Post by mia on Nov 12, 2013 18:25:26 GMT
If you're trying meditation exercises to help with your mental health, it can take some time to get into the swing of things. It's not something which works over night. I like to compare it to certain medication that can take a few weeks (sometimes months!) to kick in... you just have to stick with it, and trust it without judgement.
For those of you that have been following and possibly trying out some of the exercises I post on this board... they are all forms of meditation. For the treatment of MH it is much more than simply "emptying" your mind, which is a common misconception. Here are some top tips for if you're giving meditation a go for the first time:
1) Regardless of what happens (if you fall asleep, lose concentration, keep focussing on other things, or not feeling anything) - just go with it! These are your experiences of the moment, just be aware of them. It does not mean you've failed or are getting it wrong!
2) If your mind is wandering, simply note the thoughts (as passing events) and then gently bring the mind back to the exercise. Wandering minds are a natural, normal process, it doesn't mean you're doing it wrong.
3) Let go of ideas such as "success", "failure", "doing it really well", or "trying to purify the body". It's not a competition. It is not a skill for which you need to strive. The only discipline involved is regular practice. Just do it with an attitude of openness and curiosity.
4) Let go of any expectations of what it will do for you: Imagine it as a seed you have planted; the more you interfere the less it will develop. The more you try to influence what you do, the less it will do.
5) Try approaching each experience in each moment with the attitude of "ok, that's just the way things are right now". If you try to fight off unpleasant thoughts, feelings or body sensations, the upsetting feelings will only distract you from doing anything else. Be aware of each moment, accept things as they are.
For those of you that have been following and possibly trying out some of the exercises I post on this board... they are all forms of meditation. For the treatment of MH it is much more than simply "emptying" your mind, which is a common misconception. Here are some top tips for if you're giving meditation a go for the first time:
1) Regardless of what happens (if you fall asleep, lose concentration, keep focussing on other things, or not feeling anything) - just go with it! These are your experiences of the moment, just be aware of them. It does not mean you've failed or are getting it wrong!
2) If your mind is wandering, simply note the thoughts (as passing events) and then gently bring the mind back to the exercise. Wandering minds are a natural, normal process, it doesn't mean you're doing it wrong.
3) Let go of ideas such as "success", "failure", "doing it really well", or "trying to purify the body". It's not a competition. It is not a skill for which you need to strive. The only discipline involved is regular practice. Just do it with an attitude of openness and curiosity.
4) Let go of any expectations of what it will do for you: Imagine it as a seed you have planted; the more you interfere the less it will develop. The more you try to influence what you do, the less it will do.
5) Try approaching each experience in each moment with the attitude of "ok, that's just the way things are right now". If you try to fight off unpleasant thoughts, feelings or body sensations, the upsetting feelings will only distract you from doing anything else. Be aware of each moment, accept things as they are.
