To be a meditator, do I have to change my beliefs? Plus, the 2 biggest misconceptions
June 25, 2012 | 11 Commentscategorized in: open heart project
We have so much to share with you.
Get a free meditation from Susan every Monday morning
We have so much to share with you
Get a new meditation from me every Monday morning
11 Comments
Thanks very much for this introduction, it was exactly what I was looking for, very simply and effectively explained. While you have instructed placing attention on breath and not “thinking nothing”, I have practiced “thinking nothing” in the past, as part of martial arts, and was able to achieve relatively long periods of mental quiet, using the gentle “letting go” that you speak of, only with a different focus. I’m curious, what do you think of thinking nothing (haha!)? Fully recognizing that’s not what you are teaching here, do you think it has value?
Hi, Karl. Anything that allows your mind to quiet is valuable! It sounds good.
However, in traditional Shamatha meditation instruction, the advice would be to label “thinking nothing” as a thought, let it go, and return to the breath. But it is up to you!
One of the goals of Shamatha is not necessarily to quiet the mind, but to teach us how to remain stable no matter what is going on in our minds.
Keep me posted and wishing you the best! Susan
Enjoyed this first session. Have dabbled in meditation for many years. Some more rewarding than others. Your clear and down to earth presentation opened my eyes to a new way to approach meditation even though the basic message is the same. Could be the ‘100th time’ thing going here, but something clicked today. Thank you. Looking forward to the next session.
So glad you enjoyed it. It’s always great when something clicks. Glad to know we’re practicing together.
Susan, what a good introductory lesson on meditation. I’ve been meditating for a couple of years now and I wish that I had had this resource when I was just starting (although, frankly, I still consider myself a beginner). I’ve forwarded this to several friends who are beginners or who are considering starting a practice. Thanks for this gift.
I am so happy this was useful!
Susan,
Thank you so much for doing this. I have also meditated on and off for many years…but nothing really stuck. I am doing a martial arts practice where we have a silent meditation….and sometimes we also meditate standing with our eyes open.
This is the first time I have really understood what peaceful abiding means. I really love the idea that “its not to quiet the mind”….but to “stabilize our thoughts”….I have had experiences in the past, where I’ve meditated, and then felt bad when this peace was abruptly broken.
This is wonderful. I’m so glad to know that this was helpful for you. Many thanks for letting me know!
Susan,
Thank you so much for doing this. This is a fresh approach for me.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to participate in your meditation program. I haven’t meditated in years and was having difficulty starting up again on my own. Your presentation and approach are wonderful! I am so excited to continue! Thank you again!
I’m excited too! It’s good to practice together, Debbie.