New guy here.
(I know the primary focus is on asanas here)How many of you have tried meditation techniques -in particular, stilling your mind? I’ve ADD (I haven’t got tested but I’m sure I have the condition). So, I’ve been trying get my mind in line - unsuccessful so far (don’t want to use Ritalin - I just stay away from medication and doctors in general). While meditating, I try to focus on a Candle Flame (sometimes middle of my forehead) but can’t seem to last more than 30 seconds. Reading around on the internet, it seems like stilling your mind is quite elusive. Anyone here been successful? Could use a few pointers.
practice and your mind will get calmer and calmer. If you do it on a regular basis you will notice some improvement quite fast , that you are able not be driven away by your thoughts as much as you used to.
Just try to be relaxed and do not become one with the thoughts. Are you sitting or lying down?
Ritalin is not a good option so good that you avoid it. When you are on ritalin most likely you will need sleeping pills as well.
Do you have sleeping disorders as well?
No sleeping disorder but my sleep patterns were messed up throughout university. So after graduation I decided to make a change. It is better now but meditation wise (which I do sitting cross legged - lying down will probably me me fall asleep after a while), I’m still (pardon my french) pissing in the wind.
The most important is not the technique referring to your subject. Most important is to do it every day and to be able to extend the gap between thoughts which will happen if doing it consistently every day for 10-20 minutes and if you can do 1 hour even better but we must start somewhere. So only 10 minutes per day will be beneficial but dont expect to notice dramatic changes over night. Sometimes we do make progress without knowing it. And then something happens and we react differently then we know it did have effect.
So then get hooked on some special technique just try to sit silent and still your mind thats enough to begin with.
Thanks for the advice. I suppose patience is another thing I need to get a handle on.
[QUOTE=newbie101;77642]New guy here.
(I know the primary focus is on asanas here)How many of you have tried meditation techniques -in particular, stilling your mind? I’ve ADD (I haven’t got tested but I’m sure I have the condition). So, I’ve been trying get my mind in line - unsuccessful so far (don’t want to use Ritalin - I just stay away from medication and doctors in general). While meditating, I try to focus on a Candle Flame (sometimes middle of my forehead) but can’t seem to last more than 30 seconds. Reading around on the internet, it seems like stilling your mind is quite elusive. Anyone here been successful? Could use a few pointers.[/QUOTE]
newbebie 101,
I agree with ‘fakeyogis’ on his recommendations and; especially for - have patient and not to expect a magic bullet type of technique(s).
While there are thousands of Yoga based concentration and meditation techniques, it is important to stick to one technique and be regular for first 6 weeks. It is sure that…from second week onwards you will start experience calmness and sense of stability in your activities.
I believe that 40 days sadhana, of 10 minutes twice a day, minimum 10 times a week, will not only lead you to the experiences that motivating you to continue and increase timie of your practice but also improve personality functioning. The 10 minute sadhana should involve 3 to 5 minutes devoted to practice of Nari Sodhan Pranayama/Anulom-Vilom Pranayama (Alternate breathing exercise) at a ratio (1:2:2 or 1:1:2 or 1:1/2:2 or 1:2) )that you feel comfortable with and remaining time to be devoted to practice any of short meditation techniqe(s). I am mentioning two techniques as under:
- Mantra based: While inhaling silently say “so” and while exhaling silently
say “hum” in your mind. It is important to chant mantra silently with
natural breathing, not with deep or controlled breathing. - Breathing based: inhale in 3 to 5 counts or seconds and exhale in 3 to 5
seconds. Make sure to note that while inhaling abdomen should blow
out, the chest should not expand. Secondly, keep your attention focussed
on half the time on the naval or Manipur Chakra with visualization of
upward tringle and fire red color inside it and half the time on Nasagra i.e.
bridge of nose.
In addition to above I recommend you or ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) or Vata (Actomorphic) personality to also be regular in taking your meals and exercise.
Make sure to manage if you have health problems like history of sinusitis, deficiency of Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D, etc.