Meditation Techniques for Overactive Minds

I recently wrote an article on Yoga, which mentioned Yoga’s mind/body benefits along with other practices such as Meditation. One of my regular commenters here, DzyMsLizzy, mentioned that she always had difficulty with Meditation because her mind was overactive. This is not uncommon! Most of us have a lot going on upstairs especially during more stressful times. Even though we desperately want to quiet our thoughts, there’s no handy “on/off” switch. Actually, it’s impossible to turn off one’s thoughts entirely and still remain conscious, but it is possible to successfully Meditate and still think! The question remains, how do you calm your overactive mind and slow down those ever-racing thoughts and ideas?

There are some simple, methods you can try such as choosing a space where you won’t be disturbed or distracted. You can focus on your breathing, or repeat a mantra; in fact, you can go to simple “learn how to meditate” websites that are supposed to teach you how to reach nirvana in a few easy steps, such as this site charmingly named, “Meditate With Piggies” – Truly adorable, and not without merit...but not terribly effective. I also have a popular article on how to meditate easily.

If you’ve been trying to Meditate without success, it’s time for a new perspective. Take heart. I’ve discovered some “at-home” bio-feedback programs that are remarkably effective.

The best bio-feedback training program I’ve found is actually a computer game called “Relaxing Rhythms”. It’s the first in a series by a computer game/bio-feedback company called Wild Devine. I reviewed some of their CD’s before, but I’ve only just discovered this one, which is great for those who are looking for an easy way to learn how to meditate.

Unlike a simple guided meditation CD that can be boring, “Relaxing Rhythms” engages your entire mind and is interactive. You pop in the CD, hook yourself up to their very cool IOM Sensor and the fun begins. The sensor is not unlike an electrode, which measures your level of stress and control. On this computer game you won’t be worrying about speed and dexterity. Getting to the next level at “Relaxing Rhythms” means you’re your thoughts and emotions are closer to achieving an effective meditative state.

The initial investment is not cheap…about $275 for the IOM, but the CD’s (and there are a lot in the series) are reasonably priced. There are also some attractively priced bundles. With the holidays always around the corner, or somebody’s birthday close at hand, this series of bio-feedback games is the perfect gift.

You attach the IOM connector to the computer and to the fingers on one hand. As you play the game, you use your mind (rather than a typical joystick) to work out the challenges. You can track your body's signals as they rise and fall in synch with your state of mind. The visuals of the game are quite beautiful and so is the relaxing music. Your meditation and breathing techniques improve allowing you experience the many benefits of meditation including stress reduction, better concentration and a greater level of physical and mental well-being.

There’s also a 15-step training program taught by the most popular and globally respected experts in the field of health, wellness, meditation and self-awareness. Doctors include including Andrew Weil, M.D., Deepak Chopra, M.D., and Dean Ornish, M.D.

All the Wild Divine games work on the premise that brain development can be enhanced -- not only during adolescence, but at any age -- through the practice of meditation, even if you have been diagnosed with ADHD, (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). With proper instruction, anyone can do it.

So if your mind is too overactive to meditate and you’d like to succeed at meditation I recommend “Relaxing Rhythms” bio-feedback computer game. If you do try it out, please come back and comment! Happy gaming – and Successful Meditations!

© Copyright Green Lotus, 2011. All rights reserved.