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Post by freecharlie on Jan 4, 2021 5:33:02 GMT
I've been using the downward dog meditation app (all the downwar dog apps are free for a year for teachers and healthcare workers) and I try to stick with the voice and the music but my thoughts just start jumping.
I go in and our of the hammock going back and forth and instead start making lists of things I need to do or reliving conversations I have had.
Does it get better with practice? I just can't seem to quiet my brain (this is also why I have to fall asleep to the West Wing, it gives my brain something to focus on)
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Post by nlwilkins on Jan 4, 2021 6:57:17 GMT
You have to do what works for you. If making lists make you feel better then do that. The idea is to get peace. If you cannot quiet your mind, figure out what is agitating you and determine what you are going to do about it BEFORE you try to achieve calmness.
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Post by malibou on Jan 4, 2021 8:16:46 GMT
I find that when thoughts creep in I can tell myself to blow the thought away with my next exhale. It took some practice.
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Post by gar on Jan 4, 2021 8:39:51 GMT
That is very common when learning to meditate...I'm learning to acknowledge the thought but then let it pass without focusing on it. And yes, it is definitely a skill that takes practise like so many other things  Have you tried any other apps or YouTube guided meditations? It may just be that this one isn't for you. |
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michellegb
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,917
Location: New England and loving it!
Jun 26, 2014 0:04:59 GMT
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Post by michellegb on Jan 4, 2021 10:03:10 GMT
I've been using the downward dog meditation app (all the downwar dog apps are free for a year for teachers and healthcare workers) and I try to stick with the voice and the music but my thoughts just start jumping. I go in and our of the hammock going back and forth and instead start making lists of things I need to do or reliving conversations I have had. Does it get better with practice? I just can't seem to quiet my brain (this is also why I have to fall asleep to the West Wing, it gives my brain something to focus on) This is totally me as well. I've always been interested in it, but just can't get my ping-pong brain to slow down enough to focus. |
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Post by peace on Jan 4, 2021 12:11:31 GMT
it really is a practice. It will take a while to quiet that monkey brain.
I would also agree to maybe try a guided meditation. And just keep trying.
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StephDRebel
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,668 
Location: Ohio
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Post by StephDRebel on Jan 4, 2021 15:32:12 GMT
What are your expectations and goals from meditation?
I often find that when 'I suck' at something it's because my expectations are setting me up for failure.
What is the experience you're hoping that you will have?
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Jun 30, 2024 18:50:53 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jan 4, 2021 15:52:11 GMT
When I started meditating years ago I would do it in my tub. When my body relaxed my brain followed more easily. And yes it does take practice but it is so worth it.
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smartypants71
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,741
Location: Houston, TX
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Post by smartypants71 on Jan 4, 2021 16:07:52 GMT
I have a difficult time meditating as well. I find that I just do not have a quiet mind.
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Post by monklady123 on Jan 4, 2021 16:11:18 GMT
I don't know if it gets better with practice because I've never persevered long enough to find out.  I remember when I was doing my chaplaincy training we'd do these "mindfulness" exercises.. guided meditation. Our supervisor would say "close your eyes...imagine walking down a quiet hall... now get in an elevator.... the elevator moves downward and opens onto a beach..." and boom my mind would be off to our last family beach vacation and that was the end of that. This is why I have trouble listening to audio books...my mind wanders and when I remember to pay attention to the book I'll realize I have no idea what they're talking about.  |
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Post by scrapmaven on Jan 4, 2021 16:48:33 GMT
It will take consistent practice. Your mind wants you to start overthinking or fall asleep when you close your eyes. That's just habit. Sit in a chair with your feet on the floor. Hands should be at your side. Keep everything uncrossed. Sitting in an open position is best. Then take a couple minutes to quiet everything down. Deep breaths. Allow yourself to have a thought, don't chase it w/frustrating and angry thoughts. Just notice the thought and when you do go back to your meditation. No judgement. Just breath. You'll get it.
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Post by Merge on Jan 4, 2021 17:10:33 GMT
Guided meditation works better for me, but even then, I get bored and my thoughts wander.
I do fairly well with writing as a meditative practice.
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milocat
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,467
Location: 55 degrees north in Alberta, Canada
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Post by milocat on Jan 4, 2021 17:13:15 GMT
I just fall asleep. "Listen to my voice,... take a deep calming breath....let go of...." My eyelids are drooping already.
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