Hey

[Kraeezeu]

Hey,
First of all, I wanted to thank all those people that helped making this site especially Michael of course!
I have to say that yet, meditating is a great pleasure for me. I like the idea of taking some time for only myself and concentrate on my inside. I really feel comfortable and relaxed since Ive been doing meditation. Thanks for that. Furthermore, I think that the introduced Mantra using method is very effective and it helps to focus the mind. Sometimes, I struggle with it, though. I find it hard to concentrate for like 10-20 Minutes on just a word, it is nothing where your creativity can show up very well. Therefore it happens, that I lose my concentration and think about other things, which can again set my relaxed state back to a resentful state of mind. Do I do something wrong? Besides, I find it hard to meditate in the mornig because there are just too many things in my head concerning the day, school, etc. so that I mostly dont find the time to do meditation.
Well, I really apreciate what this site offers and I will of course continue practising and learning. With a little luck, I could maybe become the next Swami or Buddha. (haha) Regards
Christian

[GilesC]

Hi Christian and welcome to the Project Meditation community,

No, you're not doing anything wrong, but your mind is giving you some idea about meditation being something that just happens instantaneously. In truth, it takes practice. For some people it is easier than others, but it depends on the individual, and what they have going on in their life and what their mind is like etc. (too many factors to consider really).

Firstly, let go of the idea of having to "concentrate" on the mantra. By "concentrating" you are using your mind and that will keep you in your mind and not let you go deeper into meditation. Start off your meditation practice by repeating the mantra over and over and then just let if flow as it wants to whether it keeps going at the same pace, slows down, speeds up, gets quieter or louder or fluctuates randomly, it doesn't matter. When you recognise that thoughts have arisen in the mind and the mantra is no longer there, simply invite the mantra to return again and let it come back as it will, there's no need to force it.

When you first start out you will likely get many thoughts interrupting and often find that you've got caught up in the thoughts for a few minutes before catching yourself and bringing the mantra back. That's ok, it happens and it will get easier with practice.

As for meditating in the morning, just make sure you've set aside some time to do your meditation (get up a little earlier if necessary). You only need to start with about 10 minutes and then build up to 20 minutes over time (weeks or months, there's no rush). Yes, you will have thoughts arise about the day ahead, but simply recognise that the day ahead is yet to happen and you won't forget what needs doing (hell you won't even predict exactly the day ahead, so why think so much about it in the present moment hehe!) so choose to let those thoughts go and invite the mantra in.

Most of all, practice, practice and practice. It's the dedication to practice that will make it easier and you will certainly then start to notice the benefits.

Hugs

Giles

[Kraeezeu]

Hey Giles,
Thank you for your advices! I will certainly continue practising and try to benefit as much as possible from meditation. Regards
Christian