I use mindfulness meditation focusing on the breath. I went to meditation classes at my local Buddhist centre to learn more about the technique. It is a very old discipline used for centuries and very easy to start doing.

I love that!
I have a similar thought.....love in, love and empathy out -- to others.
I also listen to a guided 10 ms meditation podcast too sometimes. Helps.

Stickywick,

I like your way a lot. It adds the added dimension of concentration on very specific worthy ideal. Thanks a lot...

I take classes on Mindful mediation at the Buddhist temple. We go every week. First we study the middle length Sutras. Afterwards we meditate.

I always wondered where they learned the method that they teach today. It's centuries old and was taught by the Buddha,

In no. 118 he gives directions for the in and out breathing.
http://budsas.110mb.com/ebud/majjhima/118-anappanasati-e.htm

In 119 mindfulness of the body.

http://budsas.110mb.com/ebud/majjhima/119-kayagatasati-e.htm

Bill W said that you must learn meditation from the experts outside of AA.

Just for clarity one of the above lines isnt true. ..taking time to meditate is a key part of 12 step but what is suggested is quite specific and not necessarily in line with my own prior experience of meditation.

Good to learn from those in the know though...my eyes were opened when I really looked to the many different forms and schools of meditation which have been practised for 1000s of years...even young buddha learnt it from someone else :)

P

Good Morning stickywick,

Can you give me a link to the podcast, if its on the internet?

I practice zen meditation, on and off actually which should not be the case. I try to do 25 minutes uoon waking up and 20 before going to bed. The morning session is easier to maintain. Then about once a month i go to the zendo to meditate with thebgroup and attend the teisho or teaching. It has really helped me because i used to be a worrier but am not now.

Ditto to what ysobel said My experience also...Discipline is not a 4 letter word:))
Billy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfxYowv42Kk&list=PL49B2F81DB3A95372

Here;s another explanation ...Nice!!

http://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/mindfulness.htm

It calmed my mind.I am not full of fear as
I was before i learned mindful meditation.

I went to an AA meeting at the headquarters in NY many years ago. The topic was the 11th step. An old man with many years sobriety, who had Bill W as his sponsor, when he first came into AA said that Bill sent him out to find a meditation group to learn meditation.

There is a whole chapter on this in the EHA handbook (Emotional Health Anonymous) Also called, "The 12 steps for everyone who really wanted them!" by Jerry Hirschfield PHD.

Page 102 in the newest edition. I have an extra copy if anyone wants it. pm me. I took the suggestions and they worked for me. and I have never been happier!

God Bless!

Bob,
You brought to mind one of my favorite books and authors"Notes to myself" Hugh Prather ....here's a taste about his life and writings
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugh_Prather

I do it by taking a long walk in nature without my mobile etc....and really focus on quieting the mind and just being.

I love the sun on my face and all the flowers are in bloom now. I just don't know what I would do without my walks.

hugs

citychick,

I really, really, really, really need to do what you suggested more...

So is your other disease alcoholism? I've never even heard of ghost word, comorbid. Thank you for teaching me something new today, very cool. The breath in breath out technique stopped working for me long ago. Then I moved on to trying yo create a mental shield, projecting it out into the world to block the bayyyy-yad. It's hard to cancel out the NOISE no doubt. I find for me, that guided imagery works really well. I can kind of plan a soothing journey ahead of time and then close my eyes and start walking down the path I have mapped out. I find they if I just simply lose my eyes, my mind takes me through way too many doors in trying to find the tight one that should give me calmness. So I guess, I don't give my bread box time yo think and the planned imagery kind of keeps me on task. Anyway, great topic and thanks for the new word.
O