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    Saturday, April 11, 2020

    Meditation: Anyone else feel that after falling out of practice for a while they're reluctant to start back up?

    Meditation: Anyone else feel that after falling out of practice for a while they're reluctant to start back up?


    Anyone else feel that after falling out of practice for a while they're reluctant to start back up?

    Posted: 10 Apr 2020 03:01 PM PDT

    I've noticed that I'll usually go through phases of meditating regularly and then stopping for a few weeks. During those weeks I'll be aware that I should start back up again but once I've stopped for a while I've noticed that I'm reluctant to let the mind slow down. I'm always looking for something to keep me entertained or mentally stimulated and have am aversion to slowing things down and stopping to meditate. My mind seems very much to crave a state of constant stimulation and meditation feels like the opposite to that. I'm sure this means that meditation is a good antidote to this state of mind but perhaps this contrast between the two is also why I struggle to maintain meditation as a regular habbit.

    I think I might also be hesitant to stop and let my thoughts flow freely, perhaps scared of what I'll see. I think I crave constant stimulation as a way to avoid my problems. Meditation involves letting thoughts flow freely and not being distracted, which is the opposite of what my current lifestyle seems to involve.

    I was wondering if anyone else has any experience with this? Thanks for any input!

    submitted by /u/A_Real_Phoenix
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    “Often a crisis is generated precisely because your unconscious and your intuition know that you need to grow in order to emotionally and spiritually survive, but you just can’t stop hanging on”

    Posted: 10 Apr 2020 04:58 PM PDT

    Laura Day, Welcome to your Crisis

    I'm really enjoying this book and I think some of you might resonate with this quote.

    submitted by /u/linsage
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    Euphoric feeling after meditating?

    Posted: 10 Apr 2020 10:27 PM PDT

    I meditated for the first time last night. I went for about 10 minutes and only focused on my breathing. I felt VERY calm and opened my eyes when I was done and my whole body felt numb, and I just remember feeling weird because

    I had this odd euphoric feeling. I think it may have been because I'm never fully calm. I do suffer from anxiety. Intrusive thoughts are one of my biggest anxiety struggles. And after meditating, they were no longer there. Has anyone else felt this?

    submitted by /u/Renegader933
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    Hopefully someone can tell me if I am actually into something or just spinning my wheels.

    Posted: 10 Apr 2020 10:00 PM PDT

    I have been using Sam Harris' App to try and learn how to meditate (making the best of the quarantine). I completed days 5 and 6 today of the intro course (like 50 days in the intro course). This morning I had a lot of trouble focusing while meditating, or trying to meditate. It seemed as if I had 1 million thoughts entering my mind and couldn't stop them from appearing in my head.

    This evening however, I was able to get into a space where I did not have all those thoughts racing through my mind. The few that did were noticed clearly and let go of. For about the last five minutes of the session, I didn't have any thoughts really. I was clearly awake but wasn't bothered by my dog breathing or a car driving by in the background. It is like I was in this empty space, focused on my breathing, very relaxed. Is this what I am working towards? Or am I missing something. Thank you for reading.

    submitted by /u/jpayer24
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    People that suffered from anxiety how long did it take

    Posted: 10 Apr 2020 09:54 PM PDT

    So I've been struggling with anxiety for the past year.

    I've been trying different approaches gratitude meditation, mindfulness meditation and bits of acceptance meditation. Eating better and working out more.

    I went through a 2 month bend where I felt like my old self again but now I feel like I'm back at the beginning.

    Through some introspection I realized my best bet is to do a daily routine of acceptance meditation. This seems like the most affective treatment for anxiety judging by what I've read.

    I understand the concept, you go from existential refusal of anxiety to a more flow like state with anxiety not judging it as "bad" and wanting it to go away. Instead accepting it as part of you and letting it flow. Pain without suffering.

    I'm just starting now and with this whole COVID thing it's kinda a blessing-unlimited time no interruption.

    I'm curious how long did this total acceptance of anxiety take you? I plan to meditate when waking up and going to bed for the foreseeable future. I'm also curious what practices have helped you accept anxiety besides acceptance meditation? thanks

    submitted by /u/supasickbruh
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    Easier to distance from thoughts, but harder for emotions

    Posted: 11 Apr 2020 01:00 AM PDT

    So I can more easily disidentify with my thoughts when I am being mindful, but whenever I experience an emotion especially a strong negative emotion coupled with an associated thought it just seems to grip me. I cannot seem to see the gap between me and the thoughts especially because the emotion can be felt through my body like for anxiety, tightness of the chest. These feelings makes it feel like I am it. How can I better disassociate from my strong emotions compared to the relative ease of thoughts?

    submitted by /u/generate913
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    Has mediation helped you lead a less attached life?

    Posted: 10 Apr 2020 07:09 PM PDT

    Since beginning mediation would you say you feel less attached to things/people physically & emotionally?

    submitted by /u/SpiritBoy97
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    Finding balance for the unrequited

    Posted: 10 Apr 2020 09:18 PM PDT

    I've been meditating for a while now (tbh I've been in and out for years but I haven't seen progress like i have this year and it shows). But something unusual happened today. I mean, I wouldn't say it's completely weird because I'm naturally quite emosh although I feel like there's a fine line between that and having the ability to express - regardless of it being inward or outward.

    I was sitting through a 10-min guided meditation sesh, and towards the end, as I opened my eyes, tears started streaming down my face. I was taken aback because I wasn't going through any sensations of wanting to cry so I was really surprised at how emosh the sesh was for me. I admit I was slightly distracted with some of my thoughts but it was like any other sessions I've had in the last few days.

    I don't think it's a bad thing to cry, just your body's reaction to intense emotions - at least for me. But this is new to me. Today, I was focusing my thoughts on how I felt about someone that I'm deeply drawn to - and it has nothing to do with physical attraction. I think at this point it's more of soul recognition I'd say. I penned down my thoughts, and part of it stems from the gratitude that I had for (him) and the relationship that we've cultivated so far. But, honestly, I think I'm feeling a little overwhelmed at how this has made me feel - and I've just been thinking if this 'rush' of feelings might boil over and explode into nothing. On most days, I feel great knowing I can have a soulful connection with someone, but there's also this - fear-based realm that I'm subjected to in my mind - and it massively disrupts my energy.

    How can I effectively convert all these 'unwanted' energy to feeling calm again?

    submitted by /u/shxntxnx7
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    Meditation and Success

    Posted: 11 Apr 2020 01:53 AM PDT

    Mediation for the Modern Life

    Somewhere in Silicon Valley, a group of computer programmers sit silently

    in a room together, legs crossed and eyes half-closed, listening to the

    sound of their own breath. Elsewhere, the owner of a small real estate

    company starts her day by breathing deeply and engaging in yoga poses.

    Still, elsewhere, a data entry specialist finishes his turkey sandwich and

    returns to his cubicle, puts on his headphones, and breathes deeply while

    listening to the sounds of bells and waterfalls.

    Meditation looks different for different people, but one thing is for sure: it is

    quickly gaining popularity in Western culture. It has many professional and

    personal benefits including increased productivity, reduction of stress and

    depression, and reduction of troubling physical symptoms such as

    headaches and muscle tension, to name a few.

    The word "meditation" often elicits images of devout men sitting silently in

    mystical temples far away. It can seem foreign and certainly something too

    far removed from daily life to have a practical application for business or

    even for personal gain. You may have preconceived notions about what

    meditation entails or cultural or spiritual beliefs which you feel may hinder

    you from participating in meditation. While meditation does have its roots

    in several spiritual practices, it is increasingly being recommended by

    Western medical professionals as research is bringing to light the multiple

    health benefits of regularly engaging in this form of focused relaxation.

    Regardless if you choose to meditate for spiritual reasons or for physical

    and mental health, meditation generally consists of the following elements:

    • A relaxing environment: whether it is in the woods, by the lake, in a

    studio, or in your living room, mediation usually occurs in an

    environment that is physically comfortable and free from noisy

    distractions. Some people choose to sit on a cushion and focus on

    their breathing in complete silence while others may choose to lay on

    their beds and listen to relaxing music.

    • Posture or movement: during mediation, the participant will generally

    sit in a specific posture, such as with the legs crossed, spine straight,

    and hands resting on the knees. Sometimes participants will lay

    down or engage in specific movements, such as with yoga or t'ai chi.

    • Focus: while meditating, the participant will focus on a number of

    things from their simple breath, the feeling of energy moving through

    the body, an object, a value or ideal, or a word or phrase called a

    mantra.

    • An open mind: during meditation, the participant allows their mind to

    let thoughts flow through their mind without judging them. Often

    times, the meditator will observe the thoughts instead of suppress

    them and then gently bring their focus back to the intended subject.

    submitted by /u/kosto77
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    Am i meditating wrong?

    Posted: 11 Apr 2020 01:52 AM PDT

    I just focus on my breath and occasionally ill drift off then i pull myself back and repeat.

    Ive been doing this now for 3 years but feel something is holding me back from going deep.

    submitted by /u/themangu6
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    "There is no when or then, there is only Now. Because Now is the only time that exists"

    Posted: 10 Apr 2020 05:48 AM PDT

    Now is all there is. Quote for the day. Peace! :)

    submitted by /u/Airrunner85
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    Imagine that... I never really gave meditation a thought, but I lit a candle and just stared into the flame for 10 minutes. I actually did feel different and calmer.

    Posted: 10 Apr 2020 09:57 AM PDT

    Can meditating help me?

    Posted: 10 Apr 2020 02:48 PM PDT

    I'm not sure if this is the right place to post but I'm desperate for help.

    The simplest way to describe how I feel is "stuck". It feels like everything is a chore or impossible to do. I can't do the most basic things like taking a shower because I know I don't stink, so why should I shower? I can just change my clothes. If my hair starts getting oily I just wash it but only if I need to leave the house for groceries or if my friends want to hang out. I wash and wear the same few clothes I have (hoodies and sweatpants) because it's the only ones I feel comfortable in. I've gained weight so it's even more difficult to be "comfortable enough" to get out of the house. I don't feel like I'm depressed though, I might have anxiety? I'm not sure.

    The reason why I say I don't think I'm depressed is because I don't have suicidal thoughts, I'm generally a "positive person" because I know that things will be okay. I don't feel like I'm sad I'm actually pretty happy most days. I just feel lazy. I can't do things that are usually effortless for people. I think my problem is I'm lazy and not disciplined. I procrastinate a lot which is terrible. Especially during this pandemic I spend my entire day on my phone.

    Another reason why I don't care to exercise or eat healthy is because every time I try I just end up binge eating and let myself go. Why should I try and put in so much work just to end up failing? Sometimes I feel like I don't deserve to be happy or make more money and I can't figure out why I feel like this because I should want to live my best life. I dropped out of college bc I want to be a wedding photographer full time but I feel like a disappointment to my family because I just can't do the things that I know will help me be "successful". I feel like a failure. I end up losing weight but then go right back to binging. I end up photographing a few weddings and then go back to not wanting to do anything. I start journaling and then go back to not doing anything. It's just a never ending cycle and I hate it. It feels like I'll end up being stuck in the same place living with my mom forever. Photography was my passion, I loved editing but now it just feels like work. I know I need a website and market my photography but it seems so hard to do. Sorry my thoughts are kind of all over the place I just wanted to write down how I felt. If I knew what my problem was maybe I could fix it but I can't pinpoint why I am this way.

    I guess my question is for people who have managed to get out of a similar cycle. Will meditating help me? I just feel so worthless right now. I'm scared that I'll start meditating but not give it a chance if I don't see results quick even though I know it takes time. I'm scared the motivation to change my life will go away because it always has. I know motivation doesn't last and I need discipline to keep me going but I've always struggled with discipline.

    submitted by /u/zaingrey
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    Diaphragmatic breathing gives me a posterior pelvic tilt

    Posted: 10 Apr 2020 04:42 PM PDT

    Also having some lower back pains, though my lower back may be a bit compromised atm. I don't have a weak core either

    submitted by /u/HairyRevolver
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    It's scary letting go of the ego.

    Posted: 10 Apr 2020 11:29 AM PDT

    How do you find the courage to let go of identifying so strongly with your thoughts when you've been so used to the comfort of doing so your whole life?

    submitted by /u/thr0w4w4y19998
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    My 1 hour for a week meditation experience

    Posted: 10 Apr 2020 01:52 PM PDT

    Since I've had a lot of free time lately with the current state of the world, I decided what a better time to do some long meditations. So, first off I've been using a 1 hour guided meditation and I just want to share some of the benefits I personally experienced from this meditation. The first one is just the overall level of clarity in my mind. I have no racing thoughts and at times if I feel I am drifting away—I just let it see where my mind takes me. This has helped me a lot to focus on whatever I'm doing or thinking about. Next: My anxiety—at the start verses at the end of my meditation is what amazes me the most. Even if I go into the meditation with minimal anxiety at the end of the meditation there is slim to none. I'm no expert but I think it's just due to the calmness of the meditation and how it soothes my mind putting me in a better mood as well. Another thing I want to talk about is how it's helped me sleep. I suffer from severe insomnia for years and usually rely on sleep medicine to go to bed every night. So when I do the meditation right before sleep I like to sit pretzel style in my bed and by the time the meditation is over I'm so relaxed and my mind is so calm and ready to rest at this point. I typically leave on some rain or waves hitting the shore blank noise on my little speaker and I'm asleep within 5 minutes every time with no sleep meds. This is what's been most beneficial to me because then the next day when I wake up I feel really well rested as opposed when I take sleep meds I feel groggy and exhausted the next day when I wake up. Similar to a restless sleep. Im sure there is more stuff I'm missing but I'm glad I've given meditation a try to see the great benefits meditating provides.

    submitted by /u/mike_fiske
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    How can I control my anger and my intolerance

    Posted: 10 Apr 2020 11:23 PM PDT

    I've never ever try meditation, I just read a comment in a post of a guy asking some similar question to mine, and the comment says that is impossible to vanish the anger, but what can be done is controlling how angry something makes you and how long that anger lasts, then this user recommended this subreddit, and I just want to now, how to meditate, is there a technique? Is there a certain way to meditate? As I said before, I've never tried any of this things, I am a blank sheet in this things, please help me, I really want to change, I wanna have control in my life, my lack of control cost me my relationship with my girlfriend, and it also complicates my relationship with my family, I can't talk to my 4 years old nephew without yelling at him, please help.

    submitted by /u/mv_moon03
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    Chi:

    Posted: 10 Apr 2020 11:13 PM PDT

    Every night and every morning, I try to remove all the clashing chi, before I can use the room for different purposes. This leads me to wonder, what the average OCD individual is trying to attain? Are they perpetually trying to rearrange chi and realign their energies?

    submitted by /u/RedditWithSanjukta
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    You are the universe and universe is made for you- words that changed my perspective on everything

    Posted: 10 Apr 2020 10:52 PM PDT

    It was a difficult concept to grasp at first, but even when thinking to the scientific level of this concept; you are made of 4 basic components- hydrogen, carbon, oxygen, nitrogen. What is the universe made of? What are other humans made of? What is every living and non living creature and object made of? That's right the same 4 components. In hindsight you do not need to believe in the science, so much as it is supporting evidence for those having initial difficulty in this realisation as I did. I grew up rationalising everything with scientific evidence, but once this thought occurred to me, constantly recurring in my thoughts every day as I meditated on it, this seemed so obvious. Almost like I knew it from the second I could think. I hope you all can relate and come to this realisation, as for me it brought an incredible happiness and gratitude for everything I am surrounded by as well as a deep sense of connection to the universe.

    I hope you all can find the time to improve yourselves and find a reason to meditate, it is sincerely life changing. If you find difficulty in letting your mind let go of the million flooding thoughts, try meditating to a soundtrack of rain/nature/the outside world. This is not an advertisement but if you are in this situation I do offer some short soundtracks for this purpose as it has helped me greatly, in the near future I will be expressing my thoughts and lessons in my journey if you are interested here- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC56RortygXV11nU6Jl1beyA

    Thankyou and I hope I have given you some knowledge to take away. If I have broken the rules of posting please feel free to remove this post moderators.

    submitted by /u/kinglife7
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    For those who have experience and are familiar with Shinzen Young’s “Do Nothing” and other similar approaches...

    Posted: 10 Apr 2020 10:43 PM PDT

    I recently came across a post from a few years ago which talked about Shinzen Young and the "Do Nothing" approach and had a few questions for those familiar with this and other similar techniques.

    I think I tend to be someone who is always "on", very involved with what I "should be doing", generally indecisive. It's been very interesting trying this approach. What I've noticed is that I am beginning to recognize that moment of choice & indecision, the "what do I do next", where Shinzen says the circuit responsible for controlling attention is maximally active. I just drop the intention of "deciding" or willing a decision or thought into mind, and just let things unfold without holding any expectation or intention.

    I've found its helping a ton with my problem of a sort of "decision paradox" where I become extremely self-conscious, judgmental, & resistant to whatever it is I've "decided to do". I feel like with this practice the phenomena of constantly relating everything to the idea of self and judgment, any sort of autobiographical narrative that things are happening to "me" dissipates.

    However, sometimes I find that if I were to follow through with the whole "do nothing" approach, my "doing nothing" would actually entail me getting up and starting another activity. The only thing stopping me from doing such would actually be me consciously interjecting a train of thought and "doing something".

    In these moments I can sort of still continue my "do nothing practice", noticing moments where that moment of choice/indecision arises, dropping it, and seeing where that leads next. It actually sometimes leads me to effortlessly doing things I'd been avoiding, or things that I would be resistant to if I were to be more conscious and involved with my intention to do it. However, I have a feeling that this is not normally how this approach is technically supposed to go. According to those more familiar Shinzen's teaching regarding this practice and others with a similar method, how should I be responding to these more physically engaging modus operandi in regards to "doing nothing"?

    submitted by /u/LifeasReed
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    So I just started podcasting and wanted to share my tips with you all

    Posted: 10 Apr 2020 06:03 PM PDT

    Hello all!

    I would love to start helping people out in regards to seeing things through a different perspective of thinking. Check out my most recent (relatively short) podcast episode and give me your thoughts!

    Spotify link:

    https://open.spotify.com/episode/1NETtW6TA16mccqziu9JFA?si=uy19EWVhRl6wm1Q9rnx58Q

    If it sucks, tell me it sucks and why.
    If it's good, tell me why it's good and why.

    What would you like to see/hear in the future?

    Thanks!

    submitted by /u/The_BizQit
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    Uploaded a video earlier today Talking about Meditation, Psychedelics, The Ego, and More, link is on my reddit page if you want to check it out

    Posted: 10 Apr 2020 09:16 PM PDT

    Hope you have a great day🙌🏼

    submitted by /u/Rich_Method
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    Is it necessary to stay straight while meditating ?

    Posted: 10 Apr 2020 05:27 PM PDT

    Hello guys, i just started meditation few days ago and i find it so interesting and realy helpful at controling emotions and knowing better yourself, i just wanted to know why everybody recommend to remain in a straight position i personaly prefer meditate while i am lying down in my bed, idk i relaxe more in that position and i feel like im breathing correctly.

    submitted by /u/LYERO
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