[ElenaEvgeevna]

when i meditate, it is usually for one of several reasons - depending on what i desire, or feel called to do, at that moment...

as others have said, intent is key to a successful meditation. you must have clear intentions before you can focus.

for example - when i first began meditating, my purpose was to "recieve wisdom". well, now i know that was foolish - i should have been asking for knowledge - wisdom is the successful application of knowledge for the betterment of the universe. so, you cannot be granted wisdom in my opinion. anyways, back to receiving knowledge, i would visualize a spiraling column of white light entering the crown of my head - kinda like downloading i guess.

during some of my first meditations i experienced incredible "visuals" - one was where i was sitting, arms outstretched, and had an obe - seeing myself projecting light from my hands (to each other), my heart, and my forehead. all these "beams" met in a "ball" that was about a foot and a half in front of me.

another meditation was my only experience with "seeing the light" in all its glory - i was both in and out of my body - i saw it from both 1st and 3rd person. suddenly i heard a cracking sound above my head and all i saw was brilliant light... those who have experienced this know what i am talking about - those who haven't, be patient, you're time will come. words cannot describe this experience.

back to another example, last night i meditated before bed (like i always do), but i didn't ask for anything. rather, last night i "broadcasted" thoughts of love to those immediately around me (family and friends) and love to the world. i am of the opinion that in the meditative state that we are able to both receive and transmit information. some may disagree with this because it goes against "being silent"... i also "employ" forgiveness during certain meditations - not necessarily focusing on any particular person, etc., but simply forgiveness. i usually find that within a few days past memories come up that remind me of forgiveness.

other times meditation focuses on healing my mind/body/spirit complex. i envision energy running through my body, my chakras powering/balancing/clearing, kundalini activating. i try to "heal" or "reset" once a week, more if needed.

and yet other times i am totally open - silent. it is during these special times, although infrequent, that i receive "messages" from my higher self, guiding me on what "projects" to undertake next. i don't always "get" messages from my higher self when i "try to", but i know it when i do. when i don't - thats ok.

so, not every meditation is the same. identify your intent, and then you can focus. mix it up! remember, we are each so much more powerful than we realize - with great power comes great responsibility, so i agree with those who mention that it probably isn't a good idea to meditate while in a negative state of mind. i will admit though, that i do use meditative practices to calm me during a negative "moment" - quieting the mind, proper "buddha" breathing, etc. - but not full-fledged meditation. i fear that i may receive and/or transmit negative "signals" which is obviously something i don't want to do.

one last thing i wanted to mention - lately, during my meditations, it has become easier to achieve the "body asleep" aspect which is nice (i was having trouble achieving this due to heart palpitations, but that has gotten better), however, lately i notice that i am incredibly hot afterwards. is this normal?

anyways, to each their own. i once posted a thread about meditation and david gave me the hook-up - there is no wrong way to meditate. find what works for you. your experiences will be your own - enjoy them and don't hold yourself to anyone else's experiences, expectations.

good luck! :d

art

btw - supermanny - i really like this

you will simply not get that much out of it, if you meditate for 30 minutes a day, but continue living the other 23 hrs and 30 minutes like you always have, and thinking the same old thoughts you've always thought. reminds me of those church folks who are all high and mighty for that 1 hour per week, but continue to be hippocrites, etc. the other 6 days and 23 hours. thanks everyone for your input on this thread and others "dedicated" to meditation.