11–20 of 332 posts
Isn't this meditation? What is the difference? EDIT: rereading this - yes, it is meditation. Why is it being rebranded and written about as if it is some new discovery?
Isn't this meditation? What is the difference? EDIT: rereading this - yes, it is meditation. Why is it being rebranded and written about as if it is some new discovery?
This is easy for anyone to test empirically -- just YouTube "relaxation exercises".
I happen to like this one from the University Health Network in Toronto, which helps me fall asleep (I've never gotten to the end awake)
Isn't this meditation? What is the difference? EDIT: rereading this - yes, it is meditation. Why is it being rebranded and written about as if it is some new discovery?
Also, "slow breathing" is very descriptive, just reading it I know what to do (even if I might not know how slow), whereas if I wanted to meditate I would have to read up first what I'm supposed to do and which of the many different practices I want to try out.
I'm reading an English translation of Ramana Maharshi's Upadesa Sara with commentary and verses 11-14 talk about controlling the breath (pranayama). A few relevant points made in those verses:
* Controlling your breath can help quieten the mind.
* There are such things as harmful breathing patterns so it's important to seek the guidance of experts to avoid them.
* The simplest breathing exercise that's easy to do right without an instructor is to observe the breath as it is.
I've made a conscious effort to observe the breath randomly throughout the day and it has a calming effect. These past few days have felt good. Observing the breath before sleep has made it easier to fall asleep.
FWIW, the verses also mention that, as far as being serene is concerned, pranayama is a short term solution to a long term problem (and the gist of Upadesa Sara is on the long term solution but I digress).
Does a quick practical guide about how to do this and reap the benefits exist anyway? I'm also curious about finding references for the studies he mentions.
Isn't this meditation? What is the difference? EDIT: rereading this - yes, it is meditation. Why is it being rebranded and written about as if it is some new discovery?
Although it might be done for pure marketing purposes in this case, I think sometimes calling something differently can help losing some "spiritual baggage", and open the topic up to people that would otherwise not engage with it. Also, "slow breathing" is very descriptive, just reading it I know what to do (even if I might not know how slow), whereas if I wanted to meditate I would have to read up first what I'm sup…
Isn't this meditation? What is the difference? EDIT: rereading this - yes, it is meditation. Why is it being rebranded and written about as if it is some new discovery?
Go on Joe Rogan, sell your book of old ideas with new marketing, cash in. Your average millennial would never buy a "self help" book, but Tim Ferriss or Ryan Holiday? Absolutely.
Isn't this meditation? What is the difference? EDIT: rereading this - yes, it is meditation. Why is it being rebranded and written about as if it is some new discovery?
Mindfull breathing is not meditation it is just one and the most common of the techniques of meditation.
Does a quick practical guide about how to do this and reap the benefits exist anyway? I'm also curious about finding references for the studies he mentions.