Meditation is literally the answer to all lifes problems I can't

Agreed, yet I can't bring it to routine

How do you meditate?
Is simply sitting down and doing nothing enough?
Or should I focus on my breathing?

File: 0f45e67f9529c2c24a51e62692b0fa71.jpg (61KB, 550x798px) Image search: [Google]

61KB, 550x798px

>>18058090
You will find that it is very difficult to silence the mind. Try to close your eyes for 10 seconds and think no thoughts. You will realize that thought is not an abstract action coming of choice, but rather are determined (in other words, you don't think thoughts, thoughts happen TO YOU.)

Meditation, the "doing nothing" aspect, is actually a very gruelling process for novices that takes considerable effort and determination. In concentration meditation, this is the part where you continuously return your attention to the object of meditation every time your mind wanders. The goal here is to let the object of meditation "consume you" (be it your own breath or a physical object outside via open-eye meditation)

>>18058090

I would start with a simple mindful breathing routine, simply observing the sensation of breath entering and leaving your nostrils. Don't try and force it, just let it happen naturally. Your mind WILL stray, constantly. The aim is to not get frustrated, simply return to your breath as soon as you notice you have wandered into thinking.

Meditation is not about forcing your mind to be empty, it is about observing the mind and body with equanimity (neutrality).

If possible, I would recommend going on a retreat to really get started in a technique. I did a 10 day Vipassana retreat to learn the technique I use.

www.dhamma.org

>>18058090
I would say there's no set way to meditate, but generally speaking sitting at peace somewhere where there is little distraction is the best way to do it.

Basically you want to bring your attention properly to the present moment. When you start to do this, it's like a mental reset.
I'm sure everyone's experience is a little different, but when you bring your focus to the current moment, you remind yourself that it's all anyone ever has and unless you are literally in a life or death situation or starving or some other extreme discomfort, then you are actually doing alright and if there are problems in your life, that's fine too because all you can do is tackle whatever is in front of you at that particular moment.

You don't need to sit in a lotus to do this...hell, some people might find themselves slipping into this state when they play a sport or are doing housework.

Just start being more mindful of your current state and focus. With time, it'll strengthen like a muscle and probably take you to new places as well.

>>18058033

Yup.

Doing 45 min zazen everyday. It is literally curing me from my depression. I find it better than pills and therapy.

Ya, I too can confirm. Mad benefits to be had. set your phone alarm and clear your mind in silence for 30 mins a day.

You can start with less time. Say five minutes at first. Then gradually increase the time until you feel you get what you need.

>>18058033
Good thread boys

I had literally 2 hours of sleep last night. Meditated on the bus, felt comfy and inhavited my space, and did not feel groggy or tired like I usually would.

>>18058033
>be me
>not a betacuck, so don't need to meditate

Yeah but have you had an outer body experience?

>>18058802
have you?

can anybody come up with an even remotely rational explaination of how and why this works?

Those of you who consider this good/great/amazing, I presume it has had some beneficial effects on your behavior. What did it change? Are you less impulsive? More empathetic? do you get stuff done better? If you previously had no idea what to do with your life, did meditating solve that problem or contribute significantly to the solving of that problem?

File: 1394410775751.gif (983KB, 250x197px) Image search: [Google]

983KB, 250x197px

>>18058033

>Meditation is literally the answer to all lifes problems

I'm very unentertained with this meme.

Thought I had it saved, but there's a guide I've seen posted called Starting Sit. It seems like a good beginner guide

File: 1486330264636.jpg (487KB, 518x3648px) Image search: [Google]

487KB, 518x3648px

>>18058978

>>18058090
>How do you meditate?
start with some guided meditations
http://marc.ucla.edu/mindful-meditations

How do you stay focused? Especially when there's a lot of distractions?