Thread: Frustrated

I have been trying to meditate before bed and clear my mind and trying to WILD I keep getting the same problem. I simply cannot stay still. My eyes move around like they have nothing better to do and I start trying too hard to stay still and I get itches, on random parts of my body so great that I literally cannot control myself and I must scratch. After that I am pretty much back to square one and get frustrated and just go to sleep. Obviously, this is not going well for me. Any tips on becoming more calm? I know I am trying to hard to be calm, and I am failing miserably. Help?

Are you trying at night or during a WBTB? Trying after you've slept for a few hours will make it easier for your mind to start ignoring those things, and you will be near REM sleep. Also, you may want to try counting or some other anchor; Using one can bring your focus away from your physical body's urges to move and scratch.

Both. It is a bit easier in the morning, I lasted about a half an hour but then I moved for some reason and I went to sleep because I didn't want to start back over again.

I agree that the WBTB is the way to go, and about the counting. I sometimes count my breaths, and I suggest do not worry if you loose count, just start from 1 again. I think you should experiment with benadryl (diphenhydramine.) It is an anti-histamine that you get in the allergy section. Taking 1 tablet or 2 if it does not create to deep of sleep, controls itching and helps you relax. It lasts upto 6 hours.

To put it bluntly, learn to not give a shit. Know that moving, scratching, moving eyes, swallowing, none of these things will inhibit your ability to sleep like getting frustrated will do. So just relax and roll over if you need to, it won't hurt your attempt.

In general it's bad to want it too badly when you WILD.

An itch usually goes away, if it doesn't, scratch it slowly, without paying too much attention to it. I do change position, swallow, scratch (not too frequently, though), and I still get an LD. You will too, just don't get frustrated.

Itch the itches, roll over when you want to roll over. Comfort is key. It's a widespread myth that you have to remain completely still to WILD, let alone meditate.

Originally Posted by dave1701

I have been trying to meditate before bed and clear my mind and trying to WILD I keep getting the same problem. I simply cannot stay still. ... After that I am pretty much back to square one and get frustrated and just go to sleep. Obviously, this is not going well for me. Any tips on becoming more calm? I know I am trying to hard to be calm, and I am failing miserably. Help?

Sounds like you have a sleep onset issue. To sleep is to dream, to dream is to LD. Try visualization and progressive muscle relaxation. Works for me!

Originally Posted by faceonmars

Sounds like you have a sleep onset issue. To sleep is to dream, to dream is to LD. Try visualization and progressive muscle relaxation. Works for me!

What do I visualize and how do I do it?