Talk:How to meditate

I notice some-one thought it better to exchange the phrase inward [inner] peace for the the original phrase inner silence. I chose the word silence deliberately. Inner peace might sound correct but it does not convey the intended meaning. Connotations are important. I have reiterated my choice of silence .... this article is an attempt to throw another light on the topic of meditation.

--Marcus Zerbini 00:12, 3 December 2011 (UTC)

Good to know "inner silence" is deliberate. I think there is a common misconception among people new to meditation that "inner silence" means to force oneself to stop thinking when detachment and letting thoughts flow freely non-judgmentally is usually the goal. -- darklama  00:51, 3 December 2011 (UTC)

Dear Darklama, I intend to expand on 'inner silence' later in the body of the work. Briefly though, it does mean to 'stop thinking' but to achieve this without forcing. We can be trapped in a form of narcissism while immersed in our own thoughts. Detaching oneself from this narcissistic trait is a part of the goal --Marcus Zerbini 01:16, 3 December 2011 (UTC)

P.S. Thanks for the formatting .... much appreciated --Marcus Zerbini 01:28, 3 December 2011 (UTC)

I agree detachment is part of the goal. Maybe I didn't explain myself well. Generally "inner silence" is meant to refer to silencing specific types of thoughts, like narcissistic thoughts and self-criticism. People new to mediation often think they have failed to meditate or to achieve "inner silence" if they literally think or have any thoughts at all. On the other hand, selective silencing can lead to falling into the trap of replacing one form of self-judgment with another. Perhaps a form of active listening aimed inwards as to avoid distractive thoughts is another way to look at it. -- darklama  13:07, 3 December 2011 (UTC)

Dear dark lama I looked at the link you offered [active listening] On quickly skimming it I can see similarities between the psychology broached there and the the psychology of meditation. --Marcus Zerbini 14:32, 3 December 2011 (UTC)

Marcus, Thank you for your contribution here, you have covered a lot! I have been bold with some simple language modifications I've made in the intro and emotions sections. I notice that you have taken exception to minor changes in the past and do not wish to step on your toes if you feel attached to a certain result. I am interested, however, to see this topic covered even more simply, more briefly, and with less imposition of a self. Of course, this ideally would involve discussion among any who choose to so as to discover better ways to approach both the topic and the goals. I will leave this note here and check back sometime later to see if you are actively interested in collaborating further.

Warmth, --Serotoninskunk (discuss • contribs) 07:29, 12 June 2020 (UTC)

Hi Serotoninskunk

The edit of the introduction is an improvement... thanks. However, I returned some of the text to its original form in the "Emotions" section. I want to present the topic without the slightest reference to any tradition (I made a note with the edit). I also believe it's important to try to avoid imposing one's self, if that's possible...

On collaboration... happy to have a go at it. Over the years I have discovered it's not an easy thing... a person's first contact, teacher or introduction to the topic tends to influence the whole outlook they go on to develop.

Marcus Zerbini --Marcus Zerbini (discuss • contribs) 11:20, 12 June 2020 (UTC)

Discussion and Q&A

Hi

It has been about 7 years since I first uploaded the "How to Meditate" article. What I thought I might offer is the opportunity for people to raise some questions which I can answer.

In presenting the article I deliberately chose to be as brief as possible. However, perhaps people will like some clarification or some elaboration of the text. In writing the article I was guided by the need to present the topic as clearly as I could but to try do so without imposing myself in the process. My personal attitude is meditation is an attempt to understand one's self and one's mind. There are many competing philosophies and religions [which have plenty to offer] but, in my opinion, the task is to discover for one's self the facts [if that is possible] and so adding [or imposing] influences upon another person is therefore unhelpful to them and is something to avoid.

Should anyone wish to engage in some discussion about the text then I will be happy to meet with them on this page. I will check in to this page on a regular basis and if there are any queries I will reply as promptly as I am able to do so.

with kind regards

Marcus.

— Preceding unsigned comment added by Marcus Zerbini (talk • contribs) 12 June 2020 (UTC)