I first experienced meditation as a child and got particularly interested after a trip to India and Nepal at age sixteen.
Because I’m ADHD as an E’d-up ferret I found it difficult to sustain a regular sitting practice. This year though I’ve built up steadily to doing twenty minutes each morning. At first even ten minutes was torture but I persevered as I’d had it recommended by so many teachers I respect and I’d also noticed the massively disproportional number of mediators who excel in arts and leadership. Four months into this daily practice I’m now both enjoying it and seeing positive results. Here’s why I meditate now:
•It relaxes me, which is good for my health and makes me better at everything else I do.
•It trains my concentration so that learning things is easier.
•It increases my awareness of my thoughts. As thoughts lead to actions, this provides a window of choice rather than living a knee-jerk life.
•It is starting to slow me down – I regularly get feedback from other people that I move and talk quicker than they enjoy. After meditation I can chill and enjoy the space they need to catch up 🙂
The meditation practice I use is a simple “following the breath” form. If you want to try it sit comfortably and upright. Take a few deep abdominal breaths. Then just put your attention on your breathing and allow whatever happens to happens. If thoughts arise, acknowledge them, then leave them alone and return to the breath. Simple – yes. Easy – No!!!!
I also practice Paul Linden’s six-directions breathing exercise and his “smiling heart” exercise, that’s very close to the “Meta” practice of the friends of The Western Buddhist Order who I’ve also had some exposure to.
Of course my aikido practice is a kind of moving meditation and I am trying to bring mindfulness into all aspects of my life – paying attention to tasks as I do them. I’m also attending a yoga class with strong mindfulness components, lead by my friend and ordained Buddhist Taravajra (Mr T for short). He also uses meditative practices in his work with anxiety and depression, alongside the NHS.
I’m currently looking for a community to support my practice. While meditation to me is more like taking a shower than a religious thing, I also know the value of support in any endeavour. Luckily Brighton has about ten Buddhist groups (!!!) so I’m in the fortunate and ridiculous position of Sangha Shopping in the January Sales.