Not as easy as it used to be.

[sarahjustin0130]

I hesitated with this topic title, because meditation should require no effort, right? Anyways, I have carried on with regular meditation practice on and off for quite some years. Unfortunately, at times, life got in the way and I had to end the practice. How ironic! I used to slip into a deep state of meditation merely by doing Awareness Belly Breathing like what is described in Energy Work, and by focusing on the blackness that's seen when closing my eyelids. I was entering a trance without even realizing it! I seem to be successful with meditation!
Since then, I've had some major life changes. I've moved back to my hometown, I've gotten married, entered college, etc. Basically a major life change. It seems as though an end result of my busyness is a pretty active surface mind. I've been doing meditation again however I can't seem to slip into the deep states I used to. I've only been doing it for about 5 weeks though, for hour-long sessions.
I'm thinking that persistence is key here. Just keep doing it. I don't feel like I'm getting very far though. Little things like the need to swallow saliva, or my dog making abstract noises from time to time can still throw me off. I don't just want to achieve deep meditation, I need it. My soul is far-too wise for my own good, and without a deep-seated spiritual foundation and some inner peace, stress and frustration will be the death of me. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[CFTraveler]

Well, for starters, don't let natural body processes throw you off. If you have to swallow, do it and continue with what you're doing. Maybe the idea of trying to reach prior states is part of the problem- stop focusing on the goal and try to focus on the process instead- try to find pleasure in the way you're trying to get there- find pleasure in breathing, noticing, or visualizing- whatever the process is you're using. And if that is not working for you change something- try focusing on the space all around you, or the places your breath is reaching from the inside (your fingertips? Your toes?)- vary the routine to reach say, your aura, your spirit; etc- and see where that gets you.

[Sinera]

Maybe you could try listening to binaural beats or isochronic tone audios while meditating? I am doing this and hardly could do it without my earphones on now. There are many with pure pulses or with nice background such as waves or rainstorm which is very relaxing and good for the ears too. It's always worth a try.

Use Hemi-Sync or Brain-Sync or similar. Some audios are even downloadable for free.

Isochronic tones for free:
http://www.iso-tones.com/index.php/tones

Here's a good Om-Sound which I love (click on the player!), you can order the CD:
http://www.satnam.eu/om-wm-zapp-p-1194.en.html

Of course, there are countless examples on youtube and you could download the audios for free or let them stream, here's just one of them, use the search for what you like:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_qgfEiMyIE

Here of the two most professional ones: Brain- and Hemi-Sync:

http://www.brainsync.com/
They are commercial, but you can order 4 for free here by entering your e-mail:
http://www.brainsync.com/free-guided-meditation-online

I am using one of their ocean sounds (brain refresher) quite often for meditation as well as relaxation.

Here's another commercial one from Robert Monroe's legacy, the legendary ("original") hemi-sync binaurals, plenty of choice from their catalogue:
http://www.hemi-sync.com/

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Another advice often given by professionals is to cut down on (industrial) sugar intake for better meditation results.

[sarahjustin0130]

Thanks guys. I've had a lot going on for me the past week or so, and I think I'm on the right path. I've entrusted my Higher Self to bring me to my goals in the most appropriate fashion. I continue to get up anywhere from 2 AM to 5 AM daily to meditate and do energy work, and I'm confident that I'm getting somewhere with it, based on my mindset!