Forums IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ Beyond Human a direct link to the subconscious.

hartreefoch,

When you say you've tried following instructors, have you had personal training? Like one on one, or do you mean from books and tapes and what not?

Teaching meditation is one of the most subtle forms of teaching, I think, and it involves meditating with an instructor as well as personal consultation and listening to talks about the process. A good instructor can pick up on your problems with the process by observing you meditate and talking to you one on one about it.

I personally found the personal approach much, much better. I was getting in my own way a lot and the instructor was able to get through my anxiety, worry, and effort and let me know how to do it. Once I got it, he recognized it, and said, "That's it!"

That simple confirmation did a lot. Like with every subject, we all have our own styles and needs as learners. For me, having a good instructor *really* helped.

I also had a bad experience with another instructor, and it was a nightmare and turned me off of meditating for a while. This guy's approach may have worked for some people, but I found him way too critical and domineering. The other (good) instructor was very permissive and affirming, which worked best for me with this particular subject.