How to meditate when your attention span is 0.1 second

Summary

This video explores the purpose and different types of meditation, emphasizing that there's no one-size-fits-all approach. It explains the Sanskrit terms Dhna, Danan, and Samadhi, detailing the progression from active meditation practice to deeper states of consciousness. The video encourages viewers to find a meditation style that suits their personality and disposition, whether through focused or open-awareness practices. It also emphasizes the importance of enjoying the process and being patient with oneself, noting that meditation can be flexible, fun, and rewarding as you experiment with different techniques.

Takeaways

• 😀 Meditation is not one-size-fits-all; finding the right type of meditation for you is key to making it effective and enjoyable.
• 🧘‍♂️ The word 'meditation' is associated with three Sanskrit words: dhna (the practice), danan (a state of mind), and samadhi (a state of transcendence or enlightenment).
• 💭 Dhna refers to the active practice of meditation, where you intentionally focus your attention, such as focusing on your breath.
• 💤 Danan is a state of mind that happens naturally after consistent practice, similar to how sleep is a state beyond our direct control.
• 🌅 Samadhi is a deep, transcendent state where the ego disappears, and you become completely immersed in the experience, like observing a sunset.
• ⚖️ Meditation can be practiced in different ways: some people move toward self-awareness (focused on thoughts, emotions, and actions), while others move away from it (detaching from internal experiences).
• 🎯 There are two axes in meditation: towards/away and open/focused. These axes help define the approach and focus of the meditation practice.
• 🏃‍♂️ If you're focused and goal-driven, you'll likely enjoy focused meditation practices. If you're more relaxed, open awareness meditation may suit you.
• 🔍 For curious minds or those who love problem-solving, meditation that goes inward (into the self) can be engaging and enjoyable.
• 🛑 If you're dealing with trauma or uncomfortable inner experiences, you may benefit from meditations that help you move away from the self and ground yourself.
• 🔄 Meditation is flexible! You can experiment with different styles, such as turning an open meditation practice into a focused one, to suit your needs and preferences.

Q & A

What are the three Sanskrit words that relate to the English word 'meditation'?

The three Sanskrit words related to 'meditation' are Dhna, Dhyāna, and Samādhi. Each represents a different aspect or stage of meditation practice.

What is Dhna and how does it differ from Dhyāna?

Dhna refers to the active practice of meditation, where you intentionally focus your attention on something, such as the breath, and return your attention to it when the mind wanders. Dhyāna, on the other hand, is a state of mind or consciousness that occurs naturally after consistent practice, where the mind is calm and at peace.

Can you explain Samādhi and how it relates to the ego?

Samādhi is a temporary state of enlightenment where the ego or sense of self is absent. It's not that the self disappears entirely, but the individual becomes so engrossed in the experience (e.g., a sunset) that the sense of 'I' is temporarily absent.

What is the purpose of meditation according to the video?

The purpose of meditation originally was to transcend the ego and self. However, meditation can also be used for other purposes like reducing anxiety, improving focus, and cultivating happiness, depending on the type of meditation you choose.

What is the significance of the axes 'Towards vs. Away' and 'Open vs. Focused' in meditation?

The 'Towards vs. Away' axis represents whether meditation focuses on moving towards or away from the self. The 'Open vs. Focused' axis describes whether meditation is relaxed and open (e.g., observing the breath casually) or highly concentrated (e.g., focusing on the breath at a specific point). These axes help categorize different types of meditation.

What type of meditation is recommended for someone who is laidback and enjoys observing phenomena?

A person who is laidback and enjoys observing phenomena would likely thrive with 'Open Awareness' meditations. These involve a relaxed, non-judgmental observation of experiences, such as breathing, without intense focus.

How can someone with a structured personality benefit from meditation?

Someone with a structured personality, who enjoys order and being told what to do, would likely prefer more 'Focused' meditations. These require laser-sharp attention to specific objects or thoughts, providing a sense of control and discipline.

What meditation is best for a person who enjoys solving puzzles and is highly curious?

A person who enjoys solving puzzles and is highly curious might prefer 'Introspective' meditations. These focus on self-reflection and exploration, such as examining thoughts, emotions, and inner experiences.

What type of meditation would suit someone who finds their inner experiences painful or uncomfortable?

Someone who finds their inner experiences painful or uncomfortable might benefit from meditations that move away from the self. These practices help ground the individual and direct attention outward, rather than focusing on inner thoughts or emotions.

What should someone do after selecting a meditation type that suits them?

After selecting a meditation type, the individual should experiment with it to see if they enjoy it. It's important to approach meditation as an enjoyable and flexible practice. They should test it out, remain patient, and allow themselves to explore different techniques to find what works best.