Re:Is meditation safe?

One thing you might investigate is whether you might have ADD (attention-deficit disorder). You described the state of your mind as "chaos," a term I have not heard anyone else use except myself. I posted the following message to this group on 1/4/02, but will repost it for your benefit.

"I've experienced various degrees of depression, and also have ADD. Many years ago I tried to meditate but gave it up because of the mental chaos (not just "monkey mind" as described in many texts, but a relentless cacophany that refused to respond to the usual meditative strategies of concentration and focusing). About 5 years ago I learned about ADD, was diagnosed and started taking Ritalin (I'm 52 years old). Since then I've developed a satisfying meditation practice and have had very little trouble with depression, including while going through a difficult divorce. As long as I'm on medication, I experience "monkey mind" now, just as it's described, without the utter chaos I used to have. When I'm not on medication I get chaos again, though not quite as badly as before."

I can't see a down side to an ADD evaluation because it's painless and will give you valuable information. If negative, great. If positive, then you'll be informed about the choices you can make.

You might also like to check out Jon Kabat-Zinn's book "Wherever You Go, There You Are." It's a great guide to applying mindfulness techniques to the mundane challenges of daily living.

Best of luck to you.

PS: I'm atheistic myself and have no trouble with Buddhist psychology, of which meditation is a part.

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