The few times I’ve tried to meditate, it’s just so weird. I close my eyes and sit there, trying to listen to my breathing and my mind is thinking twenty different things. I try to shut out any images but just the oddest things seem to appear out of the darkness. I can’t seem to get on board with the idea of just sitting still and doing nothing. I can’t let go of my thoughts.
I realize that I have an active mind. I am a worrier and I definitely overthink everything. I find it really hard to switch off which leads to insomnia and late nights.
Over the years, I’ve read and hear such good things about meditation. Keeps you calm, helps you focus, improves your health, good for your soul, etc etc. The list goes on. In all the years, that I’ve known about meditation, I’ve never been able to practice it. I probably should try harder but I’m giving up instead. I guess it’s just not my thing.
Looking through a frosty window... 
I definitley empathize! What I would give to shut off my mind and sleep through the night. Sometimes, I can compartmentalize and tuck away things that bother me and keep me awake, but more often than not I will wake up in the middle of the night and toss and turn. Nothing seems to help – not breathing exercises, sleep music and/or sounds, or what passes for meditation with me. I hate to use sleep aids but I often have to just to fall asleep. At least we’re not alone; upwards of a quarter of Americans have sleep issues.
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Thank you for sharing. It’s comforting to know I’m not the only one. Somehow the people I have around me have no problem falling asleep so it’s a challenge for me to explain it. I’ve been trying chamomile tea. Doesn’t help much with falling asleep but seems to help me not wake up as much in the middle.
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I feel you there. For me it’s hard. I keep anticipating something but it never happens and then my brain goes into overdrive. I’ve read in a few article if you follow the thoughts or dispute them, you might be able to silence them.
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When I try to follow the thoughts, I just keeping jumping from one thought to another and don’t really feel that there’s any meditating going on there. Haha.
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I understand. Have you tried holding a solid object in your hand like say a rock and then visualize all those thoughts flowing into that rock?
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Oh that’s a good idea… will try that! Thanks.
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No problem. I hope it works for you!
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Got a book recommendation for you….10% Happier by dan harris. He’s a level-headed skeptic who digs into the science…and man he’s funny. You might know him from TV…he’s the anchor of some station i think. He has some very helpful suggestions
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Thank you so much. I will definitely look for it.
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Hope you enjoy, if you find it. Ps meditation seems like it should be easy, but it’s not arty all. The good news is that it gets easier quite quickly!
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After having kids I found I was too ‘switched on’ to do traditional sitting meditation so started finding other ways to meditate. I found that movement and sound really helped to trick my mind into relaxing.
Before completely giving up perhaps you could try out some different types of meditation?maybe you’ll find something that suits you more?
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Thank you for the advice. I’m still trying to find what might help. I hear there are some guided meditation apps that are quite good.
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Yes-I quite like some of them. There’s one where you breathe in time with an expanding bubble…
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That sounds cool. I’ll look for it.
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