stillness meditation vs mindfulness meditation?

Question

I was wondering what people's experiences have been with the above meditations and which they would recommend for stress release? I have tried doing mindfulness but find I become too aware of either the breathing or bodily sensations depending on which cd Im working with (using jon kabbit zinn) and it doesnt relax me actually feel less relaxed then when I started, I'm wondering if I am doing something wrong or its just not working for me. I found stillness meditation which doesn't focus on anything but I'm just wondering if this is as effective and has all the reported benefits of mindfulness? I'm looking to stick to one over the long term and hopefully get some benefit in the form of stress/anxiety reduction. Thanks

Answer 1

When changing/altering one's perception of the world one mustn't forget the oral details of toe-may-toe vs toe-mah-toe both equate to a tomato.



Personally, I don't understand guidelines to meditation and think they make it difficult for those have different backgrounds; different strokes for different folks I should say. When I meditate, it appears as if I'm going for a walk in the woods, which is what I do. My perception, which is VERY important, is not of the destination of finishing the walk but of the journey it entails; the various plants I encounter, the behaviors of various animals, walking along creeks and gazing at the sky above the tree canopy are a few things I can think of.



I'm not going to call this homework but humor yourself by asking these questions:

-What is important in life?

-Why are these things important?

-Are these "things" important to my peers/society/family or to me?

-If I was the Earth, what would I want?

-If I was a cell in my body, what would I want?

-What is Yin & Yang... balance?

-What is Tao/Dao?



Being; whether walking, sitting or hanging with a clear mind, focusing on "now" is what meditation is all about.



I hope this helps. :)

Answer 2

Stillness Meditation

Answer 3

1

Answer 4

I would like to make some general recommendations for you. For stress reduction, mindfulness meditation is a wonderful tool. Mindfulness meditation is more than just a formal practice. It is a philosophy that teaches us about the value of moment- to-moment non judgemental observation. This is a powerful concept. Mindfulness meditation practice has many benefits so it is worth exploring.



With any meditation training you need to see what works for you. Give yourself lots of practice and time to figure this out - months are not out of the question. Meditation actually trains the mind just like weight lifting trains the body. Be patient with yourself. Meditation or any mind-body practice should increase calmness, relaxation and enhance overall health and wellbeing.



You mentioned stillness meditation. I don’t know if you are referring to Transcendental Meditation, which has traditionally been the most widely researched meditation technique around the world. When we “transcend” in meditation we are able to still the mind and go beyond the thinking process and all outer sensory experience. This inward direction of our attention goes to the most subtle level of awareness; what can be described as our maximally expanded state of consciousness. There is profound rest and rejuvenation.



Meditation, on a purely physiological basis, is reflected by the brainwave patterns that result and more coherent brain functioning - where both right and left sides of the brain are integrated in their electrical activity.



More coherence on EEG readings correlates with better memory, psychological stability, higher creativity, higher IQ, and enhanced reaction time. Science is now showing that we can directly increase brain functioning, and meditation is one activity that supports this process.



The brain is extremely plastic at any time throughout life.

Answer 5

You really need to check out "The Depth Factor" meditation program, it's the best, it's been voted as the number 1 meditation program made so far. Here is their official web-site: http://www.thedepthfactor.net



It combines binaural beats and ancient meditation techniques to deliver the best meditation experience. This is perfect course for a beginner or an intermediate. Good luck!

Answer 6

both meditation and relaxation are simillar,with little distinction between the two. the individual is guided by another in some cases. unfortunately no one person is the same, therefore neither one is better than the other. I would recommend, that the unexpended person seeks out and experienced instructor for meditation or a professional guide for relaxation techniques. the most effective will be the one you're most comfortable with.

Answer 7

When I started meditating I had the same problem and found it easier to begin with stillness meditation. When I became really good at slipping into stillness meditation, I found that it opened the door to mindfulness meditation, but it was still more of a challenge. Mindful meditation is no longer a problem, but it took me awhile to do it successfully. My advice is to start with stillness, move to mindful, and while in the transition, if mindful becomes frustrating, go back to stillness for that session and try again tomorrow.

Answer 8

*Mindfulness ('Insight') Meditation in itself has two Main purposes: the first is to develop mental concentration. The second is to gain ‘Insight’ into the nature of things through “mindfulness, awareness, vigilance and observation.” Mindfulness (Insight) Meditation is intended 'to purify the mind'. It cleanses the thought process of what can be called psychic irritants, things like greed, anger, ignorance, depression, anxiety, impatience,and stress - things that keep us snarled up in emotional bondage. 'It brings the mind to a state of tranquility and awareness, to a state of concentration and insight'. When one practices mindfulness meditation, he meditates on anicca (impermanence), dukkha (suffering), and anatta (non-self), using the breath as an anchor. The key to mindfulness meditation is observation without attachment. Basic Mindfulness (Insight) Meditation: Find a quiet and comfortable place. Sit in a chair or on a cushion on the floor with your head, neck and back straight but not stiff. Put aside all thoughts of the past and the future and stay in the present moment. Become aware of your breathing, focusing on the sensation of air moving in and out of your body as you breathe. Feel your belly rise and fall, the air enter your nostrils and leave your mouth. Pay attention to the way each breath changes and is different. ‘Observation-without attachment-is an important key to mindfulness meditation’. In mindfulness meditation one is 'an observer' of thoughts that arise in the mind during meditation. These thoughts are not harshly judged but are recognized as they simply are: thoughts and feelings. They are not to be clinged (attached) to, for clinging (attachment) causes suffering. We use the breath as an anchor. What does this mean? When a thought/feeling arises in the mind, we observe it-making a mental note of it, then gently return to the breath. If you’re observing your thoughts and emotions without getting caught up in them, then your on the right track. Remember not to be hard on yourself when your thoughts wander; be gentle with the mind, and simply return to the breath.



Jon Kabat-Zinn Ph.D. is alright when it comes to teaching mindfulness meditation. But I would highly suggest Henepola Gunaratana and Andrew Weiss, as insight teachers. *Learned Mindfulness Meditation from their books: '"Mindfulness in Plain English" - By: Henepola Gunaratana. It's a how to manuel on the practice of Mindfulness Meditation -covering how to meditate, what to do with your body, what to do with your mind, dealing with distractions during meditation, what the difference is between Sati (mindfulness) and concentration, the practice of Loving-kindness Meditation and Mindfulness in Everyday Life.*"Beginning Mindfulness: Learning The Way of Awareness" By: Andrew Weiss - which teaches Mindfulness of Breathing, Walking Meditation, Mindfulness Meditation, and Mindfulness in Everyday Life.



Best Wishes to you in your meditation practices.