/improve/ - Self Improvement

>>4876

Seconded. In fact, take that shit to the next level with yoga.

The Fifth limb of Yoga: Pratyahara, Control of the Senses

https://8ch.net/yoga/res/196.html

The Sixth limb of Yoga: Dharana, Concentration

https://8ch.net/yoga/res/206.html

The Seventh limb of Yoga: Dhyana, Devotion

https://8ch.net/yoga/res/213.html

Just started meditating. How long does it takes for noticeable benefits? I feel relaxed and energised immediately afterwards but i'm talking long-term?

>>5287

Depends, really. The more you meditate, the sooner. The more intensely you meditate, the sooner. There is a very clear relationship between the amount and intensity of your meditation and what you'll get out of it.

So if you are doing 5 minutes a day every other day and never improving on that, well…that's going to take a while and you'll never really see the big benefits. However, if you go straight into a 10 day vipassana retreat without a good baseline practice, you might freak yourself out and stop meditating altogether. Or perhaps worse, make huge leaps and bounds without taking the time to properly adjust and digest each stage. There is a real need for balance, which is why a teacher/guru is the typical route. It can be useful to have a guide!

A daily practice of 15 minutes is a great place for a beginner, if you are looking for any kind of road-map.

>>5287

Personally I've found the relaxation to be it's own long term benefit. I was in a near-constant state of anxiety and stress before I started meditating, but since I've been doing it regularly I generally feel very calm and relaxed, and that has allowed me to do many things I would previously have immediately ruled out or retreated from.

I've been trying to get into the habit lately. I don't know if I quite have it down yet, but I have been experiencing fleeting moments of strange, almost orgasmic pleasure during. I guess that's a good sign.

>>5315

There are a lot of pleasant sensations that can arise when we quiet the mind in meditation. Enjoy them when they come! :)

So how does an absolute beginner start? Do I just sit down, close my eyes, and sit still for 15 or so minutes? Or is there more to it than that? (I assume there is) And does the way I sit matter? Do I have to sit like >>5309 's pic? Because I don't know if I can sit still in that way for too long before it starts hurting as I'm not that flexible.

>>5346

You should sit in a way that's comfortable but won't make you fall asleep.

>>5346

Sit comfortably but not in a position that you'll fall asleep in, as >>5348 mentioned. You don't have to go full-lotus, do half-lotus if you can't. Go Burmese if you can't do half-lotus (I sit Burmese style erryday). Sit in a chair if you have to, it really is more about the mental going-ons than the physical aspect (although posture IS important!).

Sit, get comfortable, and either in your head or outloud give an intention "I intend to sit and do concentration meditation for 15 minutes" or whatever your focus for that session is. 15 minutes is a good beginner length of time.

Then watch your breath with as much concentration as you can muster. Just be with the breath. Feel it. Watch it. Listen to it. Get as much out of it as you can, like it is a good book or a good movie. Naturally, your brain will kick back into old habits. You'll find yourself distracted by itching, pain, boredom, "important" thoughts like laundry and homework, etc. See these thoughts, you can even note them "thoughts on laundry" or "thinking", and then return to the breath. That's it. Return to the breath, give it 100% of your concentrated attention as you can. It might feel like struggling or be difficult at first, but like any skill it takes time to develop correctly.

>>5347

Excellent progress, anon!