i feel like a dweeb

[shadow_walker143]

ok, i know alot about things, but for the life of me, i cant seem to understand the concept of meditation. every time i try to relax and meditate, i fall asleep. so is there anyone who can teach me how to meditate the right way? thanks in advance.
shadow

[Sobek]

i too have difficulty meditating. i am interested to see what people have too say.

[Gardak]

Well here is a technique I've posted many times but It has seemed to help some people out. Here you go

Here is my technique that I already posted for someone else.

I am a martial artist and the mind is a large part of it. It is perhaps more important then what people think. A clear mind can do much. I have learned that after years of learning my martial arts I have found a way to tap into the art of meditation in a way, perhaps, that others havent. I wouldn't really know as I have kept this to myself until now.

What I do is light a stick of incense(always chamomile, for me). I have found that chamomile often will help you relax and I believe there are a few scientific studies that have concluded that it releases a relaxing agent when burned or chewed. I will often light a candle(I dont think color matters) and set it front of me. I then shut off everything that gives off sound. I sit down in front of my candle and incense, close my eyes, and then begin to focus my energy into myself. In other words, I feel around my body and center myself. Once I have did this to satisfactory point, I will open my eyes and look into the flame. This is when I start to meditate and find my inner peace. I have then cleared my mind and feel the bliss of tranquility.

[Sercee]

Hmm... that sounds like an idea.

Did you learn that through Tai Chi or was it something you simply figured out that worked for you? (Planning on joining Tai Chi soon)

[thatguy]

There's a story I read as a child which has a similar meditation in it. It's called: "The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar".

T. Guy.

[shadow_walker143]

thanks so much for your help. i will have to try those ideas as soon as i get a little time alone. roomates suck when you live in a studio lol. anyway, thanks.
shadow

[Eretik]

Rather than meditate, I like to go to a peaceful [away from humans = peaceful, to me] place and either focus on or forget my thoughts. If I have a problem, I go for forgetting, I just stand on a bridge over a river and let it go away from me. Works really well for me. If I focus, then I try to see if anything becomes apparent to me, omens if you like. I've been guided by overheard conversation, ducks coasting on river currents , boxer dogs drooling on my neck! and all sorts in between. I never go home without something to help. I find I don't have much call for meditation, in a formal way. I like to relax by being outside, all weathers too - can I ask those who do, why you do? Is it for focus or relaxation?

[Sercee]

For me it's for focus and training, I guess. I have a hard time keeping control of my thoughts, my mind gets 'noisy' easily so it's hard to form any kind of intent when I'm doing spells or rituals. I also do it so I can learn to navigate my inner consiousness more, possibly for healing or visions once I get better at it.

I'm all sorts of good at relaxing without meditation, but it typically involves the outdoors without people, also.

[Orion]

Yeah, I tend to divide my uses between focusing for something specific (we even do a bit in Tae Kwon Do) and simply relaxing. I even practice meditation techniques just pull myself to sleep at times, lol. But yeah, meditation does help to break free a lot of built-up stress and give things organized in my head.

I do know what you both are talking about by being outside alone to relax. I enjoy it when I am home, but dorms in the middle of a city work against that. For now I will have to look at pictures and close my eyes,