01-25-2011, 06:33 AM
I had (have) a lot of issues (due the difficult childhood) that needed attention when I started to meditate seriously. We are all different and as some one told you to ignore the thoughts, I for instance, needed to pay attention to them in the beginning, as it was too much issues on the surface. I started to concentrate on chakras in the beginning and as I did that a lot of visions occured in my inner view. Visions was mostly memories, flashbacks, from the past of this lifetime. And after these visions a lot of thoughts and insights occured, as these visions needed attention from the conscious mind. This process took about 4-5 months (if I remember it correctly). After that my mind was a bit calmer, at least on the surface, but there are still a lot of issues going on in the depths, for all of us. Sometimes certain issues need to be processed (and this process is called "Balancing the Self" in A Wanderer's Handbook by Carla) and sometimes my mind needs to calm down and be quiet. After a while you'll know what's the best for you in every given moment. Regarding these quiet moments you might just try different "styles" to discover which one works best for you. As time pass by you will also might find that you would like to change the technique.
Different techniques that I have tried are, among many, these:
1. Stare at one spot (with or without blinking) for at least 20 minutes, then close your eyes and relax in your whole body, give in in that relaxation.
2. Imagine in your inner view a ball of light (or whatever you find comfortable) and powerful walls that are unbreakable that shut out thoughts and other distractions as you move towards that ball in the middle with these walls protecting you.
3. Imagine that you are in the control room, go out and take elevator all the way from level 9 to 0 as you counting down and see these numbers on the elevators display plate. When the doors are opened at level 0 the most bright light meets you and welcomes you to your true home (this was a bit intimidating to me when I tried it first).
4. Close your eyes and concentrate on the sounds. After a while you will hear a constant buzz ringing in your ears. Concentrate on that buzz, and it should grow stronger and stronger.
The first technique involves your sense of sight and the forth involves your sense of hearing. These techniques are all about occupaing your brain with something to "do".
There is another technique. I refined it for my own purposes and this technique was very helpful to me to connect with chi/prana. I used it, among other things, to remove physical pain in the body. This technique is Kundalini awakening, but I don't recommend to wake up Kundalini when you are new to meditation, just practice step 1 and 2, and don't be afraid to try it in different ways so they suit you, and not the other way around. Here it is:
http://www.swamij.com/kundalini-awakening-1.htm
Good luck!
Different techniques that I have tried are, among many, these:
1. Stare at one spot (with or without blinking) for at least 20 minutes, then close your eyes and relax in your whole body, give in in that relaxation.
2. Imagine in your inner view a ball of light (or whatever you find comfortable) and powerful walls that are unbreakable that shut out thoughts and other distractions as you move towards that ball in the middle with these walls protecting you.
3. Imagine that you are in the control room, go out and take elevator all the way from level 9 to 0 as you counting down and see these numbers on the elevators display plate. When the doors are opened at level 0 the most bright light meets you and welcomes you to your true home (this was a bit intimidating to me when I tried it first).
4. Close your eyes and concentrate on the sounds. After a while you will hear a constant buzz ringing in your ears. Concentrate on that buzz, and it should grow stronger and stronger.
The first technique involves your sense of sight and the forth involves your sense of hearing. These techniques are all about occupaing your brain with something to "do".
There is another technique. I refined it for my own purposes and this technique was very helpful to me to connect with chi/prana. I used it, among other things, to remove physical pain in the body. This technique is Kundalini awakening, but I don't recommend to wake up Kundalini when you are new to meditation, just practice step 1 and 2, and don't be afraid to try it in different ways so they suit you, and not the other way around. Here it is:
http://www.swamij.com/kundalini-awakening-1.htm
Good luck!