I started my journey one year ago and just wanted to ask the opinion of more experience meditators Why do you guys read spiritual books? Isn’t the meditation practice enough?

I’ve been meditating for 2 years now. My method has been using sound method. I would mostly put headphones on while playing a sound. Then I would just focus on the sound and if my mind wanders, acknowledge the thought and bring my focus back to the sound.

Recently I discovered lofi hip hop and my meditation session have become more enjoyable. I have adhd and CPTSD. With CPTSD I’m more prone to dissociating after a meditation session depending on my current state. I usually find random sounds on YouTube to meditate to. Lofi has really helped with keeping me focus, grounding me, and help me connect to my body. Maybe the pattern of the sound specifically helps me stay connected with myself.

Is it fine to use lofi hip hop during my sound meditation? Does the sound matter?

I do understand we are all different and it's better to start with small steps but on the other hand many people claim it's better to increase time if we want to achieve more advanced states faster.

I usually meditate for 1 hour but I think I really need more and it would be nice to get some motivation from people who already do it. Even if you did 4 hours meditation once or twice or you do it on a regular basis please share you experience.

Unfortunately I lack discipline very much. I can't focus on the important things and I can't get rid of harmful addictions so I see meditation as a way out and as an ultimate solution. Unfortunately 1 hour isn't enough for me so I want to get motivation to get started 4 hours ones. If you have story what helped you to increase the time I would be glad to read it.

Thanks to all in advance.

I have been trying to practice meditation for a while, especially at bedtime, but I ended up encountering a contradiction, because when trying to stay focused through breathing or heartbeat I also notice that I am more sensitive to some moments when my older sister from bedroom next to me makes medium/low noises.

The way of dialoguing with her has not worked out, but I see that I am becoming more uncomfortable and picking up smaller noises or letting myself be irritated when they are the loudest (like speeches in a normal tone) by losing relaxation when sleeping.

I tried to use white noise/music and even intra-articular protector only that I began to perceive the sounds even with them.

Has anyone ever experienced something like this or would they have a hint?

Hi Everyone,

Love reading the insights everyone has on this subreddit.

But has anyone bet an addiction by meditation? I struggle with bored which leads to alcohol,smoking,drugs and women.

I know my life would be better without these vices but its been a struggle.

The voice in my head is strong.

TIA

22M, I successfully did 2 months of meditation and then suddenly one day I felt to focus on my breath so much so that when I forget to breathe I feel like I will suffocate and faint lol. And even too much breathing is causing it. So what I did is leave meditation and just do my work.

Now what's happening is, when I left meditating I stopped experiencing the benefits. I don't know what to do. And btw therapy is expensive for me so I can't afford it.

I think what I need is better control of my mind. The ability to not overreact, or even stay calm when i should. The ability to control my anxiety. The ability to somehow shed suffering when I'm in pain- that's a huge one.

Everything I know about meditation comes to mindfulness, which I can't remedy cuz what if it's not focus you need but distance? If I'm in pain, focusing on the pain isn't what they teach the SEALs, yknow what I mean? I'm sure there's an element of exposure therapy that works to some extent, but also it seems when you're in distress it's sometimes the worst time to learn how to deal with distress... similar to why they say you must learn yoga for when you need yoga. Thus some mind control could come in handy, I figure. But not sure if meditation actually helps do this.

I dunno what meditation really is. I know you seek to boost awareness; I know you aim to stop intrusive thoughts; And I know monks set themselves on fire and somehow sit there. But I don't know how to get there or if its really meditation that does it (I'm sure pure conviction plays a role). But still- seems impressive to aspire to even 1/10th of that.

Anyone know which direction I'm looking to walk here?

Much obliged.

What if meditation doesn’t have to mean sitting still, closing your eyes, or quieting your mind?
What if it could look like painting one dot at a time?
I’ve been painting with dots for 14 years. And for me, it’s a form of meditation.
One dot. One breath. One moment at a time.
No pressure to sit still. No need to empty your mind. Just colors, dots, and the freedom to get lost in creating.
I don’t really know what to call it. My girlfriend calls it “dot meditation” or “dot therapy”.

Hello,

Approximately three weeks in to meditation, currently doing 2-3 guided sessions per day roughly 6 minutes each.

Starting from a low base the effect seemed significant in relation to the effect of my presence day-to-day.

However, the past few days I seem to be finding myself less present during the day; although I do catch this and correct which is a big win.

The question is: am I right to suspect this is normal, and it might be time to take the next step and meditate for longer periods of time as I become accustomed to the practice? And, is this plateau something that is common after a few weeks, and eventually disappears?

Thanks

Can you let the mind do it's mind stuff and you just do your own thing?

I get distracted. Every time I tried to meditate something distracted me. It's my thoughts or something else.

Also I'm the problem, each time I start, I give up the next few days.