Pete's beginner journal

Hi all. I'm basically completely new to meditation, but trying to give it a serious try now. I've previously tried for about two weeks last year, and just ended up getting sleepy every time, but I'm giving it another shot.

Currently I'm sitting twice a day for 20 minutes (morning and evening) to try to build a habit. I plan to increase the time as I go, but consistency is more important for me right now. So far I'm just trying to do some concentration practice, focusing on breath at the nose, bringing my attention back over and over again. So far I'm happy to report that I haven't fallen asleep at all.

Welcome <!-- s:) --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_e_smile.gif" alt="" title="Smile" /><!-- s:) -->

30 mins this morning. Decided to focus on feeling one finger on each hand, as suggested by Ingram. Found a buzzy / tingly sensation in the fingers and the hand, like a toned-down version of pins-and-needles when your foot goes to sleep. Is this the &quot;vibration&quot; that I should be focusing on, and trying to get better resolution on?

Really no need to do that at this point. If you want to start vipassana, I would begin with simple noting. Read here: [url:1bynx8t5]http&#58;//kennethfolkdharma&#46;com/forum/viewtopic&#46;php?f=4&amp;t=27[/url:1bynx8t5]

Great, thanks <!-- s:) --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_e_smile.gif" alt="" title="Smile" /><!-- s:) -->
I'll give that a go tonight.

Welcome, Pete. Try posting in the quick chat here on the forum and see if you can get someone to note with you over Skype to help you get the hang of it.

Thanks for the suggestion, I hadn't thought of that.

So far in the past week I've sat for about 4 hours total, doing at least a bit each day. My time has been spent on concentration, just trying to extend the time I can sit without getting totally lost in daydream. Now it's pretty good for the first 10 mins, 50/50 chance of getting lost in the 2nd 10 mins, and then ok for the last 10 mins out of my 30 minute sits.

This week trying to move up to 30 mins twice daily.

OK, but be be sure to try noting as well. It's easier to beging with noting and worry about concentration later. Check out the link the Russell posted. Also, if you have a smartphone, go to the app store and download the Mind Blown app that Orasis is building. In addition to a bunch of instructional videos (mostly free), the app is designed to support you as you learn to note.