Restless mind/preparation for meditation

[JonW]

Yes. Agreed Peter.
Letting go of any thoughts of the 'quality' of our meditation is a good move.
We're not meditating to become better meditators. We are learning how to accept whatever is arising in the moment. Some days will be easier than others. That's how it is.
Jon

[alexcr87]

Thanks for your input, JonW. I'll meditate (pun intended) on this!

Have a nice day,
Alex

[ilovehelpingothers2]

I found a free book that seems to have pretty good advice on Mindfulness. I started practicing a few months ago and still struggle but it REALLY helps with my high anxiety.
The book is called, "Mindfulness: A Simple Guide To Help You Be More Mentally Present, Reduce Stress, Lower Anxiety And Bring Peace Back Into Your Life". It is definitely for beginners but a good read. Hope this adds some value to your life in some way.

[BronteFan]

I actually find meditation makes my head slow down & shut up when it's racing at 100 M.P.H. & 3-7 different ideas are going through it at once.

[Eric A.]

Back in the day i counted each breath. So, if you lose count? wow what was i just thinking about??? you come back to the breath and start the count over. But sometimes I'm not even settled enough to do that (for example anxiety combined with insomnia). I do what is called alternate nostril breathing, but unlike other pranayama exercises (very important!) only follow the natural breathing. So one hand is used to regulate the nostrils - some instruction is found online -

Lately i transition form alternate nostril breathing, to counting, then to just watching the breath, then finally allowing the quiet, inactive mind to simply watch itself. Very gratifying!