11-24-2016, 03:23 PM
meditation has helped me quite a bit over the years. I used to be an angry person with a short fuse, but now after years of regular meditation (maybe I'm just getting older), I am much calmer and thoughtful with my reactions.
I don't think the importance of breathing can be overstated. Especially exhaling. Air fills up your lungs effortlessly, but it takes muscles to force the air out. That's how I usually start meditations, just focusing on exhaling all the air in my lungs, and steady breathing. After that I like to have a mantra (usually a phrase from a book, song, conversation, etc. that stuck with me) and think on it until I become a transparent eyeball.
personally, I wouldn't recommend listening to audio recordings whilst meditating, but I haven't tried it, so not certain. but seems like it would keep your mind too active. if you are going to listen to an audiobook, try "The Dharma Bums."
I don't think the importance of breathing can be overstated. Especially exhaling. Air fills up your lungs effortlessly, but it takes muscles to force the air out. That's how I usually start meditations, just focusing on exhaling all the air in my lungs, and steady breathing. After that I like to have a mantra (usually a phrase from a book, song, conversation, etc. that stuck with me) and think on it until I become a transparent eyeball.
personally, I wouldn't recommend listening to audio recordings whilst meditating, but I haven't tried it, so not certain. but seems like it would keep your mind too active. if you are going to listen to an audiobook, try "The Dharma Bums."