5 days ago, had general anesthesia lapropscopic surgery for salpingo oopherectomy (badly scarred right ovary and tube removed), appendectomy, D&C and exploratory surgery found massive adhesions and one intestinal cyst. Everything was cleaned up, I was sent home that afternoon with 2 days of Percocet and given basic after-care instructions. [more inside]
posted by kinetic on Apr 8, 2013 - 20 answers

Setting aside an upcoming weekend as a "retreat at home". With a focus on relaxation, fighting off burnout and meditation. I was hoping for some recommendations for activities, guided meditations, books or inspiring films to view to make the most of this time. [more inside]
posted by ACEness on Apr 5, 2013 - 9 answers

So, I'm starting out on meditation, but finding it near impossible to stay focused for more than a few seconds. Any tips for not thinking about cheese et al for a while? [more inside]
posted by Wordshore on Jan 29, 2013 - 24 answers

It's winter! And I need spring, summer, fall....heck, any other season than winter! I want to spend some time with flowers. I am looking for places, specifically in the NYC metro area where I can sit with a group of flowers: maybe an indoor garden/nursery, or a flower show....or some crazy field that has flowers growing in the dead of winter (I know!) I do not want to buy flowers and watch them die in my apartment. Do you know of anywhere that I can sit and commune with flowers? Thanks!
posted by Hydrofiend on Jan 23, 2013 - 10 answers

Really vague teenage book memory involving a gold room, a candle, and meditation power? Did I hallucinate this book? [more inside]
posted by kanata on Jun 22, 2012 - 8 answers

Help me find the right Buddhist meditation center in Toronto. More info inside. [more inside]
posted by Miss T.Horn on Mar 6, 2012 - 8 answers

How much do yoga and meditation help for anxiety? Is it time for more serious help or is this worth a shot? [more inside]
posted by katillathehun on May 22, 2011 - 29 answers

Looking for a meditation radio show [more inside]
posted by freakazoid on Apr 26, 2011 - 6 answers

Ton of books + unused corner in totally sweet loft = book harem! I'd like to put together a space for up to 4 people to hang out, read, write, meditate, or generally just relax. Help me design & accessorize it! [more inside]
posted by susoka on Feb 28, 2011 - 14 answers

"Dan, one of my patients, attended a retreat where he engaged in treposa, a meditation procedure in which two people hold hands for several minutes, lock gazes, meditate deeply upon one another, and then repeat the process with new partners." The author of this passage seems to have gotten the name of this meditation practice wrong. Does it actually exist at all? [more inside]
posted by CutaneousRabbit on Feb 14, 2011 - 9 answers

Can you suggest Buddhist resources - churches, sanghas, gompas, meditation groups, communities - in the Los Angeles Area? [more inside]
posted by jnnla on Jan 20, 2011 - 7 answers

Identify this Y.A. Sci-fi book from the 1980's - a boy learns how to meditate his way to flying. [more inside]
posted by dadici on Jan 19, 2011 - 4 answers

I just completed a ten-day Vipassana course and was able to undo knots I never expected to work and feel very much renewed to work for justice and compassion. I am continuing the practice and can now sit for about 1.25 hours without voluntarily reacting to sensations in and on my body. Recently, I have begun experiencing very intense talking in my head. Not "Me" talking, but more like visualizing being spoken to about a whole range of subjects I had never thought of. It is almost like watching a boring documentary, about milk production for example. If you practice Vipassana or other meditation, did you experience this and how long did you take to break out of it?
posted by parmanparman on Jan 8, 2011 - 11 answers

I am seeking advice on meditation technique. Up to this point, I have only been able to meditate through motion, ie running, yoga. I have never been able to meditate in the classic, sitting still sense, until now. I've got a start on it and want to develop this as much as possible. [more inside]
posted by allelopath on Dec 20, 2010 - 9 answers

I've come to the conclusion that the root of unhappiness/strife, etc. is what goes on inside my own noodle. In addition to meditation (and, with apologies, excluding western religion) how to tame The Monkey Mind? How to better control the quality of one's thoughts?
posted by gb77 on Dec 16, 2010 - 16 answers

My honey is returning home from a ten-day silent meditation retreat on Sunday. In all of my excitement to welcome him home, should I be wary of ruining his vibe? Looking for some metafilter insight into reentry from these retreats, and how they would have liked to have been welcomed home. [more inside]
posted by Lisitasan on Sep 3, 2010 - 8 answers

how can i wake up in the morning without all of life's worries immediately entering my brain? [more inside]
posted by sucre on Mar 7, 2010 - 24 answers

Recommendations for books about meditation? [more inside]
posted by aka burlap on Dec 4, 2009 - 14 answers

Reaching the observing ego has been elusive recently when months ago it wasn't. I'm not pushing for it, just waiting. Even after 45min sit, it is more common to find emptiness. Suggestions?
posted by 77144 on Nov 16, 2009 - 22 answers

What are some good centring/calming exercises for a massage therapist? I've had a huge shock and need to get myself together before Tuesday. [more inside]
posted by flutable on Oct 24, 2009 - 7 answers

Do you have any recommendations on youth meditation groups in the Bay Area? [more inside]
posted by ebness86 on Oct 1, 2008 - 2 answers

Are there alternatives to the lotus position for classic meditation that don't leave the back unsupported? I've found that sitting in an unsupported position, or in a chair that doesn't have a seat back, ends up making my back ache rather strongly. I've thought about investigating meditation (and looking into the more classical, early practices), but have wondered if there's a "kosher" (accepted in the discipline) way of doing the more classical meditations while having your back completely supported (by lying on the ground, or doing it in a chair, or what have you).
posted by WCityMike on Apr 24, 2008 - 17 answers

Looking for a new kind of relaxation technique. I'm thinking something sensory, no drugs or tobacco. I thought first of incense. A) What's your experience with using incense to relax? B) Is there anything that provides a similar experience? More parameters inside. [more inside]
posted by l33tpolicywonk on Jul 16, 2007 - 20 answers