In order to make it simpler for me to meditate without having to worry about counting time I made a meditation soundtrack. Although I can meditate without this, I found that I would be always thinking about how much time was left. So I came up with this idea. Now I forget about time and concentrating on the mantra is easier. The soundtrack is always silent except for occasional bells which tell you when time's up. It goes like this:
00:00 bell 01:00 bell (start pranayama) 06:00 bell 06:30 bell (start meditation) 26:30 bell
I also made versions for only meditation and for 10 and 15 minutes pranayama. I am telling you this for two reasons. The first one is to share these soundtracks with anyone who finds them useful. The second one is to ask your opinion about me using this helping device. Do you think it's useful or that it would be better to keep it simple and count the time by myself.
Please note that I believe one shouldn't depend on this soundtrack to meditate and must be able to meditate with or without it. I see it more like a helper just the same way one tries to find a calp spot even though one should still be able to meditate next to a construction site.
Dear Nuno, If you make sankalpa(intent) before starting meditating stating how long you wish to meditate for, you can get it down almost to the minute without alarms. L&L Dave
If anyone really needs a timer there is a free programme available that can be configured to give you a count down with the sound of your choice. You can find it at http://www.timeleft.info/
Can you please explain what you mean by sankalpa? You suggest that I simply concentrate on the fact that I want to be aware of when 20 minutes are gone? Or is it a specific technique you're talking about?
Dear Nuno, Yes that is exactly what I am talking about.Simply intend that your session will last for the specific time you require.It may not happen immediately but I can get it almost dead on every time.Just state to yourself silently the time you wish to finish your session. L&L Dave
Meditation soundtrack
Posted - Dec 17 2005 : 3:17:25 PM
