Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

I joined a meditation class/group, but you don't need to do this - it's just as easy on your own. In fact, my IBS often means I can't sit through a group...

There are lots of different types of meditation. But if you're just starting out you should try a visualisation - try to find a guided visualisation tape/cd from the library or a book shop, there are loads out there. If you find it easy to imagine pictures/images in your mind then you'll have no problem at all with this. Most have relaxing music in the background and then a speaker will guide you through a visual journey ie imagine setting off in a peaceful place along a path ... come to a bridge... what do you see on the other side? etc, etc. These are great to get you into meditation.

The important thing is to relax and enjoy whatever thoughts, images or feelings come to you. You can sit comfortably in any position you like, or lie down (but you may be prone to falling asleep if you lie, which is not the same as meditation!) Whatever you do, you must NOT worry about doing anything right or wrong. Most people think that to meditate they have to make their minds go completely blank and not think of anything. NOT SO! This would be pointless. The secret is to relax and allow thoughts to float freely through your mind. So if you've just started a meditation and you suddenly remember that letter you've got to post, just acknowledge that thought - you'll do it later - and let it go.

This sort of visualisation can be very useful - for healing, letting go of stuff, asking for guidance from your subconscious. Michael's audio tapes have some elements of meditation/visualisation in them and you can extend this principle to all sorts of possibilities.

Eventually, you could try meditation without going on a visual journey, guided by a tape, listening to music or just quiet, with your eyes open looking at a light or image and so on - whatever you feel works best for you.

It can be useful to try to interpret whatever comes up - sort of like interpreting dreams - think about what those words or images or colours or feelings might mean to you. But you shouldn't rely on anyone else's interpretation, eg if you meet a bear walking in the woods, this might come with a feeling of love and protection for you, but another might interpret this as aggression or fear.

Hope this is of some use to you - give it a try and let me know how you go on. I've been meditating for a while now and it's been very enjoyable and enlightening at times.

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