Atheists: have you ever had a religious experience and what did you make of it?

[watchamadoodle]

I don't think anybody has mentioned meditation yet. A year ago I was trying very hard to learn to meditate, so I would sit and stare at a candle for an hour every day. A couple of times it began to get very interesting, blissful, and disturbing all at the same time. I need to meditate regularly, but it is harder for me than most people. It takes me about an hour instead of 20 minutes, and that is exhausting.

Here are some guided meditations if that helps. http://secularbuddhism.org/category/guided-meditations/

I used to mediation but I stopped because I didn't agree with the assumptions being made by buddhists about the nature of the self and the assumptions mediation is based. All that and I have ADHD.

Thanks, I have never tried a guided a meditation, but I have heard it works for many people.

I think a person should be able to meditate without the Buddhist assumptions. I know what you mean though. Buddhism is part of the culture and language of meditation.

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I don't think anybody has mentioned meditation yet. A year ago I was trying very hard to learn to meditate, so I would sit and stare at a candle for an hour every day. A couple of times it began to get very interesting, blissful, and disturbing all at the same time. I need to meditate regularly, but it is harder for me than most people. It takes me about an hour instead of 20 minutes, and that is exhausting.

I've been interested in meditation in the past, but I never pursued it. Give this article from The Atlantic a read. It explores a side of meditation that is never mentioned. I found it rather disturbing. I doubt it's very common, but you never hear about potential negative outcomes from meditating.

http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archiv...ls/372766/

It's kind of like anything could come out once meditation opens the door to the deep mind.

Thanks, that's an interesting article. I wasn't aware of those psychological problems that can be caused by meditation. I've read posts from people on other forums who alluded to these types of difficulties, so I know it happens.

It's very hard for me to experience a tiny bit of quiet in my mind through meditation, so the risks for me are minimal. After the first "good" meditation session, I felt very disconnected from myself afterwards. I've also noticed a mild psychedelic drug-like effect sometimes after I meditate. So I can see how there is risk - especially for more talented meditators.