Lighting the incense.

Hmmm, an empty room. I guess I'll just sit and wait for the others to arrive.

Thanks, John, for being the first. Makes me the second.

This must be the Zen meditation room cause it is definitely quiet in here! I was wondering if anyone has suggestions for good guided meditations for working through issues, raising self esteem, etc. I can't seem to find any that don't annoy me and I have a really hard time doing self induced meditation. Thanks! Kelle

Kelle, Welcome to the forum! I don't have any suggestions for guided meditations since it's really never been part of my practice, but hopefully more people will show up.

Hi all - Do you mind if I light some candles? Yes it is rather quiet in here, maybe we can talk a little before the temple fills up. How did some of you make the decision to have WLS? I was TOTALLY against it, I had gone to a Lorena Bobbit Insitute for WLS website and read a bunch of horror stories. In December 2003, I woke up one morning and knew I HAD to have surgery. Spirit guided me to this AMOS site, and I feel S/He will guide me thru the surgery as it is meant to be. How about you all? Would love to hear your stories. Mea

I had heard of the surgery in the mid 80's. I went to a consultation and was certainly a candidate. Ultimately, I was too scared to go through with it and I had that "this is the easy way out" idea. 15 years and many pounds later I decided too look into it again. Other than sleep apnea I never had any serious health problems, but I could see my 40th birthday a few years away and knew what lay ahead. So I figured "now or never". Even though I had some difficulties in adjusting to a thinner self (and those contributed to the end of my marriage), I have never regretted it.

Hey guys!!! I just want to know HOW to meditate.....I have had several doctors recommend it to me to reduce stress....But have no clue how.....Anyone know how to tell a newbie how to start??? I am very curious and interested in learning....HELP!!!!! Janice

Janice, Thanks for posting! There are many different styles of meditation. I practice in the Zen tradition so that's what I know best. 1. Find a comfortable sitting position, in a chair or crosslegged on the floor. Lying down isn't generally recommended since we tend to associate that with sleep. Whatever you choose, be sure that your back is straight and relaxed (not ramrod military straight!) - same for your head, neck and shoulders. Eyes can be opened but softly focused, or closed if you prefer. You can just fold your hands in your lap. 2. Breathing. This is very important. Focus you attention about two inches below your naval. You want to take deep, full breaths from your diaphgram. Just as babies or opera singers do. You are able to take in more air in this way than with "pump up the chest" style breathing, as your lungs expand downward. The focus below the naval stimulates a nerve center that promotes the generation of energy. This same principle is at work in yoga, taichi, martial arts, etc. The breathing rate should be natural not forced. With time you'll notice that you start to breath very slowly with no effort. 3. Mind. Simply count your exhalations from one to ten. The count can be as long as the exhale; onnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnne, twoooooooooooooooooooooooooooo, etc. Initially this can prove to be quite a challenge, as thoughts arise and before we know it we are off in a kind of dream state. Remembering some event from long ago or planning something in the future. It happens to all of us. When you notice that you have lost count, stop, acknowledge/recognize the thoughts and start over again. The goal is not to "get to ten" but rather to become aware of when we are day-dreaming and to become more aware of the present moment. We are not trying to stifle thought but rather let it settle down naturally. An image often given is that of a glass of muddy water. Stir it and it will never get clear, let it sit and eventually all of the cloudyness settles down, revealing the true clarity. Just like exercise, regular periods of meditation are the most effective. Start with just five minutes after waking or before bed. In time these short periods will fly by and you'll have no trouble sitting for longer. The simple beauty is that you have everything you need to do this wherever you are - it comes in handy while waiting in the doctor's office or on bus rides. Simple but not so easy! But it does work. Given a few weeks you'll probably notice changes in how you deal with situations that life offers and you'll certainly be more aware of the tired, old, re-runs that all of us are playing in our heads (and that we subsequently act out of in our lives). Please post/email if anything I said above is unclear. Good luck! jmw

Hi i read your post and i have a question. I have been trying to meditate and lately, the second i relax and start to breath, very bad images come up and it frightens me and i quit trying to meditate. I had my surgery on 8/16 and i went into therapy before and after. I have fear issues and in fact i am going to see a hypnotist tomorrow. When i do, do my meditation, i do it in a laying down position (bad back) but lately i just cant do it. Do you have any suggestions. thanks very much Gina

I have referred many people to this web site. You will be able to meditate very easily, and yet very quickly with these very simplistic and yet effective guided meditations: http://www.learningmeditation.com/ I hope this adds serenity and calm into your life - I think it is important for us to remember that we had this surgery to improve our entire life, not just the physical. I am confident that doctors recommend this technique, so that you can strengthen your mental state of being.