What is Meditation?

Aug 22, 2006 1:08 PM

Jennifer Mattern :

In your example, you mention meditating twice daily.

If you only have time to practice meditation once a day, would you say there's a better time (morning or evening)? I used to meditate daily during college, and found that it helped me deal much more easily with my hectic schedule. But being out of practice for several years, and being so busy with my business and freelance work now, I'm not really sure when would be the best time to get started.

If anyone has any personal experience to share as to when meditation seems the most effective for you, I'd love to hear it. :)

Jenn

Aug 23, 2006 3:03 AM

Jerry Lopper :

The "best" time is whenever you can meditate. Normally we're more open and relaxed early in the morning. But that may not be the case for you.

The benefit of meditation just before bedtime is that it relaxes you and may make sleep come faster and deeper.

But a 3 minute meditation in the middle of the day can work wonders for stress. If you work near other people, just tell them you're going to relax for a few moments to clear your head. Generally they'll respect your privacy and maybe be interested themselves when they see the immediate benefit you receive.

Sep 7, 2006 1:51 PM

Robin Fowler :

I learned a really good relaxation technique in elementary school (odd, I know!) that I still rely on to this day. I'm not sure if it is technically meditation, but my body and mind certainly feel clear afterwards!

Lie on the bed or the floor on your back in a dark room. Close your eyes, and put your hands flat at your sides. Starting with your toes, tense up your muscles one by one, for a count of ten, until you get up to your eyes. It really works!

Sep 7, 2006 3:03 PM

Jerry Lopper :

That's an interesting twist on the frequently suggested process to start meditation by sequentially relaxing each part of your body.

Tensing each part does draw your attention and focus to your body which holds you in the present moment. I can see where this might be relaxing and is certainly a form of meditation.

I imagine that after you tense each part of your body and go on to the next part, the prior tensed part relaxes. I'll try it.

Sep 3, 2008 11:04 PM

Guest :

I want to meditate because I want to refresh my mind which is really tired of finding the solutions to my problems. But why is it that everytime i want to do it,the more my problem clings to me? How can i meditate effectively?