Q. How do you begin meditating?
The very best way to begin meditating is to find out about it in some way: talk to someone who meditates regularly, read a book about meditation, check out a webpage (like this one), and decide whether this is what you really want to do. When you make the decision to meditate, do so in an informed way.
You may want to join a group of like-minded people who also want to meditate. Or even join a group that has been meditating for a certain length of time already. The
people in that group can give you pointers.
But, I imagine your question really is more about the procedures or act of meditating. The first thing you need to do after making the decision is to find a special place that you feel comfortable in. Keep this place just for your meditation time.
Then, just sit, breathe and enjoy a few minutes to yourself. The biggest mistake is probably to try too hard when first practicing meditation. It should always be an enjoyable session. Just get used to the space you have created.
Q. What does meditation do for the body?
What is really interesting about meditation is that it has been researched scientifically for many years. Medical doctors and psychologists have long been recommending meditation for their patients. It can lower blood pressure, lower heart rate, lower stress and tension, raise the immune system, along with many other advantages. Many cancer centers and heart houses are incorporating meditation in their support groups for health.
Not only physical benefits, but there are many emotional and mental benefits as well. It helps making decisions, dealing with society and just feeling better about yourself.
Q. How can I clear my mind, and stop questions like "am I not thinking of anything? No, because I am thinking about whether or not I am thinking about anything."?
When you go into a certain practice thinking you have to do something, there is no way you will be able to do it.
I usually start my lectures and workshops out by challenging the attendees to sit for 5 minutes and not think of anything. Guess what happens? No one can do it---unless they have been meditating for some time, previously.
So by showing them that it is impossible to do at first, then they can relax and enjoy the experience.
There are many different kinds of meditation. One of which has nothing to do with clearing the mind. It actually gives you a chance to focus completely on what your mind is doing. Moving into the mode of 'observer' lets you sit quietly, but allows your mind to go wild, but always focusing on what is being thought.
Q. Is there a best time of day to meditate? Should I eat before meditating?
The best time to meditate each day is the time youu choose as best for you. It must be a time that you feel you will not be bothered by others or outside things. It should be a time that you can do everyday, so as to help yourself create a habit, so to speak.
Eat before meditating? No. When you purposefully meditate, the blood and energy flow must be allowed to spread throughout the body and brain. If you were to eat ahead of time, the stomach insists on using the blood supply. You may still meditate, but don't expect it to be very productive. If time requires you to eat, then eat only lightly.
Q. Will meditating help me find the meaning of life?
The way I teach meditation is in a very basic way. I don't want to give you such a heavy burden as to think you must become a universal guru. (although meditation can take you to that state at sometime during your practice) I feel that meditation should be 'an ease'. If you are constantly expecting instant knowledge you will wait the rest of your life anticipating, instead of enjoying.
Q. How can I use simple meditation in the class room to help hyper active (as well as other) children?
Such a powerful tool, meditation is. And if you are working with any kind of active children, then moving meditation is the best response. There are so many kinds of moving meditation, but the most obvious to me is the labyrinth. Then you can always have them sit quietly but seeing themselves (in the mind's eye) moving---on a hike, swimming, playing ball. Athletes use this as a special focus or the so-called 'being in the zone.'
"The Journey to Wild Divine is more than a game, it’s a tool for the Mind-Body work we value. It certainly has proven so with me – and it’s a hit with my patients. It’s an outstanding product and since it’s amazingly inexpensive, I encourage my patients to use it as home practice. It’s complex and challenging enough that no one has gotten tired of using it."
Thomas M. Brod, MD, Sr. Fellow, BCIA,
American Board, Psychiatry & Neurology
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