Caffeine and meditation

[LucidMind]

How do you guys feel about using caffeine when you meditate? I'm talking about a cup of green/black tea or even coffee.

I know that monks will often use green tea in their meditation rituals, because it increases alpha waves (relaxation) but decreases beta brain waves (movement/agitation).

Sometimes if I am too tired I find it extremely difficult (if not impossible) to meditate unless I have a little bit of caffeine in me, or else i will surely fall asleep.

What do you guys think about this?

[Gareth]

I really don't think there is a problem with this; I have honestly never given any thought to what is in my body before meditating. Don't tell anyone, but I have even meditated when a little tipsy before (not easy).

[JonW]

Meditating after a beer or two can be interesting.
Meditating on a hangover is to be avoided at all costs though.

[Vixine]

I always have coffee in the morning and sometimes right before or even during my meditation. My biggest problem with meditation is when I'm too tired and doze off, so caffiene is important just to stay awake

[FeeHutch]

Meditating with a hangover is also interesting

In answer to the question, I don't consciously think about what I have eaten or drunk before sitting practice but do try and eat mindfully now. If I am sitting I may become aware of feeling hungry or thirsty though and as I do abuse caffeine far too much I also become aware more these days of feeling either jumpy or having hit a real slump. I am thinking about trying to give up my caffeine habit yet again actually so your post caught my eye

As with everything else in life I have to decide how to use the energy available to me during the day and if meditation is a priority then I try to give it the time and energy it needs rather then fit it in when I am already very tired and so need stimulating to stay awake. It isn't something I am managing so much in the last few weeks but I am feeling the lack of consistent practice and am mindful about making it a priority again.

[rara]

I think you'll learn soon enough by experimenting.

You're practicing meditation after all...so surely you'll notice how you function differently with or without drug enhancement.

No meditation is ever the same. And if you're tired and meditate, well, you just learn something new. It's about the present moment and what's going on at the time that counts. Learning what works for you is part of the journey.

[rara]

Meditating with a hangover is also interesting

In answer to the question, I don't consciously think about what I have eaten or drunk before sitting practice but do try and eat mindfully now. If I am sitting I may become aware of feeling hungry or thirsty though and as I do abuse caffeine far too much I also become aware more these days of feeling either jumpy or having hit a real slump. I am thinking about trying to give up my caffeine habit yet again actually so your post caught my eye

As with everything else in life I have to decide how to use the energy available to me during the day and if meditation is a priority then I try to give it the time and energy it needs rather then fit it in when I am already very tired and so need stimulating to stay awake. It isn't something I am managing so much in the last few weeks but I am feeling the lack of consistent practice and am mindful about making it a priority again.

Can we get "like" buttons in the forum?? Would save me re-posting this and saying "like"

[FeeHutch]

I was a member of another forum a few years ago and there was a karma or smite option under each poster and it kept tally of your scores. It probably wouldn't fit the vibe here though But thank you for liking my post!

[LucidMind]

I think you'll learn soon enough by experimenting.

You're practicing meditation after all...so surely you'll notice how you function differently with or without drug enhancement.

No meditation is ever the same. And if you're tired and meditate, well, you just learn something new. It's about the present moment and what's going on at the time that counts. Learning what works for you is part of the journey.

*like*

[rara]

Lol, well that'll do for now I guess