Meditation?

[Dredred]

I have had periods where I meditated on a daily basis. My way of meditating was: sitting on a pillow, cross legged, with a straight back, breathing deeply, focusing on nothing in particular, letting my thoughts come and go without being destracted by them.

I noticed that after a while I became better at it, and my relaxation became deeper. However, as soon as I stopped meditating and went on to do other things, the relaxation would instantly disappear.

I wonder if meditation gives enough long term benifits to be worth the discipline and time it costs to do it every day.

I can imagine the exercise of observing your thoughts and emotions without identifying with them can be benificial to the amount of control you have over yourself, and can be a way of getting to know yourself better. But maybe a healthy way of critical thinking will bring the same benifits, without requiring daily practise.

I would like to hear (read) the opinions about the benifits of meditation from people who have tried it, or have practised it for a long time.

 

[c4ts]

I used to try meditation as a technique to calm down and gain focus. I was able to reach a point where I was between sleep and awareness, and I once heard myself snore. At this point I realized I was just napping after all.

 

[Beth]

Long term, I can't say, but I would expect there have been some studies on it. If anyone can post a cite or link, I'd enjoy to read more about it.

Personally I find it a good way, particularly when combined with a bit of yoga, to start my day. It helps me be calm and focused. I also find it helpful to take a few minutes to meditate when I am stressed or anxious about something. However, I don't find it requires much in the way of discipline or time. I spend maybe 5 to 10 minutes at in in the morning and I don't do it every day.

Beth

 

[FireGarden]

Perhaps it doesn't count as meditation, but...
I find it very relaxing to recall things that have I've memorised. Anything at all, really. Maths theorems, music, chess games ....

The main benefit seems to be that I'm never bored whilst waiting in a queue.

quote:

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Originally posted by c4ts
I was able to reach a point where I was between sleep and awareness, and I once heard myself snore. At this point I realized I was just napping after all.

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And it's more fun than counting sheep, too. (I just hope I don't fall asleep at the checkout).

 

[ungoliant]

here are a few articles. you have to decide for yourself which are woo, i just present you with various sides of the story. trying to present an unbiased view.


http://dsc.discovery.com/news/afp/20050606/monk.html

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=6459406&dopt=Abstract

http://cms.psychologytoday.com/articles/index.php?term=pto-20010501-000025