Maybe I should try a chair.
That's what I use.
Maybe I should try a chair.
@Skier31 , a couple of years ago, I went to a weekend retreat with Pema Chodron. There were 24 hours of silence, which I actually enjoyed. It was harder when the silence was lifted, because it seems like everyone else was there with a friend; I was there solo. So I felt more isolated when people were talking than when it was quiet.
Also, most of the women in my dorm arrived late, weren't part of the starting ceremonies, and weren't in the spirit of things - they kept talking. I hope one day to participate in a (short) silent retreat.
How much nonverbal communication did you find went on? Was it actual conversation, or more utilitarian? I wonder if "chatting" would be counter to the intent. Maybe not.
My joints really hate meditation. Maybe even more than my brain. I don't think I could do an hour of sitting. 20 minutes is pretty tough on my knees in all of the positions I've tried. Maybe I should try a chair.
So I just thought I'd post an update. Yes, I'm still at it -- 15 minutes a day every. single. day. I actually haven't missed a day since I started in early January, 2016. I've made a few changes: I no longer use Headspace -- which I still believe is a great way to get started. Instead, I use an app called Insight Timer, which lets you either set a timer so you mediate on your own, or else follow one of the many guided meditations it makes available. I mostly do my own thing, though.
Last summer I started following the mediation with 15 minutes of yoga/light stretching. I play some relaxing yoga music (a list curated by Pandora), and it's a nice transition between meditating and the rest of the day. I even stand on my head for 2 minutes, which makes me feel really good.
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Just looking at that makes my head hurt! But it's great that it works for you.
There's a yoga headstand that doesn't really have you resting directly on your head. Hard to describe, but you sort of cup your hands around the front of your head and rest on your forearms. The arms take your weight, not your head and/or neck.
Yeah, I know. But honestly, this doesn't bother me at all. I've been able to do this since I was like 4 years old. I feel great afterwards, from the blood rushing to my head. The trick is not to get up too quickly, so you don't get dizzy.
Yes, when you do a headstand during a yoga practice, you're supposed to rest in child's pose for a bit before slowly getting up.
I'm with @bounceswoosh; I really can't stand meditating. Unlike her I've no real interest in working at it. I've tried it a few times for a few months, and god, I just hate it. I hate the feeling that I'm doing it wrong, I hate the feeling that I must really "need it" because I hate it. It just seems like a place to notice the crap in my life that is not perfect that I can't avoid. I would much rather spend time in my garden, or taking a solo hike or bike ride. I get so much more from those types of activities.
I'm curious, for those of you who do enjoy meditating, what has it done for you? Does it really make a big difference in your life?
I don't see why learning to meditate in a quiet place is defeating the purpose! Helps you learn, right?