ENTERING THE SILENCE

[Feefee]

The primary goal of meditation is to quiet the mind. For many of those beginning a meditative practice, this can seem like a daunting task. The effort to simply sit there and not have your mind go chattering away can be like trying not to think of a pink elephant. The more you try, the more that the mind comes up with distractions.
Unfortunately, this can cause many people to give up. They may decide that they simply can't do it, and are therefore a failure at the practice. But you see, that's the point. Meditation is a practice. If we repeat our efforts daily, preferably at the same time, in the same place, we will begin to see results. It may only seem "impossible" because we haven't given it enough of a chance.
 
Also, there are different types of meditations which can help to still the mind. Transcendental Meditation � uses the technique of a mantra, a sound which may have a spiritual meaning, but a distinct sound that can be repeated over and over again, leaving no room for vagrant thoughts.
 
There are several oriental forms of meditation that include chanting, which can achieve the same result.
 
The Sufis employ a highly rhythmic dance, with a beat that sends them into the contemplative zone.
 
Some forms of prayer, such as with rosary beads, provide a repetitive symbology that can free the mind from ordinary thoughts.
 
There are many techniques. The end goal is the same though, to allow an inner silence from which we can directly experience Spirit without distraction.
 
This inner silence means that we are not being impinged on by worrisome ideas about work, family, health, etc. We are just being there. This is a literal "peace of mind". In this quiet, we have the opportunity to experience a state of pure perception, of sensing the presence of Divinity. This presence is always there of course, but it is subtle. To first connect with It, one must listen very carefully, with full attention.
 
Beginners in meditation often feel that they must fight off errant thoughts. Although this may work for some, I have seen that this can actually create a greater tension and anxiety. What can be far more constructive is to objectify the thought. For example you're trying to clear your mind and the thought comes up, "Fred at work was telling me...". Instead of trying to force yourself to not think of Fred, back off from this thought and just look at it. Detach from it. It needn't mean anything to you. You don't have to push it away, or force it to do anything. Allow it to be there, but just don't feed it any additional energy. It will run out of steam on its own.
 
One of the greatest barriers in meditation in my opinion, is the fear of being alone. In our modern society, solitude is not a desirable condition and many of us are simply unfamiliar with it. It can be helpful to recognize this possibility and begin your practice of meditation with simply being alone and sitting still for a specified period of time. Often, that is all that is needed to find the silence.
 
One minute of being in the silence during a 10 minute practice, is progress. Our civilized minds are accustomed to a great deal of stimulation, through the pressures of modern business and the impact of the media. As one continues the effort of finding inner peace, a calm and serenity can descend, making each successive endeavor more successful.
 
from Jeri Noble, Circles of Light

[deadherring]

Great post.  
I agree that getting over that first hump where it doesnt seem to be working is key.  Also, I've found that taking lots of small risks along the way (doing what doesnt seem natural) has helped me to move forward step by step.

-deadherring

[Anne]

Hello,

I find that starting by concentrating on my breathing helps me to start meditating. I breath in slowly 'feeling' the air pass through my nose, my throat and into my lungs and then I breath out slowly counting to ten while I 'feel' the air pass back out through my throat and nose. After a while I don't need to count anymore because the rythme is in place. If thoughts come along I just let them go. If a particular thought seems to be 'sticking' then I concentrate more on the air flowing in and out and if this isn't enough then I start the counting again.

On my very first try, a couple of years ago with the only aim being relaxation, I had two very vivid 'flashes' - photo sharp images. One was of the room I was in - it shattered like a mirror would. The second one was of the door of the room I was in - the door was ajar and I was seeing it as if I was in the adjoining wall (in reality the door was shut). Both these images scared me and made me open my eyes.  

I've recently started meditating again. I haven't had any more flashes but I find that I can quickly get to the body asleep, mind awake state and then there are vague images that fleet by under the eyelids. The problem here is that if I try to focalise on an image, they stopm and if I don't focalise I end up falling asleep...    But the overall result is that I feel really good afterwards. More confidence in myself, happier

I would suggest trying several methods to see which one works best for you. But most of all - relax

Anne

[Sofie]

I first learned to meditate by accident long ago. I went to a lecture on self hypnosis just for fun. In that first session the hypnotist put us under and I got to feel how it was. Self hypnosis is really just a very deep level of meditation. I learned that the meditative condition was not my preconceived notion at all (imagine that!), but something quite different and intriguing.  I then began exploring it. Letting it happen with a minimum of my own chatter was hard for me.
 At first I had no intention of putting it to work, it was just fun. I think for many this is where they go wrong. They are applying force of will, not inner silence, to their meditation. Mind you, it doesn't take many meditations to get into the swing of it. For people new to meditation and in need of finding their own inner door, I suggest finding someone to help guide that first session or two. Some of the commercial tapes are really quite good and many psychologists are well trained in hypnosis.
 Once you find your approach, the insights come and that is another journey...

[James S]

Excellent post Feefee.

I'm glad you touched on the subject of rhythm / dance style meditation.
Meditation really is a "different strokes for different folks" type of thing.

A close friend of mine feels left out sometimes because she finds she can never sit still long enough to get into a deep meditative state. As a dancer, though, she has found the ability to gain a very deep connection through certain rhythmic dance routines.

I've also found a way of meditating while walking. It can be the most amazing experience, almost like walking in a dream state. Everything takes on a beautiful new light.

Blessings,
James.

[Awakened Soul]

Excellent post Feefee.


I've also found a way of meditating while walking. It can be the most amazing experience, almost like walking in a dream state. Everything takes on a beautiful new light.

Blessings,
James.

Did you learn that from this website?

http://www.wildmind.org/meditation/walking/

[malganis]

Did you learn that from this website?

http://www.wildmind.org/meditation/walking/

hey, me too  

[James S]

Sorry, no I didn't.

I've been practicing meditation for about 8 years now, so I'm quite used to getting into the right state of mind & body. Meditating while walking was something I experimented with once while I was holding a conversation with one of my spirit guides, and I just kind of slipped into it.


James.

[mvinharmony]

True meditation is not always blissfully peaceful. Meditation's purpose is to first clear the mind of all emotional and mental conditioning. As this is being done, often subconscious material is being released into consciousness which can make your mind seem even more chaotic and your thoughts may become uncontrollable. This is simply part of the purification process and these times are often when you are really progressing.

[zensunni7]

and?

[Mina-Laura]

...and my dear friend, some stories never end  

[soulconsole]

nice post and I always try to meditate but too much on mind- but I know what people mean when they say "let the thought come but don't get caught in it."
It is a pretty sweet deal- to feel silence- when all around us is commotion and confusion.