BS: How do you meditate?

Subject: How do you meditate?
From: GUEST,Paul
Date: 02 Dec 01 - 01:03 PM

George Harrison's wife and son have requested that fans join them in a minute's meditation in his memory, tomorrow (see this page

I'b been a huge fan of George for many years, and he was very important to me as a teenager. I'd like to join in as best I can, but I don't know how to meditate.

Semantically, you could say that this is the same as a minute's silence, but knowing what I do about George's beliefs, I don't that is what is meant.

A quick net search reveals lots of sites about "How to Meditate" which I shall read.

Just wondered if any one here who meditates (in the sense I believe is meant here) has any advice?

Many thanks

Paul

Subject: RE: BS: How do you meditate?
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 02 Dec 01 - 01:38 PM

Hi, Paul. Good question. You'll probably get a slough of different answers, all of which will probably be right. Sylvia Boorstein, a meditation teacher in California, wrote a book called, "It's Easier Than You Think", and it is. As far as "what to do", probably the simplest "technique" is to sit comfortably in a quiet place with as few distractions as possible, close your eyes, and simply pay attention to your breath as it moves in and out. Each time a thought comes into your mind ("What am I doing?" "Is this right?" "This chair isn't as comfortable as I thought it would be." "Oh, no, I forgot to call Joan!"), be aware of it, and then turn your attention back to your breath. The point of meditation (to my mind, at least) is mindfulness. In the words of Sylvia Boorstein, "Mindfulnes is the aware, balanced acceptance of present experience. It isn't more complicated than that. It is opening to or receiving the present moment, pleasant or unpleasant, just as it is, without either clinging to it or rejecting it." In other words, to use the title of another of her books: "Don't Do Something, Sit There"!

This may be more confusing than clarifying because it's so brief, but I hope it helps. Thanks for posting this...I'm sure it will begin an interesting discussion, and one that George no doubt would (will?) appreciate.

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: BS: How do you meditate?
From: GUEST,Paul
Date: 02 Dec 01 - 03:15 PM

Thanks for that Mark.

I'm looking forward to hearing any other thoughts or comments, but from what I've been reading this method seems quite appropriate, especially given George's love of mantras

Paul

Subject: RE: BS: How do you meditate?
From: Dead Horse
Date: 02 Dec 01 - 03:34 PM

I dunno. I'll have to think about it.

Subject: RE: BS: How do you meditate?
From: Amergin
Date: 02 Dec 01 - 03:53 PM

with a pint in one hand...and a book in the other...

Subject: RE: BS: How do you meditate?
From: Roughyed
Date: 02 Dec 01 - 04:44 PM

Different religious or philosophical paths have different attitudes and ideas about what meditation is/does. My own experience of meditation is buddhist and meditation is used as a way of developing particular mental states that buddhism sees as desirable such as wisdom, compassion etc.

I don't think most buddhists would see a lot of value in one minute of meditation and nothing else but I'm sure George would have been very pleased if you learnt a meditation and tried to make it part of your life. The benefits are wonderful. I will certainly be including him and his family the next time I do a metta bhavana (loving kindness meditation). I owe him a lot for the pleasure his music gave me over the years. May you be well.

Subject: RE: BS: How do you meditate?
From: Sonnet
Date: 02 Dec 01 - 04:46 PM

Paul - sit comfortably, making sure you're warm and not going to be disturbed. Close your eyes, but 'look' upwards. Rid your mind of unwanted s*** and clutter. Concentrate on your breathing and relax. Gentle music and nightlights may help. If thoughts start coming, go back to your breathing and think of the triangle formed by your nose and mouth. Sometimes I visualise this as a bear's or a tiger's nose. You may 'see' colours or visualisations or feel like you're spinning. Don't be afraid. Afterwards, come back gently. You should feel 'lighter' and have that same feeling you get when you've been eating chocolate.

Good luck. Love. Courage. Forward. Janet

Subject: RE: BS: How do you meditate?
From: mooman
Date: 02 Dec 01 - 04:53 PM

Dear Paul,

I meditate daily (or more often). Mark Cohen's advice above is very good and is the basis for a fairly common form of Zen meditation based on breathing which I often use. You can also help concentrate on the breathing and help dispel intruding thoughts with a simple one, two, three...ten counting first on the breathing in and then the breathing out.

Try a web search also on Charlotte Joko Beck, a well known author on Zen meditation and teacher. Many of her lectures on meditation have been published and may be available online.

Hope this helps a bit

mooman (also greatly saddened by George's passing)

Subject: RE: BS: How do you meditate?
From: WyoWoman
Date: 02 Dec 01 - 06:58 PM

I get my little dog Bob and walk through the orchard, then through the vineyard, being mindful of what I'm seeing -- the spiders' webs hung with dew, the color of the sunrise reflected on the pond, the sound of a pheasant beating the air with her wings when I get too close to her nest -- and then I climb over the stile into the neighboring wood and jump across the stream, making sure to hit the tire in the middle so I don't go kerplash into the drink. I climb over a couple of downed trees, all the while reminding myself gently to be doing exactly what I'm doing. If I notice my mind starting to grind away on what I have to do this day and whether or not I should have put the bread in the oven before I left the house and just how big that pile of credit card bills really is, I remind myself gently, gently to come back and place my foot just so and to notice the way the grass is turning sepia and the way the black walnuts stain the dirt underneath the tree ...

I make my way to my "chapel," which is one black walnut stump about three feet tall that abuts another big, gorgeous black walnut tree. I sit on the stump, lean back against the tree and look out on the vineyard and the woods around me and I breathe. I notice my breath and I notice the sounds of the leaves rustling and the squirrels scolding Bob from the upper branches and the sound of Bob's feet crunching on the leaves. And I close my eyes -- or sometimes leave them wide open -- and I say "thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou ...." until I feel emptied out.

And then I walk home.

ww

Subject: RE: BS: How do you meditate?
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Dec 01 - 07:03 PM

I take a sip of cool, clean water as a symbolic gesture of letting only words of kindness etc. pass my lips. I also gently wash my hands with soap and water, as a symbolic gesture of leaving the mundane world, to go "within."

Then, I make sure I am sitting comfortably, with both feet on the floor, my hands resting comfortably in my lap, but not touching. I either chant (ra-ma or other vowel sounds) or have on music, but not always.

I close my eyes and concentrate on taking in slow, deep breaths, (you know you are doing this when your belly grows bigger with each inhale, like a ballon), then I slowly let it out, gently blowing it out through my mouth. I do this several times until I feel calmer and my mind has emptied. It helps to visualise all stress, thoughts, etc., going out with the old, exhaled breath. I also will envision a bubble of Light surrounding me.

Once I am in that state, it depends on what I am working on, what I do. I may visualise someone I am trying to help or a situation and the outcome I am giving thanks for, painting a picture in my mind of whatever it is that I want to help or concentrate on. Once i have built that up to a good point, I always finish with "I give thanks for this, or something better, for the highest good of all concerned. So mote it be!"

In the case of George, I will *see* him surrounded with Light and Love and at Peace, as well as send the same to his family and friends. Thanks for letting us know about their request.

If I am doing a general, calming meditation and/or looking for answers, I will use the chanting or music and empty my mind, while doing the initial breathing, then keep my mind still and empty, letting that which I believe in, send me pictures, words, etc. of whatever OR just leaving my mind, etc. still and blank. This can have a profound effect of peacefullness, calmness, and restorative properties if one is stressed out for any reason; when it's *Time to take a breather*! *bg*

Try to follow what feels comfortable and right. If it only lasts a few minutes, that's fine. If you don't feel like opening your eyes and "coming to," then just let it flow. You'll sense when you are done.

Hope this helps. Interesting thread!

kat

Subject: RE: BS: How do you meditate?
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Dec 01 - 07:13 PM

WyoWoman, that is absolutely beautiful! I am so glad you have found such happiness in your new "spot." Well said and another profound way of meditating. Thanks for the reminder!

Subject: RE: BS: How do you meditate?
From: 53
Date: 02 Dec 01 - 07:58 PM

just take a moment of silence and think of things that bring you joy. BOB

Subject: RE: BS: How do you meditate?
From: GUEST,Paul
Date: 02 Dec 01 - 09:21 PM

Thanks (nearly) everyone,

This has got me interested, not just for tomorrow, but for the longer term.

Thanks again

Paul

Subject: RE: BS: How do you meditate?
From: DancingMom
Date: 02 Dec 01 - 09:45 PM

Depends on what I wish to accomplish at the moment; to calm myself, to give thanks, or to seek out an answer to a problem. Focusing on the breath, or a word or phrase or line of music to repeat helps me avoid mind wandering. With eyes closed I focus my inner vision at a spot sort of between my eyebrows and and create an image or a sound there. Sometimes I just think about someone I love or something that brings me joy. I do a walking meditation (eyes open!) too, and as described above by the others so beautifully, walking in a favorite spot in the woods, on the beach, or in the yard is wonderful. I take in as much as I can through my senses; I see, hear, taste, smell, and feel as much as I can and give thanks for it. Thanks for letting us know about the Harrison Family's wishes. I would love to somehow give something back to George, who gave me so much. Or pass it on. Sharon

Subject: RE: BS: How do you meditate?
From: Kaleea
Date: 03 Dec 01 - 01:41 AM

Many "fundamentalists" are afraid of the word, meditation. I believe that it simply means, to quote the Bible, to "be still and know that I AM God." If you are really interested in meditation and think you need guidance, you might consider checking into the Self Realization Fellowship. I believe they offer lessons via the mail. Some are able to meditate without any assistance from others, and some require assistance of someone who is knowledgeable. Also, one might visit the nearest B'hai or Buddhist Temple. I believe we can learn much from the life George Harrison lived, and from his beliefs which took him from young musician into the open hands of the Divine Beloved.

Subject: RE: BS: How do you meditate?
From: rangeroger
Date: 03 Dec 01 - 02:10 AM

This is a subject that I had thought about starting a thread on.Thank you,Guest Paul.

I meditate with my guitars.There are several songs I play that by continued chord progressions,I can enter into a meditative state. I try to keep the fingerings simple so I don't have to think about what to do next.I also use open tunings and repetitive chord progressions through those.Full open D being my favorite.

My limiting factor is my hands.I have problems with my hands going numb due to carpal tunnel syndrome, so I sometimes have to stop and rest them.If I can get deep into a meditative state, the pain goes away sometimes.

rr

Subject: RE: BS: How do you meditate?
From: GUEST,Paul
Date: 03 Dec 01 - 03:08 PM

Refresh

For those who may not have seen or known about it.

The meditation for George will be in a little less than an hour and a half.

9:30 GMT

I don't know the other time zones, but you can work it out by the time of my posting.

Please join in, in whatever way you wish, if George mean't anything to you.

Paul

Subject: RE: BS: How do you meditate?
From: GUEST,paul
Date: 03 Dec 01 - 03:10 PM

apologies to the apostrophe police...

Subject: RE: BS: How do you meditate?
From: MMario
Date: 03 Dec 01 - 03:13 PM

put a baby in my arms. works for me.

Subject: RE: BS: How do you meditate?
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 03 Dec 01 - 03:53 PM

For me a mantra is necessary to keep thoughts out.

Subject: RE: BS: How do you meditate?
From: Raptor
Date: 03 Dec 01 - 04:11 PM

Great thread Paul
I just relax while listening to Love over Gold Album by Dire Straits
Letting all muscles go limp. (lazy boy chair works well for this)
Raptor

Subject: RE: BS: How do you meditate?
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 03 Dec 01 - 05:08 PM

Playing "Summertime" or a little ditty I wrote many years ago that require no thought except to be in tune with the guitar.

Like Bob(53) says - "Think of things that bring you joy."

I was off to the exotic Far East when those guys crashed upon our shores so I can't say as I ever really listened to them. I know they had, and will continue to have, a profound impact on music in the world. It isn't good or bad/glad or sad - it just is.

Steve

Subject: RE: BS: How do you meditate?
From: GUEST,HelenJ.
Date: 03 Dec 01 - 05:36 PM

I meditate and I vizualise. The first time I sat in a psychic circle it occurred to me that the many times I had closed my eyes and fallen asleep - knew nothing until I awoke in the morning - were as nothing to this third eye experience.

It is a moving and amazing experience. What more can I say? I still do not understand it - or will I ever - but I continue to meditate. Another dimension which George discovered and held on to to the end of his life.

HelenJ.

Subject: RE: BS: How do you meditate?
From: Allan C.
Date: 03 Dec 01 - 06:54 PM

A number of folks who have posted here have made mention of paying attention to your breathing. One way I have learned to do this is to think of the air you breathe as a more visible, even colorful fluid. In your mind's eye try to see it as it flows into your body through your nose or mouth. Allow yourself to see it in a soft color, such as a light green or powder blue. Visualize the path it takes as it enters your lungs. Watch it change colors as the oxygen it carries is left behind. See it as it is pushed out of your body and back into the world around you. "Watching" this cycle a number of times can be quite relaxing and can help to bring on a meditative, or even a self-hypnotic state.

Subject: RE: BS: How do you meditate?
From: Deda
Date: 03 Dec 01 - 10:38 PM

I love reading all these explanations and descriptions of meditating -- it is very calming and centering just to take in all these lovely, helpful, serene posts. Just reading down the thread has reminded me of many meditations, and put me into a very pleasant state.

I've heard that both prayer and meditation are communing with the Divine. In prayer you are talking, (asking, thanking, etc.) -- and in meditation you are listening. SO I would say that a piece of it is being quiet enough to hear that small, still voice--which means no straining, in any direction.

I am thankful for George Harrison's spirituality, as well as his guitar and music. Grateful that his spirituality influenced the whole world, as did his music, and he never seemed to be focusing on or from his own ego. For a superstar, he set the best of examples.

Subject: RE: BS: How do you meditate?
From: catspaw49
Date: 03 Dec 01 - 11:14 PM

I'm reminded of a story about the crew of Australia I. Bondy hired someone to come in and work with them because he thought it would better their performance against Freedom. After several sessions where this group of hard sailing blokes learned the "techniques" of meditation, with the lights still low after a long meditation period, the facilitator said for them to consider their losses and then asked, "Why are you losing to Freedom?"

A seasoned winch grinder spoke from the back........."Because they're fuckin' faster than we are Mate."

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: How do you meditate?
From: WyoWoman
Date: 04 Dec 01 - 10:15 PM

I'm assuming that's an adjective rather than a verb in that particular usage, huh?

ww