Why? What benefits has it brought to your work and life?
Ask HN: Do you meditate?
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Re: Ask HN: Do you meditate?
#2I did meditate a lot when I was in college and I had only shower but no bath. When I had bath I was in it for 30-60mins few times a week. It helped me to clear my mind, I guess its similar to writing blog posts for some people.
Re: Ask HN: Do you meditate?
#3I don't know if it's proper meditation, but right after waking up I sit on the floor and repeat for 20 minutes:
“Watch your thoughts, they become words; watch your words, they become actions; watch your actions, they become habits; watch your habits, they become character; watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”
It's like a mantra. I'm not even sure about the original source of this quote. It may sound a crazy thing to do, but it helps me focus throughout the day.
Re: Ask HN: Do you meditate?
#4I don't know if it's proper meditation, but right after waking up I sit on the floor and repeat for 20 minutes: “Watch your thoughts, they become words; watch your words, they become actions; watch your actions, they become habits; watch your habits, they become character; watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.” It's like a mantra. I'm not even sure about the original source of this quote. It may sound a…
I believe the quote is from The Upanishads
Re: Ask HN: Do you meditate?
#5Yes I do, usually twice a day, 15-20m. Before I leave home and when I get back from work. If it gets especially crazy at work I lock myself up in a room and mediate there for a bit too.
It's mostly a way of dealing with stress and all the inputs that you get on a day. It's a lot, of thoughts, of things, stimuli and I find that dealing with them while meditating helps me clear my mind.
It brings me greater focus since my mind isn't constantly off on twenty side-quests and helps me sleep better at night.
I tend to use the same breathing exercises in moments when I'd normally get annoyed, like a super slow moving queue at a supermarket. Helps me keep my "sunny" disposition, keeps me happier.
Re: Ask HN: Do you meditate?
#6I don't know if it's proper meditation, but right after waking up I sit on the floor and repeat for 20 minutes: “Watch your thoughts, they become words; watch your words, they become actions; watch your actions, they become habits; watch your habits, they become character; watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.” It's like a mantra. I'm not even sure about the original source of this quote. It may sound a…
I believe the quote is from The Upanishads
It was recently used in the film The Iron Lady http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nMs3HrxGRgk
Re: Ask HN: Do you meditate?
#715-20 minutes of meditation before an important meeting or negotiation does wonders for me. I've experimented with an iOS app "Headspace" which was pretty decent, but the patter became a bit repetitive before my trial was over so didn't extend. I do like the Oprah/Deepak 21 day challenge guided meditation series.
Re: Ask HN: Do you meditate?
#8[deleted]
Re: Ask HN: Do you meditate?
#9Not. Not in this sense.
Re: Ask HN: Do you meditate?
#10Yes, simply because I like the experience. "It feels good, man".
There is a lecture by Alan Watts where he denounces the idea of "meditating on an idea" as well as meditating for personal gain - ie benefits to work / life.
I think it's very similar to orgasm (in form and function). Yes, there are health benefits and stress benefits as a side-effect, but the experience itself should be the main draw.
[edit] Alan Watts @11:38: https://youtu.be/26971uJuQuk?t=11m38s