So I don't know if this is the forum to talk about it, but I have been trying to meditate without the aid of hallucinogens. I've seen other guides for dummies posted online, but I am curious how you meditate?

I think sitting in a quiet place and focusing on something, anything, is a good starting point. As you said, there is plenty of information online, but while it is all interesting to read, I think you may be in a better position to filter and use that information for your own needs once you've already meditated for while.

I focus on the breath, not only because it is a popular thing to focus on, but also because I have recently discovered how much control over your own body you can achieve through manipulating the breath.

focusing on the breathe is a good place to start. theres really endless ways to meditate. i'm actually in the middle of writing a paper on meditation, and was just taking a break doing some relaxed meditating about half a minute before seeing this thread ^_^

a lot of times i just like to sit or lay down in a comfortable position (although sometimes too comfortable can lead to sleep!) slow my breathing way down, and just drift into a blissful and centered state of calmness. often this leads to some interesting states of mind... But of course other more focused meditations are very very useful as well and i do those to

read up and try a bunch of things.. there has been quite a few talks here of this topic in the past, so a search might reveal a method that you find interesting. Yoga also helps immensely when learning to meditate. Try some before doing any sitting meditations perhaps

above all, enjoy :]

Yes there are many ways indeed to meditate. Experiment with many types and find the ones that work best for you.

If you want to hear us share methods, here is a method I use now:

I had an intense DMT breakthrough were I was blasted out into a beutifull fractal tunnel like abyss. I seemed to be almost blasted into nothing but there was still something at least because all I knew was is that I was experiencing consciousness. I didn't even remember who or what I was or if there was even an "I" for that matter. All that was known is that something is being experienced and it was wonderful. When I meditate now I try to remember that part of the trip and how it felt. DMT has personally boosted my meditation because it at least gave me a reference point of what the stillness of consciousness is like.

... later in that trip I did start to remember I thought "what am I? have been human before? and an entity appeared pulling me out of the tunnel like abyss and said what is at the top of one my quotes in blue below. I also incorporate what was said to me in that trip into my meditation. I try to the still the mind and just BE.

I recently have started to do my own kind of meditating where I focus on breathing slowly through my nose completely and then breathing it out though my mouth slowly. The goal is to take long, full breaths. I usually play some uplifting, psychedelic/electronic music and smoke some pot while I do this. I find I can reach a state of relaxation which wipes my mind of the problems at hand.

My challenge with meditation wasn‘t being distracted and finding the stillness of mind, but staying grounded. It’s easy to slip into dissociation, that ’blankness’ which isn’t being connected at all.. It’s a cop out. Travel with the breath or heartbeat is key to reaching that state of bliss, at which point a unique level of harmony is met.. Be present, it’s a gift!

When I first started I’d practice following my breath until all around me was nonexistent. Then I’d set my awareness outside of myself and listen to the world.. the river flowing, sirens wailing, birds cawing.. but not becoming or attaching to anything, moreso allowing sounds and sensations to drift through mind like clouds making passes in the sky. As if to muse, ’Is that so?’ After so long I’d return to becoming my breath, alternating back and forth accordingly.

Outside of my psychedelic study and research, I'm a student of Zen and thus my own approach to meditation is that of 'no mind'; allowing everything to flow naturally over me without having to grab onto any kind of detail. Just letting existence be itself, with no need to interfere.

“Sitting quietly, doing nothing, Spring comes, and the grass grows, by itself.”
-Matsuo Bashō