Hey, Crystal. There is a Catch-22 to bipolars meditating. We are probably the population that can benefit most by it, but because of our racing minds (plus possible interference from meds) it can be very difficult for us to even sit down.

A few points:

Even a small improvement is a big improvement. We don't have to have the results other people get. Feeling a little bit calmer, feeling a little bit more in control of our brains, feeling a little bit more attuned to our thoughts and feelings, being a little bit better able to deal with stress - those little bits are very significant.

Don't feel you have to do one hour. Try practicing sitting still, in a straight posture, for just five minutes. Focus on your breath - in-out, in-out - and keep coming back to the breath when you catch your mind wandering. If you'r like me, your mind will wander every thousandth of a second. That's okay.

Meditation is a form of concentration. If I interpreted the TED talk correctly, it's the act of concentration, repeated over a period of time, that results in the brain changes. The speaker talked about one study involving jugglers. The part of the brain involving perception and coordination was built up. You probably don't have to be a good juggler to get those results. Likewise, you don't have to be a good meditator. It's the effort that counts. If you go from being a hopeless meditator to merely a bad one - well guess what? - you've succeeeded in your mission. Your brain will change.

Yoga is probably the best way to get into meditation. A quiet time of stretches and breathing makes it a lot easier to sit for five minutes afterwards.

A long long time ago I meditated, but I was so bad at it (racing mind) that I dropped it. Having watched the TED talk, I think I need to return to it. This time, I have a difference-maker: I play the didgeridoo and practice it every day. The didgeridoo induces a quieter state of mind in me. I simply need to make a habit of sitting still for five or ten minutes after practicing my didge. Basically, just practice being quiet. Again - repeated practice changes the brain. When the brain changes (presumably in a good way), there are benefits.

Other calming activities that engage the body can assist with meditation, such as tai-chi, certain forms of dance, certain drumming, working in the garden, taking a walk, on and on.

In your case: Meditation may or may not be for you. But it is worth giving it a try. Yes, your meds will make it difficult, but you don't have to be as good as everyone else. It's worth trying yoga, as yoga definitely makes meditation easier. Many yoga people meditate while holding their stretches. Just about all yoga people sit (or lie) quietly for several minutes following their stretches. The meditation doesn't have to last long. A few minutes is fine. You may want to build up later, but that is up to you.

Hope this helps - 

Hey, Crystal. It's always great to run into a fellow member of the didgerisoo tribe. The other day I brought my didgeridoo to a drum circle, along with a drum. I'm looking forward to writing something on the benefits of movement and drumming. All of it is related in various ways - drummng, dance, yoga, mediatation. They all help induce a state of well-being. It sounds like you're ready for the yoga. Go for it. :)