Question: “Hi I have a question about meditation, I am just beginning to have an interest in Buddhism and read your “This might help” article and learned that I should begin to meditate everyday starting with the First Noble Truth. I have begun to meditate but I feel like there’s a certain way to do it, might seem like a dumb question, but is there a certain way to meditate? Thank you :)”
And heres another this might help article! :p That way I don’t have to repeat myself too much. And then you also have my book 😀
There are many “way,” techniques, positions, guides, etc. for meditation, but none of them really matter as long as you find and do something that most comfortable and works best for you. It’s important to find the best place where you can relax the most without the distractions of aches and pains from sitting down or being crossed legged for so long.
I can usually meditate up to two hours, but only if I’m on the couch or bed, or something that has something where my lower back is against. Otherwise, I usually lean too much forward or backward, and my legs are so numb, I could cut them off and feel nothing!
So comfort and concentration is really the “way” to meditate. We want to be comfortable, but not too comfortable that we’re going to fall asleep. Concentration is what will make or break our meditation. It’ll take years before we can go into meditation with ease and with a clear mind, so in the meantime, our concentration needs to be on our breath (whether you’re counting, feeling, or whatever else), on a mantra, an image – whatever it may be. If concentration is ever broken, we need to be mindful as soon as possible, realize the broken concentration, then go back to it.
Smile and be well!