Challenge # 9, January 9, 2011: I have tried and tried to figure out meditation. Every time I try to clear my mind, I find myself thinking about not thinking about anything. And then I fall asleep. Regardless, I think meditation (or even just the attempt at it) can be a wonderful, calming thing. Today, meditate for fifteen minutes. Or if you are like me, just sit in silence for a bit and ignore any stimulants from the world.
A Daily Challenge 
Once again, it’s late, I might try this tomorrow, but right now we have a 3year old running around so I don’t know if it will be possible to even have 15 mins of peace.
So in case I don’t get back to you I can, at least, leave you with this joke.
Do you know the one about the East Indian Guru who walked into a pizza place and said “Make me one with everything.”?
I did do this, but I researched meditation first. I don’t know if my comments would be suitable for this page, so if you want to see them, you’ll have to view my blog.
I absolutely cannot meditate in the formal or traditional way. But I find that while watching an orchestra play I am able to “go somewhere else” and find some quiet there. And in these moments, creativity flows like a wild river, so I always make sure to have a notebook on me.
I’m a daily meditator; here’s my meditation blog if you are interested: http://meditationmania.wordpress.com/
How did your 15 minutes of meditation go?
Stef
I’m not sure that I was able to quite classify it a meditation–but it was a definitely a break. I really do have a hard time seperating myself from my thoughts, but even just allowing myself some time to think in silence (which is what it ended up being) was wonderful. I plan on making many more attempts at meditation this year. I will definitely check out your blog!
Sometimes “just rest” – even if not formal ‘meditation’ – can be a very helpful, peaceful thing. 🙂
I’ve been getting acute insomnia so I meditate every night before going to sleep, sometimes it takes me tens of minutes because trying to clear my mind of thoughts is quite difficult. Anyway, I love your blog. The idea of one challenge a day is brilliant! 🙂
Thanks for looking at my blog! I am so sorry that you have acute insomnia. Insomnia is such a tough thing. Has meditating helped?
I am certainly not a meditation expert, but I do meditate and I find it so helpful for numerous aspects of my life. My daughter and I went to an 8-week meditation course together a couple of years ago, and I am so very glad we did. We were taught that when we are having a hard time settling in, and our minds are racing during meditation, just notice the thought. Don’t get disturbed about it. Just say, “Ahh. There’s a thought trying to distract me.” No analyzing. No fretting. Just noticing. Then return your attention to your breath. Try it. You may find it helpful.
And, I will definitely be checking out the meditation blog mentioned above as well. This blogging stuff can become a full-time thing, huh?! HA!
Thanks for the advice Judy–I will try to notice and not be distracted, as well as concentrate on my breathing next time! Also, thank you for the comments!