When I was 18 my then-boyfriend, master of Vipassana, informed me that I was not the kind of person who couldslow down enough to meditate. Then, he was probably right. But, now at 32 I find myself looking for ways to calm the cerebral beast from time to time. I just went to the library and got a few books........which have only awakened that beast.......help! It's the usual pattern...I will complicate anything put in front of me (Vipassana, Zen, Tibetan, etc....eenie, meenie, miney, moe).
Does anyone have any suggestions for a novice attempting to learn basic meditation? I'm interested for reasons of reducing stress, personal growth, and inner healing. Oh yeah, and taming the beast.
Thanks.
Does anyone have any suggestions for a novice attempting to learn basic meditation? I'm interested for reasons of reducing stress, personal growth, and inner healing. Oh yeah, and taming the beast.
Thanks.
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Re: help for a new initiate....
Mon, February 16, 2004 - 4:56 PMSounds like you need a study-buddy... someone to anchor your buzzy energy and let you "borrow" some tranquility until you can be still under your own power.
I'm a bit far away, physically speaking, but there are options.
How serious are you about attaining your goal? -
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Unsu...
Re: help for a new initiate....
Mon, February 16, 2004 - 5:20 PMI don't think I can help, but I understand your problem.
I too am in the throes of "trying' to discipline myself to sit down and bestill my raging mind. I was lucky enough to be able to go to a meditation group when I lived in DC. I was only able to go the once, but it really helped. The atmosphere, the other people and the chance to ask questions. I am always afraid that I am going to do it wrong - stupid I know. I was able to manage 30 minutes with the group. Since then, I moved to Philly, I haven't found a group as yet. Again, I haven't been able to do it on my own. I just don't make the time for myself, I always find something else to do.
I think joining a meditation group or finding a friend is a great idea. I will try to heed my own advice!
Good luck ! and any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. -
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Unsu...
Re: help for a new initiate....
Wed, February 18, 2004 - 9:51 PMThanks....I wouldn't wish a raging mind on anyone, but it helps even just knowing there are others out there who sympathize and understand! I'm looking into meditation, but doing it the way I do everything...I get a book on it. Probably I should just sign up for a retreat or something! Thanks for the idea.
I do like the book- I don't have it in front of me, but it's about the Vipassana method. If I get any useful gems, I'll certainly pass them your way. -
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Re: help for a new initiate....
Thu, February 26, 2004 - 4:11 PMAnyone new to meditation and interested in the benefits of joining with others, whose desire is like your own, can get a quick personal referral by going to a *natural foods store* and just asking the person behind the counter at the cash register. Chances are *exceptionally good* that you'll get positive results right away!
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Re: help for a new initiate....
Fri, April 30, 2004 - 11:48 AMI've found that 'what you resist persists'. (Sorry for the cheese) Meaning, don't fight your noisy mind, just watch it. In puppy terms, you're not the puppy, you're the spacious, silent, compassionate and forgiving yard that the puppy is playing in. Just watch the puppy do what it does.
When a thought pops up, acknowledge it and then let it go and wait for the next thought to pop up, when it does, watch it and then let it go. Keep doing this. Eventually you'll notice that none of these thoughts has anything to do with you. They're impersonal programming. You are the witness witnessing the thoughts. You are the awareness that is spacious and silent.
Another metaphor... In order to hear a drum beating, you have to have silence in between the beats. That silence is you, it's always there. The beats come and go, the silence doesn't.
Hope this helps. T -
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Re: help for a new initiate....
Fri, April 30, 2004 - 3:42 PM'what you resist persists'. Danaan Perry taught me this many years ago. Thanks for reminding me. -
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Re: help for a new initiate....
Fri, April 30, 2004 - 5:59 PMThanks for the thanks! :-)
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