You might like to try some different contemplative (or meditative) techniques. Perhaps you would simply like to quietly relax. Contemplation can be considered to be “meditation-lite”.
Arrange your physical environment to not be disturbed. Close the door; wear ear muffs. Take care of your physical/bodily needs. Have a glass of water near by in case you get thirsty.
Contemplation is: thinking about something or not thinking of something or thinking of nothing. It could be a time for pondering a question or just a thought or even a simple time to rest. You could contemplate any ideas of interest or concern. Sometimes we hear a new and potentially useful idea and we say, “I'll have to think about that.” Contemplation is a good time to think about something and to consider the truth or the improvement it might make in your life or the lives of others.
Try various contemplation ideas to see what they're like. We may like to think we know what the effects of a given meditation will be by just reading the description. We think we know, but we don't really know until we have gained from the actual experience. Then there is greater understanding about what is best for you, after a period of contemplation.
Breathing: Sit comfortably, close your eyes. Be aware of your breath; follow it in and out. If you get lost in thoughts, return to your breath. Breathing can be very refreshing. Don’t try very hard to do anything. Do not obsess about doing it correctly.
Thinking: Some people like to add one or more ideas to help their mind focus. Don't expect to focus strongly or to chant repeatedly, just think gently. Use some of the following as you like:
“Om” as a contracting energy.
“Aum” as an expanding energy.
“Who” as a mysterious energy.
“Hu” (hugh) a special ancient sound.
“Ra” an energizing sound.
“Flame” to receive light.
“Water” imagine a lake or the ocean.
These ideas may work for you. Don't ask whether they will work, simply try them. Obtain your own direct experience. Some of these or others may work better for you. Use the ones that work best for you now and every so often return to see if any of the others will offer anything else later on.
One possible complaint about meditation is that thoughts interfere. And some people think contemplation takes time away from real accomplishment. Consider that the mind may try to communicate something. If a thought is about something to do, write it down and return to your contemplation. Writing it down allows the mind to move on to something else. As the to-do list fills, the mind empties. When you are finished contemplating, you may then have a list that is very useful. Insights gleaned during contemplation might save hours of unnecessary puzzlement.
Learn how to be able to sit still in a room. “Sometimes I sit and thinks and sometimes I just sits.” You may not know if you were dreaming or if you thought of a butterfly or what.
“Just the moment we desert the need for a particular thought, that is when poetry, hope, virtue, learning, anecdotes and all—will flock to our aid.” —Emerson.
07/14/24