Does anyone use meditation?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-03-2005
Does anyone use meditation?
4
Sat, 07-09-2005 - 1:11pm
Hi all -
Does anyone here use meditation as part of your fitness routine? I used to, and found that it really helped me focus and do a lot less impulse/stress eating. I always took about 20 minutes before bed and it made a real difference.
For about the past year I have sort of been trying to get back to it (not trying very hard, as I give in to just about any distraction.) I honestly can't remember how I got the focus to start in the first place. Now 20 minutes seems like an eternity and by the time I get everyone in bed, I'm too tired to stay awake for 20 minutes unless I"m doing something active (like cleaning, which is no way to relax at the end of the day). I've tried in the morning, but I have the same problem, I fall right back to sleep.
I really want to start my yoga/meditation practice again, as it helped me in so many ways and I felt a lot better, but I'm having trouble getting out of the starting blocks.
Any suggestions?
Karen
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-20-2005
Sun, 07-10-2005 - 5:32pm

Hi Karen... I'm a Karen too!

I have really been interested in meditation lately. I saw a special on TV the other night about Fairfield, OH and one-third of their citizens meditation. The Mayor meditates, most of the residents, the school children even have meditation breaks in their classes. It really caught my attention and I've been doing a bit of research on it since. I have never been a meditator but I would LOVE to give it a try.

I want to try meditation for more clearness in my mind, in my life direction. I am in the process of trying to find my true life passion and I wonder if meditation would help with that. I am also really attracted to the calmness it supposedly brings, the stability, the release... so, if you have any suggestions about it or might want to try it and swap notes, let me know!

Great question here... :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-03-2005
Mon, 07-11-2005 - 8:10am

I'm actually starting to use yoga and meditation again. It makes a truly profound difference in my outlook and my behavior. For me, it helps me to keep focusing on my health, even when the rest of the world is beckoning. I handle the world better too.

Last night I cleared out a spot in the sun room/storage room, set up a few candles and made my own little place. It's not much, but there is enough room to do a few stretches, then sit, quietly. By the time I got it cleaned out last night, it was really late, so I didn't get a chance to enjoy it. It was funny though, in the process of cleaning out my space, I discovered several other areas that need a little attention and this morning I have conquered two of them.

Good luck getting started. For me, the hardest part is pulling myself away from the rest of the world. I don't know if you are religious at all, but I usually start with a familiar prayer or something, it's way easier than trying to clear your mind if you give yourself something to think about.
Karen

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-20-2005
Mon, 07-11-2005 - 10:32am

Hi Karen,

Your meditation nook sounds perfect! I live in a small one-bedroom and don't have the room for that but I think I could easily put a cushion on the floor and get some good from it. I think I'm going to really try to do that a couple of times this week. Please keep me posted on how it goes with your meditation practice. I would love to know!

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-04-2003
Mon, 07-11-2005 - 11:09am

Hey ladies (karens!!)