loop this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gXYYIpIdb8

I used to when I first learned about the practice on television in my youth.
I would try meditating and then do Yoga then. I just do Yoga today now, not sure why I stopped meditating.

Had always been curious about Zazen (zen meditation), but couldn't decide how anyone could quiet their mind more than a handful of minutes, if that. Made my first attempt a couple of days ago and found it easier than I perceived it would be. Just focused on listening to breathing patterns.

i have meditated off and on for the past 20 years now . meditation isn't only about clearing the mind, it helps you keep your energy/chi/chakras/ etc balanced or keep your self in tuned with your environment weither you believe it or not. There are many different types of meditations but they all pretty much the same to keep your mind clear, to balance yourself, control of breath. and help with self awareness. The only hard part about meditation is learning how to meditate, controlling your breathing patterns, and keeping at it. Singing, playing video games, drawling, and doing things you enjoy aren't types of meditation but they help with the positive balancing of your life. I say meditate but if you enjoy the arts; singing, drawling, sports, dancing, and acting then go that route as long as your doing it in a positive way then your on the right track.

The OP wasn't suggesting that activities like gaming are forms of meditation, per se. It is fair to say that people can get into a meditative state while doing those things, and that was the point, there. Just wanted to clarify that. I often meditate while gaming, and it works well enough for me. Just getting in the zone, and not overthinking the next steps to take, can feel liberating. I haven't shot in years, but i used to meditate during archery; it's the same concept. With that out of the way, my thoughts on the topic:

The form of meditation I've used for the last 21 years consists of slowing down my breathing, followed by allowing my thoughts to flow like a river. Contrary to those who say one should clear their mind consciously, I say you take most of the "conscious" component out of the equation. Let the thoughts flow, random as they may be, and don't try to direct the river in any way, nor apply emotions to whatever crosses your mind. (The reason for this is simple: If you're applying emotions to a thought, you're expending conscious effort, and meditation should be nearly effortless. It is also an example of the concept of "The Stopping Mind" - basically, when we overthink, it is wasted effort.) If a thought interests you, allow your mind to focus on it for only a brief moment, then let it go. It might come back around later, or maybe not; part of the process is learning to not try to control anything but your breathing, and the muscles you need for your current task. Minimal conscious effort should be part of the process, and if you're expending too much conscious effort, you're not really meditating, are you?

So how does this work when meditating while doing activities? The answer is simple. By not trying to control your thought processes any more than you have to, your mind is less cluttered; by controlling your breathing, your body is less tense. The net effect is a greater degree of focus, and less time spent thinking of what to do before you react. Like any skill, it takes practice to hone it to the point of being near-instinctual.

I do meditation everyday though You can make your mind calm by meditation and the feeling and sensation of it is different with sleep :p

I have started doing meditation from last 2 years and I found many changes. The benefit of doing meditation is it gives peace to our mind and reduces stress.

There is pretty much nothing in my mind most of the time.

Lame.. Just sleep like the rest of the world.

Mokuso!

I used to attend a dojo that had a minute or so of meditation before practice. I liked it, as it was a way to clear the mind. I switched dojos (and martial arts) 2 months ago and that is one of the things I miss.

Sleep and meditation are two different things. Do you even know anything factual about meditation?

Nope, well I consider them to be the same, so they are.

You can't consciously control your breathing while sleeping, so no, they are not the same.The whole "not being conscious" thing prevents that. Since conscious breath control is an integral part of most forms of meditation, they cannot be the same thing.

Meditating is great ^^
Through meditation, I've really grown calmer and more alert!