Meditation, yoga, mindfulness classes, any suggestions?

[Hoddie32]

Hi, 

I'm sorry if this is a topic that's already been covered.

I was just wondering if anyone had had any experience with meditation, mindfulness or yoga classes and had any recommendations for what they felt helped them. Personally I've tried just lying down on my own and meditating but it doesn't really work out.

I wanted to join a class or course  in Melbourne where I have to make a commitment to go each week and make time for it.

Any suggestions?

[white knight]

Hi Hoddie, welcome

I've mentioned my favourite guide of all tiem here many times

Google - "Maharaji prem rawat sunset"  or Maharaji prem rawat the perfect instrument" and he has many others.

Cheers

Tony WK

[Guest_2350]

Hi Hoddie, 

welcome to bb!

I've tried various approaches to integrate meditation, read about mindfulness, attended public classes and retreats.... most of the publications from the big names of mediation are too overwhelming for me at the moment and I also struggle with the whole concept of being, soul, god or whatever is incorporated in many teachings. Furthermore I have experienced flash backs in long meditations and was actually advised to stop it for some time. 

And then I tried Headspace again and all of the sudden, this made a lot of sense to me (I tried it before and could not find the connection) and I have practiced it for over a month now, every day. Just google Headspace. The teacher has also written a book which I have just started on - I re-read the chapters again and again until I understand them before moving on. 

My advise would be to just keep looking. There are so many approaches to this and it needs to fit you and your current state of mind. Don't be afraid to let one practice go if it does not suit you at the time, move on, try something different and see if that fits. And try to adapt if required - I meditate lying on my back with my legs propped up on a chair and my arms whereever they are comfortable that day. Sometimes I walk instead of being still. 

Take care, Yggy 

[Ohmydayz]

The take 10 from Headspace is fantastic. 

 Also, hit up your public library for books on mindfulness. 

[SubduedBlues]

Hi Hoddie

Meditation and self hypnosis can both be beneficial self-help mechanisms, but it is important to know what you are doing. Just reading a book and trying it out on my own was pretty much fruitless efforts.  I needed to be taught how to meditate, but I didn't want to spend money on something that I wasn't convinced would work.

Thus, I went to a few free (or near free) Meetup sessions on various meditation, yoga and other self-help groups. Found one that worked for me, and now I am able to use meditation and hypnosis to aid in a number of my conditions.

The other's suggestions are good too. Let us know how you go.
D'

[mexico]

Hi Hoddie, I found yoga to be the best thing for the balance in my depression. I stopped over a two years ago after I broke my elbow and then my younger sister committed suicide. I found that depression crept on me slowly. The best thing to do is find a yoga teacher that understands your needs. Also mindfulness and sound meditation in a class works well. Anything you do, you need to do in a group. On your own it will not happen. I thought I could do it on my own, stopped my medication and found I was like salmon swimming up stream, hard work and wasted energy. Go for yoga. I hope this helps you.

[submeg]

Hi Hoddie32,

 When I first started meditating, I used some guided meditation from the book "Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself" by Dr. Joe Dispenza. I also use the app available on both iTunes and Android, Buddhify 2. They have great guided meditations of varying length. When I first started, if I wasn't using a guided meditation, I found my mind would wander and I would end up thinking instead of meditating.

[Bob2]

Dealing with the imminent death if my father, being with him the night he passed away, the grief afterwards - I had turned to Buddhism several months before and read the Tibetan Book of Living and Dying (Sogyal Rinpoche).This gave me solace and strength, and I found a very strengthening mantra which worked for me. I experienced a severe bullying period from an aggressive junior staff member who was the wife of another staff member senior to me. This resulted in my breaking down completely one day at irk, and though I was fortuneate that two great guys from Beyond Blue were actually talking at work that day, attempted self harm that night.  luckily a real friend found me in time, and brought me home and to my senses. I have since read several more Buddhist books - Widening the Circle of Love and The Dalai Lamas Little Book of Wisdom, both by the Dalai Lama. Meditating quietly on these works has helped me to achieve an inner peace, I now can now look at each day with a smile, which I find truly wonderful. Try these, submerged, they may help you. As our Muslim brothers say, peace be unto you.

[Wild_]

Hi Hoddie32,

Just wondering whether you did find a yoga place that you found particularly helpful in Melbourne (or suburbs)?  I have been wanting to join in an effort to improve my mental state and help with my depression - however I have been getting put off because it seems like so much effort (and money) to "shop around" until I find the right place.

One post mentioned that it must be done in groups for it to be helpful and to help you commit.  I think this is an important point - just with team sports - much easier to get motivated if people are relying on you.