Meditation Q&As
Frequently asked Questions about Veda Meditation
Here are some of the questions I get asked about meditating, so I thought I’d share them with you along with my responses. I hope it helps!
I can’t stop thinking, does this mean I can’t meditate?
We can't demand our minds to stop thinking with sheer willpower, just like we can’t command our hearts to stop beating by sheer willpower. So what we are really doing is observing. We are bringing awareness to our thoughts and noticing then. When we become aware that we are engaged with our thoughts, we use this as a green light to gently return to the mantra. This is what really counts. And definitely worth celebrating every time your awareness guides you back to your mantra. Remember this is your precious time of stillness, give yourself full permission to be still and hear the gentle repetition of your mantra. Simply continue to return to your mantra each time you drift away. You absolutely can’t get meditation wrong. And remember… thoughts are a part of meditation and thinking won’t prevent you from experiencing transcendence.
Are meditating and sleeping the same thing?
No, it is a different level of consciousness you are experiencing when meditating and when sleeping. Veda meditation allows you to experience restful alertness - your body is resting - breath slows along with the heart rate and the body relaxes, however awareness is still present unlike when you are sleeping. Different brain waves.Your brain produces five different types of brain waves - Beta (predominantly) is when you are awake Theta is when you are drifting off to sleep, dreaming or suspended in the light phase of sleep. Delta - deep sleep
What's the difference between meditation and mindfulness?
Mindfulness is being aware. It’s noticing and paying attention to thoughts, feelings, behaviour and everything that is occurring in the present moment. Mindfulness can be practiced anytime, anywhere and is a beautiful outcome of meditation. Mindfulness supports and enriches meditation, while meditation nurtures and expands mindfulness. Being present means paying attention to the ‘now’ which means being free of the past and the future - the ‘what ifs’ and the ‘shoulds’. Being present is being free of judgement - what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, ‘good’ or ‘bad’, the labelling and comparisons melt away leaving us with what is without distraction. Meditation is practiced for a period of time in stillness. During this time we are cultivating and practicing all of the traits of mindfulness, we untangle ourselves from our thoughts and settle into the present moment. With Veda Meditation we dropper into a more subtle state of consciousness and transcending.
What time of the day do I meditate?
First thing in the morning and the afternoon.
How long should I meditate for?
You'll possibly be surprised how quickly the time goes. Take it as it comes. Remember, once you are sitting up comfortably in your safe space, there's no wrong way to do this, you can't mess it up. There are different ways to meditate, guided meditations (or guided mindfulness techniques) are just one style of meditation. I have a lot more information about the different ways to meditate available. You can check them out anytime.
Can I lie down during the meditation? Yes, however it is very likely that you'll fall asleep as your body will be in a sleeping position. It's preferable to sit upright, yet comfortable so you can become relaxed but still alert. If sleep does come while you are sitting up, don't resist it. When you wake up, it's extra important to sit for another few minutes or so with your eyes closed to ease back into your day.
Is it ok to eat or drink before I meditate?
It’s a good idea to meditate before you eat, however, if you’re really hungry having a light snack is absolutely fine. It’s beneficial to not drink coffee or any stimulants before meditating. Drinking lots of water, before and after you meditate is ideal.