The power of meditation

As a practicing qabalist, I haven't had too much experience with long sets of meditation. So when I joined a local Zen group, I had the opportunity to practice. The group meditates for two sessions of 30 minutes each with walking meditation in between the two sessions. When I leave, I find I am in a whole new space and experience a state of blissful peace. I can carry this energy with me for about 3 days, when I need more! I find it tough to do it on my own, which is why I joined a small Zen community. Anyone have any suggestions to help me meditate on my own more? As a classroom teacher, I really need to stay in a more peaceful state of mind, and so far, meditation really helps.

Re: The power of meditation

As one might expect; my heartfelt advice is to practice chanting “Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.” It just makes good sense. I hope you find all that you seek, my friend. - jaB

Re: The power of meditation

There are so many good ways to make life a meditation..I use all kinds of paths, like mantrayoga, as Ja mentionnes, or mudrayoga ,fingerpositions, great for the little breaks we sometimes need to create, a good book is this one,  …

Re: The power of meditation

I don't know if this belongs in here or not, but here goes.
I recently started to practice mindfulness meditation.
It has been getting better and I find that it does enhance my yoga practice.
I have one question that is really bothering me.
I started in a chair and have recently “graduated” to the floor with only one pillow and rolled blanket for the support of my legs and shins.
The main trouble is that I experence a great deal of discomfort –and even pain–in my hip, knee and groin area and have to straighten my legs for a few moments to ease it. I do a series of hip openers before I take my seat.
When I do straighten my legs, I try to keep my focus on my breath. After a few moments I fold my legs again and put my focus back to my breath.
The time that I have to straighten my legs is getting shorter and my legs are getting more comfortable in a deeper fold.
The question is, am I hurting my practice by straightening my legs?
Should I just try to ride out the pain?
Liz