In a Buddhist framework, the anxiety is interpreted as a natural response to “emptiness” (lack of grounding/certainty/structure)
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Replying to @Meaningness @HarambeM
So a plausible approach is to introduce some amount of form/structure/content, at least at first.
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Replying to @Meaningness @HarambeM
Then gradually increase how long you can sit, until you get up to 15+ minutes, and then gradually reduce the amount of “form.”
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Replying to @Meaningness @HarambeM
There’s a slogan “Meditation isn’t—getting used to is.” Ultimately, there isn’t anything to do, except get used to emptiness.
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Replying to @Meaningness @HarambeM
But that comes later! For now, how to reduce anxiety and discomfort…
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Replying to @Meaningness @HarambeM
Sitting with other people in a group is extremely helpful, if you can find one. Just a sense of “I’m not alone in this” helps.
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Replying to @Meaningness @HarambeM
It may be helpful to introduce “form” such as gazing at a fixed object (doesn’t really matter what, any simple thing), or >
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Replying to @Meaningness @HarambeM
repeating a mantra (also doesn’t matter what 4now; you could use “Om Mani Peme Hung” which is traditional, or whatever you like)
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Replying to @Meaningness @HarambeM
The mantra crowds out random anxious thoughts, which is calming. Eventually you can let go of it and just rest in space…
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Replying to @Meaningness @HarambeM
If none of that works, you could try yoga, which has many of the same benefits as meditation (plus others!).
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After practicing yoga for a few months, you may find your mind steadier, and then you’ll be able to go back to meditation.
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Replying to @Meaningness @HarambeM
As for discomfort… meditation is actually a physical practice, like learning to ride a horse. Riding hurts like hell at first.
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Replying to @Meaningness @HarambeM
Gradually you learn technique (how to do it comfortably) and also you build up the necessary muscles and flexibility.
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