Meditation.

Just a little curious to see what your general opinions are on meditation. Have you ever done it before? has it benefited you in anyways etc...

 

I got into it while I was studying excessively to catch up for exams. I think it was quite useful. This is what I was following, its tailored specifically towards study: http://www.fragrantheart.com/cms/free-audio-meditations/self-esteem/guided-meditation-for-studying

I also meditated before my exams during the 10 minute bullshit "reading period" we are given before our 3 hours started. I feel calming and centering myself is a much better use of the time than browsing the questions and noticing the impending doom.

 

I plan on experimenting with meditation for no specific rhyme or reason. I just kind of want to see where it can take me. I plan on following this for about a week or so and see what happens.

 

It definitely relaxes you and takes your minds off things which is essential for some events.

 

Been practicing and researching meditation for some time now. Easily one of the best things you can do for your body and mind. I have a very simplified guide written up in the Guides section for anyone interested in getting into it at the base level.

 

I've tried meditating before, but always lose concentration. I just randomly stray into random thoughts. I can't seem to focus and put my mind at blank.

 

This is a common difficulty when first starting. Many people call it your "Monkey Mind" that just starts chattering away about random irrelevant topics. Your mind becomes this way when you do not take time out of your very stimulating daily activities to calm yourself and put your mind at rest. Modern Western society is very good at keeping you over-stimulated and tightly-wound.

A good technique I use for quieting my Monkey Mind is called the Observer. Normally if you get too many intrusive thoughts while meditating your gut reaction is to become irritated, flustered or distracted. This will only exacerbate the issue at hand. Next time you begin your meditation and are interrupted by unwanted thoughts instead of reacting directly to the thought, simply observe it with no special attachment or feelings on it, and "watch" it as it slowly drifts out of your focus, returning you to your baseline of calm and peaceful. Reacting negatively to random distractions will make the problem become a recurring problem. Instead, simply watch as the thought enters your mind, briefly acknowledge it, and send it right back on its way out.

Easier said than done, but getting past the initial wall of chaos and successfully quieting your mind is the first step towards receiving the full benefits of meditation.

 

Had my first session last night. Was not too bad and managed to keep a rather clear head.

 

Helps alot, clearing the mind, can be very useful when in a stressful time of your life.

 

I tried it once, I almost forgot to breathe. But yeah it's pretty calming.