Mindfulness Meditation and Buddhism

Nurses Stress 101

Published

I've been hearing about mindfulness meditation as a treatment for depression for awhile (I even bought a book 'The Miracle of Mindfulness'), but hadn't done much about it until a couple of nights ago when I went to my first meditation group. It was excellent, there was a Buddhist nun as a guest speaker, and she said lots of things that really made me thing, despite my typically non-spiritual outlook (ok, I'll admit it, I almost died of embarrassment for everyone when she started singing during meditation :imbar, I'm a horrible, unenlightened person, I know.)

I'm definately planning on going back. I was just wondering if anyone else here meditates and/or is Buddhist?

Specializes in Stepdown, ECF, Agency.

I am a Buddhist.

I have to say that without meditation I would have never made it through nursing school! It is a LOT different than mere "quiet time". It was hard for me at first, and I had to start with little, one or two minute sessions. There are many different kinds that our sect (Tibetan; Kagyu) practice. Several can help anyone be happier and think more clearly, while being secular enough to not interfere with Christian or Jewish or other faith. Kind of like yoga is a hindu, practice, but its good for everyone.

I have to recommend Shinay for clarity of mind and accessing sub conscious.

Also Tonglen for developing loving kindness (or just not killing co-workers!)

and Lojong for coping with self, the world and society.

I am not a shining example of perfect spirituality, but I am much, much happier and much more pleasant to be around because of my practice!

Pema Chodron has many great books that are tailored to western thinking, particularly a book called Start Where You Are, and one called The Places That Scare You.

Best wishes and happiness to all!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for all the great meditation advice. I learned a lot in your post:heartbeat

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am not Buddhist, but I do have a daily meditation practice. 30-60min a day, every day. I've used Buddhist techniques (among other things) and I find them very relaxing and pleasant to work with.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Stepdown, ECF, Agency.

"I have always tried to meditate. I just couldn't do "

Many, many people say they can't meditate, but I think they mean they feel that they can't meditate well. It is one of those instances where the value is in the trying, not in the succeeding.

One of my lamas says, "there is no such thing as good meditation". For many of us, our minds do not settle down, but the benefit is in the sitting and continuing to redirect our thoughts.

Also, it is like exercise. You don't start with the biggest weights on the first day, you just continue to lift the smaller ones for a long, long, time before anything like progress happens.

After a while, you find that you can quiet your thoughts, abandon obsessing about things, and be focused when you need to.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac Nursing.

I thoroughly enjoyed the guided meditation class I went to. They had crystal bowls playing...it was soothing. Too bad it unexpectedly "to me anyway" snowed and the drive home took away all the relief I had gained.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Rabbitgirl,

I love what you said and I copied below and you are soo right!

Also, it is like exercise. You don't start with the biggest weights on the first day, you just continue to lift the smaller ones for a long, long, time before anything like progress happens.

After a while, you find that you can quiet your thoughts, abandon obsessing about things, and be focused when you need to.

Great advice:up:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment