really opened up to me since I started meditating, and my perception of life has been forever changed and continues to deepen through practicing. Now, I practice meditation daily. I've been doing it daily for about 6 months. It takes awhile to make a habit out of it, but in my opinion there is nothing else more important than a few minutes of meditation each day.

For this reason I am starting a meditation organization at school. I wanted to do this for awhile, but now I truly have the capability and it is happening. I will post some experiences with the organization if interesting things happen.

What are your thoughts on meditation? Does it help you? Have you wanted to try, but don't have the time?

[Layorz]

I've read a few small books written by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada on meditation and yoga. Interesting read.

[baleent]

I used to, and stopped after a while.

Can't get back into focus, gotta research it some more.

[Kodo]

Books can help inspire you to practice, but if you only read and never try it, it won't help you. Sitting down and focusing on your breath for only 5 minutes a day will help a lot. It really does require practice to make it a regular habit, but the rewards of a daily practice are immeasurable.

[.:Mouldy Punk:.]

I used to do it a lot a few years ago. Not so much anymore. Still kinda use it to help me deal with crazy situations though.

[Kodo]

Do you want to share how it helps with your situations? And how come you don't do it as much anymore?

[.:Mouldy Punk:.]

Sure.


I used to do it a lot when I had a lot on my mind or a lot of stuff that was going on at the same time in my life. Spending those 15-20 minutes every so often would stop me becoming overwhelmed with it all.

Anyhoo, over time I felt less and less overwhelmed by things that I just got out of the habit I guess. I've grown to a stage in my life where I can quite happily handle a million and 1 things going on at once without it overloading my head and having to take a step back.

I only still do it sometimes because it's a nice feeling being at complete peace with yourself and detaching yourself from your usual cluttered thoughts. But I don't use it as a tool to overcome things anymore really.