Atheists of GaG, what are views on meditation?

[just_tired]

Well I do breathing exercises and mobility exercises and I think they have some similarities to meditation.

[fauchelevent]

I've tried it as a way to manage my anxiety but generally just find I'm more tense after than when I started :P I had no issues with attempting it though, it seemed like it could be useful.

[BlueCoyote]

I don't practice it. I've once tried Tai Chi but it hasn't really given me anything. I've also tried Yoga and it hasn't given me anything either. Supposedly they should make you feel calmer and peaceful inside but to me it just felt like a waste of time. But in principle, I have nothing against it. I don't really view mediation in a religious light and if it helps you to start better into your day, there's no reason not to do it.

[ThisDudeHere]

I don't think of it as anything religious but more akin to a psychological exercise.

[Eckyx]

Mindfulness and meditation has scientifically proven benefits. There need not be any superstitious or dogmatic components of it. Plenty of atheists practice "yoga" for its health benefits despite not following Hinduism.

[love_conquers_lust]

So you may not believe in God because the books tell stories that you don't like. Then abandon all the communal activities associated with regular attendance. And then go out and try things like yoga classes or meditation which is akin to church attendance and praying. Is there a void here?

[Sauron2099]

Sure since its actually something that works for a lot of people. Ever felt stressed about deadlines, life, work basically everything at the same time? So why wouldn't sitting down and clearing your mind completely be efficient for someone like that?

[Aizou]

I practice it for the benefits of relaxation, de-stressing, improved focus and the clear/sharpness it gives you when you finally finish.

[That2kKid21]

I've done it before, just sitting there blocking everything out. At the very least its a decent mental practice.

[Himig_Ng_Pag-ibig]

I'm not exactly familiar with it other than a vague knowledge it's about relaxing your mind. Well that sounds good.

[SirRexington]

My opinion on it is that it's stupid and a waste of time. But that has nothing to do with my religious views.

[duces]

yes meditation opens a third eye and hightens tour perception ifeel if there some thing else out tgere it can communicate with you through medatqtion

[SketchForger]

It's good for clearing the stimulus clouding your judgement. Also relieves muscle tension and helps strengthen your joints.

[rskinney]

I have done simple meditation occasionally to clear my head when I get upset. I don't buy any spiritual significance to it.

[Shane_B]

Possibly try it, to control my anger, stress, and depression if it helps with it.

[Nik1hil]

i am atheist,

yes i meditate
while i meditate i don't think of following the dot.. finding a light, or think of god or chant holy words..

i ponder things about my life. the journey of life.. where i began,
where i am, where I should be! , where i need to go! what will be best course of action to my current challenges,
i will have to make sacrifices,
will my sacrifice be worth it! how can i ensure my sacrifice is worth..

basically my meditation is a Board of Directors each of them with their own point of view.. and i am all the director. and i am somehow able to make a decision which is unbiased..

[AnorexicAnaconda]

Atheist. Meditation is great for the Human brain. Years of religious practice and more recently studies have shown this to be true

[OfDeath]

there's nothing g religious about meditation. It's just a relaxation exercise.

[Juxtapose]

It can be a completely secular practice that is quite effective.

[Maxemeister]

It's shown positive results, I won't be doing it cuz I like free time

[thinker_]

can i answer this?

i am not atheist but spiritualist

but i do have technical answer for this

[gclark2708]

I don't but I would consider it. I think I might need something like that lol

[TheBala2000]

See, I hail from India, the birthplace of Yoga. And I can assure you that Yoga and meditation have absolutely nothing to do with being religious or not. Hinduism essentially defines the "way of living" of a person, or how one should live his\her life. Yoga and meditation are the "Health and Wellness" chapter of it, 'mostly' separate from the rest of the book, telling us how to sustain, or boost, our physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

And, as an atheist for years, I have learnt to pluck whichever fruit I like from whatever tree. So, I will definitely practice it, once I have enough time to devote to it regularly.

[KimJongTrill]

I practice it because it helps with relaxation, it's helped control my anxiety, and with stress.

[Guyofallguys2]

Yoga is good for your muscles and joints.

[skykid1992]

Would try it once

[razor97]

sounds silly to me

[Anonymous]

Apparently religious experiences activate the same area of the brain as sex and drugs.

[AzureGirl]

I used to do it when I took karate. When I stopped I kinda fell out of the habit of doing it.

[michellebrown48]

Well meditation has nothing to do with religion for most people. You can certainly practice mediaton whether you're religious or not.
It is more like a brain exercise than a prayer so anyone can do it. I'm an atheist and I'm not opposed to it.

[erandal]

I am not sure if it is actual meditation but I often sit quietly and clear my head out. I find it can be a very relaxing experience and it helps me remain calm and organised. I am not sure why that should be limited to atheists.

[themetalhead]

I'm not actually atheist, but I do think some atheists would do it. some people do it for the spiritual side, others for calming mind and body. its even been scientifically proven to help!

[britpop]

Im not a atheist but I know a couple that practice it they use it as self reflection rather than something spiritual

[crazy_eyes]

I do practice it because it helps me with my anxiety.

[hasrett]

I've never tried it. I don't think it would do much for me.

[Jinxy5555]

I meditate on my SCHOOL

[MsJiff]

Meditation is key to a calm mind. Love it!

[kaskas19]

I don't do it, but I think it's really cool :)

[Rosewanda]

Meditation is for relaxation.