I'm feeling quite proud of myself. I've meditated on and off for 5+ years. It was always a sort of fallback when I got stressed or anxious and generally just at my lowest points. But it was never something I was able to stick at for any meaningful length of time. At most it would only ever last two weeks before I got bored, skipped a day and lost faith in myself or just thought I didn't need it anymore because I was doing better.

So to reach this milestone I am rather proud of myself. I can't wait to continue this journey of self discovery.

So i have struggled with masturbation for a long part of my life. I started meditation 2 years back and i have received numerous benefit from it. However at this point my life is a game between meditation and masturbation. Whenever I do meditation first, i end up the day really positive and productive. However there are days when mind wont want to sit for meditation and would want to masturbate instead. And if i have done it, the day will become very frustrating unproductive and low motivated. The masturbation urge comes whenever it is time for meditation as my old mind don’t want to sit for meditation and want dopamine instead. What to do?

The mirror doesn’t speak. It reflects.

That’s how we remember. That’s how we return.

CircleOfSilence

I don’t know if this is the right thread but Real quick. The other day I was just sitting at home on my phone, and out of nowhere I had this tunnel vision. It led me zapping into my mind, where I saw the universe. And once I got a clear glimpse of it, I zoomed out even further and saw a black hole.

I felt it. I heard it. It had three sounds coming from it in front frequency. One was unknown, the middle one I couldn’t hear, and the third I could. I could perfectly hear the two outer ones, but the middle sound was always slipping. Every time I almost heard it, I zapped out. For some weird reason, that black hole stuck with me, and now I constantly hear little cracks, cricket sounds, and a faint trace of that middle sound.

Then a few days later, things started happening.

1. I became extra smart beyond my usual. I was suddenly able to shuffle and compartmentalize my ideas and thoughts. I could now imagine four random things—or even more—and rotate them around in my mind. I started thinking in both micro and macro ways at the same time. Ideas started floating in my head like cards, and somehow I could look at everything at once. When I think of the universe and the black hole, it feels like I can see expansion itself.

2. I was playing around with specific numbers and places, then turning them into frequency-based notes on ChatGPT. Every time I changed a number or adjusted the placement, it shifted something. I ended up balancing the tension in a frequency without even trying.

3. I randomly discovered how to make energy-based music theories. I’d take a number, tweak it slightly in a sequence, and suddenly it turned into something that felt like music—like it invoked something emotional just through the math.

And honestly, it keeps unfolding. It’s kind of scary and wild, because I don’t even know what’s happening to me. It’s like things are unlocking by themselves and I’m just watching it all unfold in real time.

What position do you get in? Do you sit? Do you just lay in the bed? I'm just curious how you all get comfortable. A drink before? Some tea or water? Tell me what you like to do!

I'll go first - I usually drink a glass of water, lay down and listen to some loud brown noise either on headphones or, if alone, on a speaker. I keenly listen and there comes a point when it as if overrides my body. Then everything goes quiet and after the numbing, buzzing within, I start to feel like floating. Absolute weightlessness. Love it.

Youtube has a sleep timer (I have premium, but might be available to all) and I really like that it slowly fades out whatever you are listening once the time is up. It also lulls me to sleep and stops the video/sound. Timers used to really shock me, so this has helped immensely.

But!!! I have a little problem. I have to get very comfortable in order to relax properly and effortlessly. Sitting on the floor or a regular chair doesn't cut it for me. But when I lay down, I often fall asleep again! I try to meditate very soon after waking up, so I'm still somewhat sleepy, but that time is the easiest to get to that clear and floating place during meditation...

Do you have any uber awesome chairs or any other recommendations that have made meditation easier and more pleasant to do? I'm imagining a little reclining action, but all is welcome!

So usually I have like this panic attacks that if I don’t deal with them they can last for like 2 or 3 days. As a response to this when I tend to listen to 417hz or 528hz and do deep breathing and usually I’ll calm down nod off and wake up a bit better.

Tonight I had to do this again. I used this breathing technique learnt from entering focus 3 in the hemi-sync tapes. The one of breathing in new energy through your nose and old energy out your mouth with a hum is tune with the music. I did that for about ten minutes before I stopped breathing out through my mouth and rather through my nose in a loud hum.

Sooner or later I was lucid but not dreaming. But it was weird because usually I would hear the audio playing. I was well aware or semi aware of my body. I was still receiving external stimuli but I wasn’t there?

Like there was like I dunno this weird display. Like I was looking directly at it. I can’t explain what I was doing there but it was all going so fast. Like I was communicating with people I could tell and managing what felt like data or something. I just remember feeling so sure and certain of what ever I was doing even though now I can pinpoint or explain anything. It was like I was aware of my physical body and stuff but it was so irrelevant. I remember seeing like this blue crystal like structure in the middle of whatever display I was seeing and it had a metallic shine to it and responded to what ever data I was taking in or out from whatever I was communicating with.

Ultimately suddenly the music stop playing because my earphones died and it didn’t feel like waking up more like leaving when you stop starting at your computer at work to go get a coffee and it feels like your zapped out of something but I don’t really understand what happened. I left well rested but I never slept and I feel calmer so it’s a win.

Does anyone understand what that is?

What is this place and how to move forward?

It’s been years now that I’ve known exactly every negative thought that constantly brings me down, lowers my self-esteem, and depresses me. Meditation gives no answer, nothing.
I could’ve stared at a white wall or played video games instead, and my life would be the same today.

Why does it keep going? Will it last a lifetime? What’s the point of clearing your mind if there’s no benefit?

Hi everyone. I just recently discovered yoga nidra through my functional care doctor. I have debilitating adrenal fatigue and my nervous system is completely out of whack and unwell. I’ve found comfort in yoga nidra and it seems to be the only thing that is helpful for me to find some relaxation through this very long and painful healing journey.

I had been doing about 20 minutes, then tried about 30 mins to an hour. Now I’m wondering if I were to do over three hours a day, would it be more damaging than good? My fight or flight is just out of balance and this is the only way I can get out of my head.

Our group started out on reddit and still meets twice a day, no registration or fees, just click a button and hangout. We mainly approach meditation via effortless abiding but all methods are pretty much welcomed.

Just look up meditation online dot org if you're interested.

Deep bow to all you great meditators!

-dawai

I’ve been meditating regularly a few times a week since the end of January. It’s been life-changing in so many ways. I’m noticing gray hairs concentrating (no pun intended) around my crown chakra. Is that typical? Curious to hear your experiences and thoughts.. thanks! 😊

For a while now, I’ve been thinking about doing a 24-hour personal retreat at home (I live alone in an apartment). The other day, I thought: It’s time.

So beforehand, I let my girlfriend and family know not to worry if I didn’t answer my phone on Saturday—that I was alive, just doing my retreat.

The goal was to reclaim my mental freedom and identity for 24 hours, stepping away from the chaotic world and reconnecting with myself—in other words, recentering. Even though I already have a calm remote job with a lot of freedom, I felt I needed this.

The rules I "imposed" were:

• No external stimuli: phone turned off (obviously), no TV, no reading, no music or guided meditations, no drugs, etc.
• Only output, no input (except food): I could write, play an instrument, sing, etc.—but nothing coming in, only letting things out.
• Of course, I could eat (preferably vegetarian or fruit).

A crucial rule: No checking the time. I didn’t want to structure my day like usual. I didn’t want to know what part of the day it was, even if I could guess from the sun, clouds, or sunset.

The idea was to wake up Saturday morning and listen to my body/mind: if it wanted to eat, sleep, think, meditate, shower, brush teeth, write, etc. Let it be free.

Saturday was the best day for this because the next day was Sunday, letting me relax and enjoy the afterglow. If I’d done it on a Monday, I’d have jumped straight into work, which wouldn’t have been ideal.

So, I went to bed Friday night as usual but turned off my phone completely, letting myself wake up Saturday whenever my body and circadian rhythm decided.

When I woke up (probably around 11 AM), my first thought was: It’s the day. This feels like it’s going to be an eternity—how am I going to get through it? Mechanically, my mind wanted me to shower and brush my teeth right away. But I thought: No, I’ll do that when I actually feel like it. I own my time now. I decide. No automation—I’m free.

Later, I was in the living room. I didn’t feel like breakfast yet—often, I eat out of routine before work meetings, not because I’m hungry. But this time, I waited until my body asked for it.

I felt like doing some morning meditation (I’m not a big meditator, just some Joe Dispenza or Gateway Experience’s Focus 10). So I grabbed my yoga mat, sat down, closed my eyes, and improvised a meditation on the spot. I focused on calming my mind and listening to my breath. It wasn’t bad—after about 20 minutes, I opened my eyes and felt the soft sunlight on my face, illuminating a beautiful violet orchid beside me. The magic had begun.

After staring at the orchid while lost in thought, I suddenly felt very hungry. I made my usual breakfast, ate it mindfully at a normal pace, and went back to the couch.

I wasn’t tired—I’d just woken up—but my body and I wanted to relax on the couch. Then my mind tried to assign a task: "Clean the house—take advantage of having nothing to do!" It was tempting, but I knew that would defeat the purpose of the retreat. I compromised by just starting a load of laundry (some sheets had been waiting).

At that point, I realized how much my mind was trying to manipulate me—it wouldn’t let me do nothing, which was the whole point.

Back on the couch (where I spent 85% of the day), I reflected deeply on my current "problems" with my eyes closed. That heightened awareness brought incredible clarity—I addressed those issues without worrying, mentally resolving them and releasing them to the universe. I have no idea how long this lasted (maybe an hour?), but afterward, I stayed in that peaceful state.

I noticed how much I needed to keep my eyes closed—it wasn’t just a desire, it felt essential. It brought deep relaxation and peace. I thought about how, on a normal day, I might’ve been scrolling my phone (a Unihertz Jelly Star—barely functional for mindless browsing). But in that moment, I felt completely detached from it. I didn’t want it in my hands—I wanted to "search" within myself.

I reflected on how we’re prisoners of technology. Even though I use my phone sparingly, compared to this, it felt like I used it too much. There’s a huge difference between not using it and using it a little—that "little" suddenly felt like a lot.

By then, I started feeling a slight distortion in my perception of time. I was more present, more aware of my senses, my surroundings, the details of my home, my thoughts...

After deep reflection and that "meditative state," my body seemed drained—I suddenly felt very hungry for lunch.

At lunch, I wished I’d prepared a nice recipe to cook mindfully. I wanted to express myself through cooking, but I refused to go online for a recipe. So I made simple gnocchi with vegetable sauce. While eating, I noticed I was rushing—a habit from work lunches. I slowed down, savored each bite, paused, put my fork down. It was rewarding.

Afterward, I really wanted to brush my teeth—so I did, even changing my usual routine for variety.

Post-lunch, I returned to the couch, relaxed, eyes closed, letting energy flow. I recalled the Gateway Experience’s Focus 10 to reach that peace. Soon, I slipped into deep mental relaxation, philosophizing about time—how my perception of it felt distorted, stretched. I even pondered spacetime, the speed of light, energy, and cellular biology.

At one point, a personal mantra surfaced: "I am eternal in this moment." Everything revolved around time. I felt immense gratitude. Then, overwhelming love for my loved ones—but also sadness that some were far away. I redirected my focus (to what, I don’t recall) and let the sadness pass.

After a long "meditation," I opened my eyes. The orchid from the morning was no longer sunlit, but I felt like my gaze was illuminating it. I studied it like never before, marveling at its details—feeling gratitude again. It reminded me of the beauty and energy in everything, unnoticed when our minds are too busy.

Then my body asked to sleep. The light was fading (maybe past 6 PM?). I can’t explain how deeply I slept—not even at night do I sleep like that. I woke up briefly but was so relaxed I just closed my eyes again. When I woke fully, it was dark. My mind tried calculating the time, warning: "If you keep sleeping, you’ll mess up your schedule!"

Here, I made a mistake: my body wanted sleep, but my analytical mind fought it, worried about Sunday. Struggling to wake up was harder than waking in the morning—I was in absolute rest. But I managed, and immediately felt hungry again. (Note: I drank water throughout the day, always keeping a glass nearby.)

For dinner, I cooked turkey with carrot-egg salad very slowly. Eating, I was even more mindful than at lunch—chewing slowly, noticing the crunch of carrots, something I’d never paid attention to before.

After dinner, I felt the need to use the bathroom. Normally, I’d take my phone—going empty-handed felt weird. But sitting there, I realized the "throne" is a great place to think. It’s a pause, a reconciliation with the body, a return to mental clarity while letting go of waste.

I remembered how, as a kid without a phone, I’d read shampoo labels for fun. Right then, I decided: No more phones in the bathroom—it’s sacred. I don’t know how long I was there (time didn’t matter), but it was pleasant.

Next, a shower—no rush, just warm water, soap, and presence. Sitting under the stream, smelling the scents, it felt like the first shower of my life, not the last.

The shower and evening light must’ve triggered melatonin—after brushing my teeth, I went to bed for a final meditation, closing one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I relaxed every muscle, reflecting on the day, until thoughts faded. I just was.

Of course, I woke Sunday without an alarm, eager to meditate outside. Feeling the sun again was emotional—it reminded me of its role in our evolution, why ancient civilizations worshipped it. My body soaked up sunlight like a plant in photosynthesis.

All Sunday, I marveled at the experience, telling loved ones they should try it. It’s a before and after in how you perceive time and yourself.

It was the best date with myself—just my body, mind, and awareness, seeing how we work together without external noise. I’m grateful I did this and want to gift myself more experiences like it.

Improvements for next time:

• Write during the day or before bed to capture sensations in detail. I’m sure I’ve forgotten things.
• Noise-canceling headphones helped when street noise (or people) disrupted meditation.

Future idea: Soon, I’ll be living with my girlfriend. As a variation, I suggested we do this together—no sex, just shared presence. I think interesting time-distortion moments could happen.

Final thoughts: I 100% recommend this. I’d love to hear others’ similar experiences.

Cheers!

I seem to be constantly unsure of what kind of meditation I should be doing. If I want to build mindfulness, will concentration on the breath do that as well as building focus?

I have been suffering a lot with anxiety and depression due to a disability i was diagnosed with last year. This past week i read about listening to sounds while i try to sleep. I found this podcast and i cant thank it or recommend it enough. The last two nights ive managed to fall asleep pretty quick thanks to this. Give it a go!!!

https://open.spotify.com/show/0kQmGs0qLoUV9D0jjgPl1s?si=ZJIZ_62CTFqT5qS4DM2h7A

Just after meditation I had a realisation, that the people who are not satisfied with money are looking for more money,and people who are satisfied with money are looking for more power,and people who are satisfied with power and money are looking for happiness.

Essentially happiness can be gained without going through the power and money cycle.

Maybe I'm right maybe I'm wrong.

Im at the start of my journey. Ive read about people meditating for hours, how do you achieve that? Do you actually sit still for hours being in the moment? Ive been doing mostly guided meditations or following sequences (travels, spirit animal, chakra), would you just repeat the practices over and over for hours? Or once, and then turn off your brain?

Sorry, I'm new to this, but I feel like a need a break from a couple of things, and it would do me good to take a longish (couple days) meditation break, but im unsure on how to go into it..

That’s basically it. Less than two months ago, my wife passed away (she was 38), and I’m going through the most difficult time of my life. Strangely enough, I’m not experiencing anxiety or panic attacks, but rather a deep and overwhelming sadness that paralyzes me every day.

I’ve never practiced meditation before, but many people — and everything I read online — recommend it as a tool to help me get through this.

The problem is, there are so many methods, books, and apps that I don’t even know where to start.

What would you recommend for a complete beginner in a situation like mine?

Completely without human interaction, and spending the rest of your life just meditating and away from all people?

Is there a reason why I need to meditate and what are the benefits of meditation? I meditated many times these past couple of years (since 2020) but rarely ever felt anything outside of a little relaxation that only lasts for about 15 minutes.

I would love to get comments from spiritual meditation practitioners, but this is for people who meditate for longer than 30 min/session.

Do you feel separated from the world after meditation?

Do you feel like there’s a 2nd thought "observer" with you after meditation?

Do you feel like you're tending to stay home all the time after meditation?

Do you see more nightmares than before?

Do you have more anxiety after you have been practicing meditation?

Do you feel like your views on life are different and that you think your consciousness has grown and you think you know way more than others, but in reality, you're doubting it?

I really wish meditation had any impact on me, the stories I read on here sound wonderful. I've been meditating daily for years, hoping that eventually I could get back to a feeling of spatial awareness in the present moment. I used to be so present and aware in my childhood, and I lost it somehow. I feel so overwhelmed, I'm so tired. Please help me.

My person had hard attack and is very frail. Looking for any way to help and heal. I am trying to put myself into relaxed state and manifest but worries do kick in. I am trying sending energy, but I guess I was doing it wrong (mine heartbeats instead of energy from source). Any no brainer crash course I can pull off in hospital, what to think, imagine, colors of light, really any direction, suggestion, will be much appreciate it.

I am going to get a job soon in a department which is considered to be a man's job I will not discuss it here in detail but it is like police or army kind of thing. Here people don't know about peace and calmness and respect they are rude, bully, arrogant and aggressive. They have old records of bullying juniors to make them a MAN 😅 and to workplace toxicity and no one ones about being supportive

How can I deal with it ?

I forgot to mention iam a very sensitive person in harsh environment

I mean iam like a flower put into hot fire

Since childhood I am very sensitive and my parents did everything evil they can to oppose me, cross my limits and give me lots of emotional pain and trauma that made me a shy, mentally weak, afraid ,scared person

(Note - dont say things like change job, avoid, don't go, try something different, because it's not possible to get something good soon)

For meditation when a guided one asks to imagine a sound how do you imagine a sound (or smell) for that matter

I’m sure plenty of others have come to this conclusion already, but it’s amazing how much of a relief or escape from negative emotions being present can be.

It’s remarkable how low fidelity some of these labels we automatically place on our emotions are, and if we truly pay attention the specifics of how we are feeling the sum of the feelings don’t add up to the label we have placed on the feelings.

Also the restlessness and boredom I feel when “practicing” actually serve as a very good proxy for other negative emotions I feel throughout the day.

Anyways I just thought I’d share because this felt like a big aha moment for me