Meditation

I have stumbled upon meditation while in India. ironically, it was just over an ebook a friend suggested. I tried it, and found that it was much like magic and awesome in many ways. It helped me get back when I needed it, It focused me on something that I didn't even realize was present, and I felt like I was in control again - a valuable feeling for a bipolar. I have been meditating on and off for a couple of months now, and the best thing it gave me is a habit to recognize my feelings and be patient and observing about them (though I didn't even do it on a regular basis - sometimes I'd meditate for about 10 minutes every day for a couple of days and sometimes I'll be like "meh, not now" for a whole week or two).
I am in a downed state now and I'm-a go sit on the balcony and listen to the guided meditation.

I'd like to know if it has helped anybody else like it helped me, how it went, and everything else (maybe how your friends reacted when you told them you were trying it out).

Thank you

Meditation means different things to different people but there's a form of meditation that's encouraged in therapy called mindfulness. (I had to look it up to remind myself what it was called...) Mindfulness meditation is being aware of the thoughts you have without passing judgement on them, just accepting them for what they are, thoughts. There is research that shows it's beneficial.

When I was more into it (I probably should still be...) I don't think I ever told anyone I was doing it. The religion that I grew up in taught that you catch demons that way...(Kind of like how you catch a cold...) Like I said... meditation means different things to different people.

Mindfulness meditation is wonderful. One only needs to try it to see its power. I encourage everyone I meet to try it for themselves. Well not everyone obviously but when I see someone who is having troubles I make a point to say something. It does not require belief in a god nor does it interfere with most religious beliefs. In fact it is in line with a lot of religious beliefs such as compassion and peace. (Though some people have perverted religious texts to condone hatred, I don't believe true religion involves these things. They are just rooted in fear) The world would be a much more peaceful place if mindfulness meditation was common place.
I have a co-worker who just returned from Thailand and he said he never felt more peaceful. Just being around Buddhists made him at peace. I plan on making a trip some time in the near future.

Exiled. wrote:Mindfulness meditation is being aware of the thoughts you have without passing judgement on them, just accepting them for what they are, thoughts. There is research that shows it's beneficial.

Yes, that's the one I meant. I can't edit the post now, but yes - mindfulness is what I was talking about.)

About the research and mindfulness being commonplace - a friend told me that it is now being accepted as one of the main methods of treating depression and different disorders, including bipolar, and that the brain reacts so well to it that it is a working add-on/alternative to antidepressants and mood stabilizers... well, there's a lot to be said about it, but things look good.

karmatib, I do the same thing! I try to introduce my friends to mindfulness when I see that they're about to plunge into depression or just... well, bipolar. I have seen that it is not easy, though. For most people, until they're ready to accept it, all the talk about mindfulness meditation sounds like "blah blah blah those buddhists blah blah". I'm actually re-reading what I wrote in this topic and I think it looks like blah blah blah, too. But I think it's great that so many people know it already.

I heard that kriya yoga is veeery helpful. Its a yoga of mind. Anyone tried?