Does anyone here meditate?

[bintofbohemia]

I've had a bit of a spiritual reassessment over the last year. I've always classed myself vaguely as a pagan with a pick and mix approach to spirituality, but with certain beliefs - but in the last year I've started to question everything that I thought I believed in and slowly started to become a complete atheist. And actually I'm not comfortable with this, I don't like it, but I figure it's an opportunity to strip everything back and start to rebuild what I do (and don't) believe from scratch.

So in the light of this I've recently started going to meditation and teaching sessions at my local Buddhist centre. I can get on board with it because they're not asking me to believe anything I can't stretch to and the health benefits of meditation are proven. (I think!?)

I've been doing this on and off for just over a week, and particularly since the last teaching I went to the other night, I've started to really notice a difference. I'm starting to feel really happy, about very simple things, and like a huge weight that I've been carrying around with me for years is starting to lift.

So I was just wondering if there's anyone else out there who meditates, or has just started, and what benefits you get from it?

Bumping...

I do, particularly in times of stress.

I used to, quite regularly, but got out of the habit. I really should get back to it. It really can free you from all sorts of worries and things.

I'm quite amazed how quickly I feel better. I suppose it could be a fluke - but I don't think so. Am quite inspired by it. Do you find it easy? I really struggle with getting my thoughts to settle but even trying seems to be helpful.

i started meditating to help with anxiety and depression. i had no idea how to start so used a guided meditation CD. Pretty cheesy (think waterfalls and lush rainforests) but i found it very relaxing and it certainly helped. need to get back to it actually!

It depends on what's going on in my life if it's easy or hard to get started.

When I was at Uni I belonged to a meditation group that met once a week and that really helped as you sort of had to settle or disturb everyone else. Now I do it myself but, as I said, not as often as I should.

Yep I agree I definitely feel calmer when I do it regularly.
I've found this website really helpful in keeping me in the routine of doing it daily:
www.getsomeheadspace.com

I meditate, using Ignatian techniques. "Consolation and Desolation" is very powerful

Daily, and if I'm travelling, I catch up or do extra sessions. Agree with others that the effects are powerful, whether the need is grounding, revitalizing, inspiring, etc, it always works for me. I think belief is irrelevant to meditation; the practice gives experience. In the case of Buddhism, the question of whether there is a God is a non-issue, even if it suits some who do not practise to judge it as atheistic. From what I see in "Buddhist countries", not all Buddhists meditate, it is not obligatory. I'm glad it works for you.

Yes, every morning nearly, after a yoga session I meditate as part of the pranayama. And yes, I can't really cope without it.

Yes I meditate using Mindfullness techniques. Every day pretty much without fail. It feeds into my therapy which is based on the Compassionate Mind. I'm a (fairly evangelical) Christian but see nothing wrong with this too!

yes i practice meditation along with yoga and breathing/pranayama - keep with the meditation, it will change your life....... i promise :)

Thanks for the replies - I've installed the Headspace app on my phone, and also a Mindfulness Bell app which rings every hour as a reminder to be mindful.

However, I need to try harder and actually meditate (not done it for a few days) as I was woken up several times this morning by DS2 thinking it was time to get up, and that it's ok to get into bed next to me, whack me, go and wake his brother up and then play smashing up lego in his room at 5am. Failed on the loving compassion front I'm afraid!

Yes, mindfulness is about living mindfully but it's not easy with little children. I'm finding it easier now my youngest is 8!

Also, my 12 year old dd1 is going through normal preteen/hormonal stresses and I've been teaching her to be Mindful, and it's helped her so much.

So keep on with it - and later you'll have something to share with the Lego Smasher Extrordinaire!!

Hi Bintof - meditation is a wonderful thing to do for yourself - I spent few years dabbling then two years ago started meditating every day for half an hour and trying to be more mindful at other times. It has been life changing. I am much calmer, much more positive (I have suffered from depression and anxiety in the past) and can use my mind much more efficiently. I also think it has boosted my immune system a bit. Good luck with your practice !