Meditation is a comfort to me, even though many days it's just 'thinking with my eyes closed while trying not to'! So while I can see and agree with you that for new meditators it might feel like it's helping, I think simple breathwork techniques always do help, in both the short term and the long term.
Thank you for that insightful message. It is also my experience that meditation is extremely valuable but not a cure all. Having been meditating for over 30 years, it now is almost as much a part of my daily life as brushing my teeth or bathing. Some days feel like just slogging through but isn't that how life goes? What you reference and what I want to highlight is the way that meditation clears the air. It creates space. Like a big mental and emotional sigh.
And I agree that other interventions like writing and therapy and perhaps medication and sometimes just a good laugh with a friend are also necessary.
Is there a certain type of meditation that you find best suits you. Do you nap or literally meditate silently? Music? I too am in my 70's and write all the time - poetry, songs, articles, journaling -- but only 2x's published and then left it. Help! I want back in.
In case you are not aware of it, there are Senior Peer Counselors in your area. The services are free. The counselors have all had extensive training and have worked with all kinds of problems, and many have done this for 10-15 years. Normally you would meet with one once a week, and if you just want to talk to someone, they can fill that bill, too.
Meditation is a comfort to me, even though many days it's just 'thinking with my eyes closed while trying not to'! So while I can see and agree with you that for new meditators it might feel like it's helping, I think simple breathwork techniques always do help, in both the short term and the long term.
Thank you for that insightful message. It is also my experience that meditation is extremely valuable but not a cure all. Having been meditating for over 30 years, it now is almost as much a part of my daily life as brushing my teeth or bathing. Some days feel like just slogging through but isn't that how life goes? What you reference and what I want to highlight is the way that meditation clears the air. It creates space. Like a big mental and emotional sigh.
And I agree that other interventions like writing and therapy and perhaps medication and sometimes just a good laugh with a friend are also necessary.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Love "...meditation clears the air. It creates space. Like a big mental and emotional sigh."
Is there a certain type of meditation that you find best suits you. Do you nap or literally meditate silently? Music? I too am in my 70's and write all the time - poetry, songs, articles, journaling -- but only 2x's published and then left it. Help! I want back in.
In case you are not aware of it, there are Senior Peer Counselors in your area. The services are free. The counselors have all had extensive training and have worked with all kinds of problems, and many have done this for 10-15 years. Normally you would meet with one once a week, and if you just want to talk to someone, they can fill that bill, too.
Keep it coming, Gary. Your observations are helpful and hopeful.