Posted by Joe Stone (38.157.186.10) on September 17, 1999 at 13:18:47:
I recently joined a meditation class and the other night we were discussing about what we were trying to achieve and the tools we were employing to get there. I thought I could get into a meditative state a lot easier than most of the people there and I wondered why. One of the instructors mentioned that one of the things you try to do in meditation is to detatch yourself from what you are experiencing during the meditation. In other words, to step outside of yourself and observe as a nonjudgemental second party. Observe and learn. This struck me because I've been using this technique for years when my clusters hit. When I get a real bastard, I try to step outside of myself and observe the pain and analyze it. I know it's not as easy as it sounds but taking this rather "clinical" approach has made it easier for me to deal with this emotionally and mentally. I used to feel like I would surely lose my mind because of these things. Now I'm more concerned about losing time. I would highly recommend meditation practices for all of you who struggle with all the difficulties we discuss here. It is a tool that's effects are felt entirely if you are consistent and open minded.