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finding a suitable place for extended periods of meditation

ajnast4rajnast4r Veteran
edited November 2011 in Meditation
I'm having trouble finding a place where I can meditation for extended periods of time without being interrupted or having to worry about being interrupted. I'm not talking about sounds or noises, but more about someone actually coming into the room or trying to get my attention. Really what I want is a little room or closet I can lock myself in for a few hours a few times every month. I have a busy schedule between work and school so a defined retreat isn't an option for me right now.

Home is not an option.

I've tried my car but I've found even when parked in secluded areas that people notice... sometimes even knocking on my window and asking if I'm ok.

I've contacted a local hindu temple to no avail.

There are few local Wats/Monasteries I've been thinking about asking but I'm not sure if that type of thing is acceptable within Buddhist tradition?

Any advice would be appreciated. :)

Comments

  • JeffreyJeffrey Veteran
    edited November 2011
    Any public parks? Libraries?
  • SattvaPaulSattvaPaul South Wales, UK Veteran
    Isn't it possible to establish some boundaries with the people you're living with? Just say you don't want to be disturbed at certain times.
  • ajnast4rajnast4r Veteran
    public places are more likely to have disturbances... when people see you sitting motionless for long periods of time they think you're dead or hurt.

    I'm not so much worried about boundaries at home... I could ask my GF not to disturb me and she wouldnt, other than for emergencies. It's the emergency situation that I'm worried about... for ex: once I was meditating and by cat got out of the house, she had to 'wake me up' in order to go get the cat. It's very disturbing, disorienting and kind of painful to be 'woken up' from meditation in my experience. Really this is more about occasional retreat than daily practice... It wouldn't be fair of me to tell my GF, hey I need you to be absolutely silent and not disturb me for any reason for the entire day.


    Also I think some areas are more conducive to concentration... Theres so many other things to be doing at home. I like the idea of having somewhere JUST for meditation.






  • JeffreyJeffrey Veteran
    edited November 2011
    I don't do that kind of meditation. I am as alert as a cat when I meditate.

    I would be surprised if someone bother you in a park?
  • SattvaPaulSattvaPaul South Wales, UK Veteran
    Maybe if you sit in a traditional meditation posture in the park, they won't bother you. They're more likely to take a pic of you.

    I think you're talking about retreat. I have no answer for that other than build/hire a purpose-built facility for that, or find a Dharma centre.
  • AMHAMH
    If there are no buddhist locations then maybe a local open minded church or Unitarian Universalist location (they are very open). I know that churches often have long periods during the day where a sanctuary or other place is unused, and i like the spiritual energy of most all spiritual places (just me, I love Catholic and Orthodox churches energy when I am not attending services).
  • BarraBarra soto zennie wandering in a cloud in beautiful, bucolic Victoria BC, on the wacky left coast of Canada Veteran
    Many Buddhist centres have weekend or week long retreats. Just google and you'll find what is available in your area. If there are none, Christian retreat centres are also good. Generally you can sign up to stay for a few days and you can meditate all day long in your room or in a chapel or other area. Tell them what you have in mind. If you want a silent retreat, just pin a note to yourself saying "in silence" and nobody will talk to you.
  • Floating_AbuFloating_Abu Veteran
    Hi ajnast4r

    Thanks for your question.

    In the tradition I sit in, noises and even 'getting disturbed' is not a huge problem "per se".

    That said, I think your home environment sounds fine (do you think?) for frequent meditation - and if there are really some urgent matters that need your attention, might be OK once a in blue moon? to get up for those. Other than that your plans sound nice.

    Good luck with it all,

    Abu
  • taiyakitaiyaki Veteran
    Meditation retreat or sesshin.
  • possibilitiespossibilities PNW, WA State Veteran
    Co-ordinate times with your girlfriend when she's out of the house for shopping trips or other social events. That is your chance.
    Also - how long have you meditated in one session before? Are you sure you need all that extended time for starters?
    Also - it might be a good idea to dislodge yourself from the idea you need absolute peace and quiet, and cannot even stand the *idea* of disruption. You are trying to set up perfect circumstances in an imperfect world. Maybe instead, learn to handle disruptions so they don't throw you off balance as much. Use this as a challenge to DEAL.
  • Floating_AbuFloating_Abu Veteran
    I agree with possibilities. A little noise, a little movemenr is not unsuitable for meditation sits IMO.

    _/\_
  • CinorjerCinorjer Veteran
    I used to hang out at cemetaries, when I was doing long meditation. Peaceful, quiet, beautiful outdoor setting, and great company. Also, people don't bother you.
  • mithrilmithril Veteran
    A Church. Unless you go to some fundamentalist Church or go at the wrong time (just go when you expect little to no people there), you will not be bothered. If you are afraid of being converted, this is not likely to happen, since there is a really small percentage of Christians (believe in God etc etc) among those visiting Church. Usually there are none though. At least that's my experience.
  • ajnast4rajnast4r Veteran
    A Church. Unless you go to some fundamentalist Church or go at the wrong time (just go when you expect little to no people there), you will not be bothered. If you are afraid of being converted, this is not likely to happen, since there is a really small percentage of Christians (believe in God etc etc) among those visiting Church. Usually there are none though. At least that's my experience.
    Hmmm... that's a really great suggestion I never would have thought of. I am going to try to find a small local church for this. thanks!

  • BonsaiDougBonsaiDoug Simply, on the path. Veteran
    edited November 2011
    There are few local Wats/Monasteries I've been thinking about asking but I'm not sure if that type of thing is acceptable within Buddhist tradition?
    Definitely ask. Whenever I'm traveling I always seek out local Buddhist temples. I always ask permission to simply sit off to the side of the altar to meditate for awhile. I've never been turned down.

    Whatever the particular tradition, I have to believe local Wats/Monasteries will accommodate you. But you'll never know 'till you ask.
  • newtechnewtech Veteran
    edited November 2011
    Hello:

    You can rent a cheap cabain in a quiet place for a couple of days and thats the easiest way to go if u dont know any good secure open place or a local sangha with retreat mode. If u havent done extended meditation i would suggest not going alone at least the first time and doble check this if u suffer any mental condition like depression or something else just to be sure u are keeping it light :). Also a partner will make it easier to follow a good routine.

    Hope it helps :).



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