Boredom and Meditation

[Jitendra Hy-do-u-no-us?]

Over the years I’ve heard people say things and I’ve experienced different states of consciousness. It has been a long time since I have experienced boredom. But aside from not being able to set still boredom seems to be one of the other complaints people have with meditation. I’ve at times felt this way if i’m involved with a long meditation alone.

Boredom is the result of not having something interesting to do or rather being so used to outer stimulation that inner reflection and meditation seem boring. However this is a product of always needing some kind of sensory experience. To adjust the attitude and get used to inner experience that is not based on sensory experience will most likely take some patience and practice.

There are some helpful tips though for others and myself. One is to find a places where outer stimulation is conducive to inner practice of meditation. Some ideal places would be outdoors where is helpful to hear the wind, the trees, streams and rivers or the utter silence of other places like the desert or a place away from distracting noises from cars and people working.

Another helpful exercise is to find meditation techniques that keep the mind occupied so it does not get bored easily. Believe me they are out there. The most helpful technique I have found is Kriya meditation taught by the Self-Realization Fellowship and other groups as well. I have also found Amman’s IAM technique to be very useful when the mind is distracted or easily bored. The IAM technique moves right along and it is difficult to even practice it without paying attention.

If you are at home and unable to get outdoors because of the weather or other factors, sometimes is is helpful to have incense lit, have a window open a bit for fresh air or have some light music playing- mothered are many selections here on the portal.

[Jitendra Hy-do-u-no-us?]

This has some helpful suggestions.

[Jitendra Hy-do-u-no-us?]

Included is a breathing exercise to help rid the mind of restlessness. See video to show process visually.

1.Expel the breath through the mouth in a double exhalation.

2. Inhale deeply through the nostrils and tense the whole body to a count of six.

3. Expel the breath through the mouth in a double exhalation and relax the tension.

4. Repeat this process 3x

5. Now forget the breath. Let it flow in and out naturally of its on accord as an ordinary breathing.

6. If your mind wanders; gently bring it back to the stillness and peace within.

7. Imagine you are filling your heart 💜 with the peace of meditation. And, feel that peace expand through all your body parts.

8. Start with an affirmation. Repeat the following affirmation several times; out loud or mentally, with deep concentration.

Repeat the following affirmation several times.

“I am submerged in eternal light. It permeates every particle of my being. I am living in that light. The Divine Spirit fills me within and without.”

9. Let’s end with a prayer; “Oh spirit break the boundaries of the little waves of my life. That I may join the ocean of thy vastness. Om, peace, amen.”

[Jitendra Hy-do-u-no-us?]

For further details regarding this short meditation;

[mccoy]

I find that boredom is not the right term, since to me it has been very often a fight to concentrate over long hours of meditation when I was able to do that. A fight is never boring.
When there is no fight there is a (deeply) relaxed state and true relaxation is not boring. Sometimes there has been more, again definitely not boring.

[Jitendra Hy-do-u-no-us?]

I find that boredom is not the right term, since to me it has been very often a fight to concentrate over long hours of meditation when I was able to do that. A fight is never boring.
When there is no fight there is a (deeply) relaxed state and true relaxation is not boring. Sometimes there has been more, again definitely not boring.

Yea perhaps the word would be frustration. And it is a common human quality that is result of little to no results and expectations on our part. There may be a balance. I mean it takes time and patience to build up to long meditations. It also helps tremendously if other people are involved in group meditation and chanting.