Originally posted by tomtom232
The idea is to get to a point in yourself where you are always mindful. I am not there yet... I am just learning to meditate.
Just a note with that, from my experiences with meditation-
I try NOT to distinguish between meditating and non-meditating. I can meditate at any time.
Obviously it is more beneficial to sit alone in a quiet place with a straight back and be "mindfull" . But you can re-centre your focus to your centre (just above the belly button), at anytime of the day. It reminds you that your spirit is not in your head,as this is where most poeples attention resides mostly,(when concious).
It is difficult at first,(both re-centering your attention constantly and meditating with a straight back for say 20 minutes without becoming drowsy, (the point is to stay alert)).
But it get's easier and builds into a positive habit that is free, beneficial and with no apparent negative side effects, (other than maybe a bit of time loss/disorientation).
It easy to finish an activity and , if there are no people that need your attention(like your kids for example), to just sit there and "meditate". There is no real concious decision at this point to start "meditating" as there is no meditating and non-meditating , as this presents a different dualism, but a dualism nonetheless.
Just sit there and breath. Your back will want to straighten on it's own if you clear your mind and focus your energy on your centre.
It's not a race, it's not like any other wordly activities, if done right. It is a "meditative process" that grows and takes over your life.
Other things start to happen when you become more mindful of your own thoughts and cosequent actions. You start to feel a need to account for yourself, to justify yourself and to learn about your ego and the "ghost" that inhabits your body (spiritual and emotional body as well!).
One good practice is when you visit a friend, or anyone for that matter, is to stop when you get the door. Dont just barge in, no matter who you are visiting, even when going home to your own home. Instead stop, and perhaps just stand there for 5 minutes and clear your mind. You may find something arises that reminds you to perhaps act in a certain way that you would not have thought to do if you had not stopped and cleared your mind first. If that doesn't occur, it is still beneficial in the sense that you enter the premises witha clear, concious mind and you often give people your best when you are in that "clear mind zone".