I keep thinking about the timer

[sajor]

I started meditating for 5min couple weeks ago, i now meditate 2x day for 15min each, recently while im meditating i think about my timer, there are times where i open my eyes more than 3 times just to see what time is it, this has caused me not to go into deep state any ideas/opinions. Thank you.

Ps, I set my timer for 15min.

[Biker Bill]

You could try not opening your eyes to see what time it is.......

[GilesC]

Get rid of the timer.

The body's natural body clock is very good when you don't bother. If you set your intention for 15 minutes before you start you can find yourself coming out of your meditation after 15 minutes without having had to consider how long it's been.

The timer is just serving as a distraction.

Hugs

Giles

[jacob.]

Don't identify with the thoughts, just observe them. They are not you. When a thought such as "I wonder what time it is" or "I wonder how much time is left" arises, notice that you are not the one thinking that thought, but observing it. It is being presented to you.

Just let it go.

[Mr Monkey]

You get the thoughts thats fine, its how your reacting to them thats the problem. As Biker Bill suggests when the thoughts come up about "what time is it?" don't react by opening your eyes and as jacob suggests "just let the thought drift by". If the thought doesn't drift by and buzzes around in your head thats fine fine too, just don't react to it and simply treat it as something to observe.

If you feel an emotional reaction to not reacting to this thought (maybe sense of frustration because you feel you 'need' to know the time or a sense of anger that the thought "won't go away"), just observe that too.

I find that some meditation sessions are simply 20 mins of thoughts/emotions running through my mind and I never get into a deep state. Whilst this isn't as nice as some of the more relaxing/serene meditations I have it seems to be part and parcel of meditation. If I look at it positively these "bad" sessions are simply a good oppertunity to practice observing and not buying into the thoughts/emotions that are being experienced.

Equally were all different and perhaps the suggestion Giles makes would work better for you, just experiement and see what works for you.

[sajor]

Thank you guys, i been listining to a lot of Tolle lateley, and he also mentions you are not your thoughts, that its important to live in the now, when ever i get the urge to open my eyes and look at the timer i shall observe those thoughts . Thank you.