Hello, feedback please

[phplayer]

Hello,

I'm new to meditation and I've followed the instructions on the CDs apart from the Mantra. I'm using My breath as an object for meditation. I find it much easier since my breath is always here (I don't have to trigger it), I just need to concentrate on it.

Of course, at some points, I get involved in some other thoughts like "What can I put in my assignment", but I always gently come back to my meditation and let the thoughts go without trying to force them to leave.

However, sometimes, I leave the object of my meditation, not because of a thought, but more of a kind of dream. I know I'm not asleep because I can still think very clearly, but I see images, colours, I'm in different places, and I feel very good. As soon as I think to myself "What's that ?", I come back to a fully "awake state" and start focusing on my breath again.

Has some other people experienced that ? Should just let it go even if I'm no longer focused on my object of meditation or should I consider it as "deeper thought" in which I shouldn't get involved ?

Thank you for your help !

[pollyanna]

Hi there and welcome to the community. It's good that you gently come back to your meditation and let the thoughts go without trying to force them to leave.

The object, whether it be your breath or a mantra is something for you to passively focus on. It's normal for you to go away from this focus - this is where you want to be (without trying to be there) and it's your mind that questions "What's that ?". Maybe soon you will just be able to accept BEING there and enjoy, without asking the question.

I wish you an abundance of peace and joy

[GilesC]

Hi phplayer and welcome to project meditation.

Strictly speaking there is no right or wrong way to meditate so whatever you do is fine. It is considered that there are different types of meditation, but this doesn't mean that any one type is specifically better than another, just that you will benefit in different ways from them.

Most meditations will fall into two major categories: focused and unfocused.
Within focused meditation this can be split into two sub categories: objective and guided

With the objective meditation we focus on a particular object or, as you were doing, the breath. This, for some, requires effort to keep the focus on the one thing, but we shouldn't beat ourselves up if we lose focuse, we just recognise this fact and bring ourselves back to the object of focus.

With guided meditation we are let by some external narrative or pre meditation intention (i.e. we are meditating on a question we have in order to seek an answer). With this type of meditation we start off with a given focus (the narrative or question) and through relaxation and focus on the thoughts we let our unconscious mind guide us in it's own way so that we see whatever we see and hopefully reach our desired outcome or answer.

With unfocused meditation, we are talking about the mantra based meditations. Although it seems at first that you are focusing on the mantra and deliberately saying it, you should let the mantra come to you in any way it wants. When, during the meditation, you recognise that the mantra is no longer there, just simply invite it back and let it come back in it's own way. This type of meditation allows us to transcend the thoughts and bring us to what can only realistically be called our true Self or One consciousness, fully in the present moment. Some people refer to it as a state of extreme happiness or bliss, but in truth those emotions do it no justice as it is something beyond that and can't be simply put into words. We all occasionally experience moments of this state of BEing, but are rarely able to hold onto it. Practice with mantra meditation can help us achieve this state more often.

If you are having trouble with a sound based mantra then it may be because you are not balanced on the side of aural and you may prefer more visual or kinesthetic means. If you are more of a visual person, consider creating yourself a visual mantra, such as a shape, colour or mandala that you can visualise. If you are more kinesthetic then you may want to simply hold a non-descript object and recognise your touch of it during the meditation or even simply let your fingers touch each other gently and recognise that touch. Kinesthetic tends to be a little more external towards the senses than the other two which can be more easily done internally, so if you can do aural or visual then this is likely to be less distracting and easier.

Hope that helps.

Hugs

Giles

[Inedible]

Originally Posted by phplayer

However, sometimes, I leave the object of my meditation, not because of a thought, but more of a kind of dream. I know I'm not asleep because I can still think very clearly, but I see images, colours, I'm in different places, and I feel very good. As soon as I think to myself "What's that ?", I come back to a fully "awake state" and start focusing on my breath again.

When focussing on your breath you can find that the breath sensations are gradually replaced by a light or by a sound or even a smell or a touch. It will grow to the point where it forces you to move away from the breath. In a way, it acts as a mirror. A visual "sign" is best so choose the visual one if you can. Pick the simplest possible one available. A single point of light is ideal. Focus on the center of the light where it tends to be brightest and clearest. This is your new object, so continue your meditation based on it. There is another stage later on that you are working toward where the "sign" will again be transformed.