Posted by LlurpsieNoodle on September 5, 2007, at 9:13:30
In reply to Considering transcendental meditation, posted by widget on September 4, 2007, at 11:16:09
Hi Widget,
I've practiced meditation off and on for the last 4 years.I recommend that you see if there is a meditation group that meets near you. Like anything else, having social support will keep you motivated and make sure that you practice at least as often as you meet with the group.
A number of buddhist temples offer free or donation-based meditation courses. The buddhist philosophy/religion that I have learned so far does not preclude worshipping in a more traditional Western judeo-christian sense. In fact, the notion of "sangha" or community can be applied to any community which provides support, including a church congregation.
TM is expensive, but the limited number of research studies show that it can be effective in the short run for boosting mood.
It IS a practice though- you get as much out of it as you put into it. You will need to set aside quiet time each day for your practice.
I have found the meditation experience to be enlightening, sometimes terrifyingly so. When one really starts to pay attention to the flow and ebb of thoughts, feelings, and stimuli in one's environment, all kinds of things happen. I have experienced what in retrospect were little psychotic cracks, PTSD-flashbacks, somatic expression of psychic fears etc. If you think that you may have elements of terror lurking in your subconscious, it may be wise to have a therapist to help you understand everything that gets stirred up when one quiets the mind.
just a few thoughts...
-Ll
poster:LlurpsieNoodle
thread:780763
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20070904/msgs/780939.html