Hello all, I desperately need guidance about meditation...
I have been following the Gnosis London lecture series on YouTube, so I have come to understand how fundamental meditation is. I have been taking it more and more seriously. I was hoping someone could help me address the following issues:
(1) I usually lay down (sitting in lotus position hurts my back) and take three very deep breaths, holding each one for about 5 seconds each, and slowly exhaling. I inhale and exhale through my nose. After laying still for a while, I begin to feel the calmness in my extremities, almost as if they are getting heavier and heavier. But this technique is effective only sometimes. Am I preparing my body correctly? Is there another way to "put the body to sleep"?
(2) I am not sure what to do in meditation itself. The Gnosis London videos suggest choosing a mantra and focusing solely on that. I have chosen "Trin" to help develop my intuition. So I literally repeat this mantra over and over in my mind, trying to make it my only thought. When other thoughts enter, I attempt to erase my mind like a chalkboard and immediately go back to the mantra. The thoughts keep attacking, and I keep trying to push them out and resort back to Trin. Am I doing this properly? Are there any techniques anyone can suggest to assist this process, or is it just going to be difficult until I practice more? I guess I just want to know I am doing it right...
(3) I can't seem to get past ten or fifteen minutes before I have an impulse to check the time or open my eyes. I hate this, as I know it's counterproductive. Any suggestions? Will this improve with consistent practice as well?
Also, I was just wondering if it's recommended or not recommended to meditate with music or white noise (fan, air conditioner) in the background?
ANY help is very very much appreciated. I want to accomplish this more than anything, so ANYTHING that anyone can suggest or propose is truly welcomed. Thank you so much!
I have been following the Gnosis London lecture series on YouTube, so I have come to understand how fundamental meditation is. I have been taking it more and more seriously. I was hoping someone could help me address the following issues:
(1) I usually lay down (sitting in lotus position hurts my back) and take three very deep breaths, holding each one for about 5 seconds each, and slowly exhaling. I inhale and exhale through my nose. After laying still for a while, I begin to feel the calmness in my extremities, almost as if they are getting heavier and heavier. But this technique is effective only sometimes. Am I preparing my body correctly? Is there another way to "put the body to sleep"?
(2) I am not sure what to do in meditation itself. The Gnosis London videos suggest choosing a mantra and focusing solely on that. I have chosen "Trin" to help develop my intuition. So I literally repeat this mantra over and over in my mind, trying to make it my only thought. When other thoughts enter, I attempt to erase my mind like a chalkboard and immediately go back to the mantra. The thoughts keep attacking, and I keep trying to push them out and resort back to Trin. Am I doing this properly? Are there any techniques anyone can suggest to assist this process, or is it just going to be difficult until I practice more? I guess I just want to know I am doing it right...
(3) I can't seem to get past ten or fifteen minutes before I have an impulse to check the time or open my eyes. I hate this, as I know it's counterproductive. Any suggestions? Will this improve with consistent practice as well?
Also, I was just wondering if it's recommended or not recommended to meditate with music or white noise (fan, air conditioner) in the background?
ANY help is very very much appreciated. I want to accomplish this more than anything, so ANYTHING that anyone can suggest or propose is truly welcomed. Thank you so much!