meditation

[angelonthetree]

can anyone recommend any good meditation downloads/CDs?

a few people have said they think it would help me manage stress and i'd like to try!

Try websites yogamad or yogamatters? Or a yoga class!?!

i literally have NO time for a class (half the problem!)

Hi I recommend Headspace for a really friendly and gentle intro to meditation. If you google it you can go to the homepage and there's a free Take 10 introductory course - 10 mins a day for 10 days that you can download Sorry this is rushed. I will find out more.

Hi , I did Headspace and loved the 10 min course but came a bit unstuck with the 20 min course as I got out of the daily routine. BUT it's really good and v good book by Andy Puddimore who founded Headspace.

Google it, download the apps and do it! Enjoy!

Hi - Well I completed the 10 min course and have embarked on 15 mins one. Only on day 2 tho. Why is that 15 minutes spent doing most things is no time at all yet it seems eternity sitting still? I must admit tho' I do feel more relaxed afterwards, the big thing is getting started and sticking to it!

Hi Austin, 15 minutes (or even 10) can sometimes seem to go on forever, I have also sat for 30 minutes and longer and it feels like a few minutes - time can be pretty bendy when it comes to meditation ! Expect to have 'good' and 'bad' sessions too - there will be times when you are fidgety/annoyed/wonder what the heck you are doing/falling asleep etc. In fact, it is all useful and it is important not to worry about whether you are doing it 'right' or get judgmental about the whole thing. All you need to do is sit and place your awareness on one thing as much as the you can, if you mind wanders go back to the breath/object/ whatever else is the focus of the meditation. Good luck !

Another thing to remember is that you can practice mindfulness at almost (if not every) point of the day - doing dishes, dusting, changing nappies, whatever. This is also a really worthwhile practice!

yes, cockneydad, I do try to practice mindfulness when particularly when feeling resentful coz I'm feeling like an unpaid taxi driver or doing loads of washing or cleaning up after my dogs! I genuinly feel more cheerful and optimistic and relaxed. Any other tips? Thanks.

Hi austin7 - glad it helps ! The only other thing that I would advise is trying to find a meditation group to sit with - even if it for an hour every other week or once a month (if weekly is not do-able). It seems to help to meditate in the presence of others. If this is not do-able, don't worry, it sounds like you've made a great start !