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Meditating on the breath with allergies vs. meditating outside with distractions

buddhistokbuddhistok Veteran
edited June 2012 in Meditation
I've been having severe indoor allergies that make meditating inside very uncomfortable. Would it be better to meditate outside my apartment with all its distractions and other problems? If one of the many people on the grounds see me they may wonder what I'm doing. In the past when I've meditated outside sometimes people will stop by me and wave and/or say hi out of frustration because, of course, with my eyes closed I am ignoring them. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Comments

  • PrairieGhostPrairieGhost Veteran
    Antihistamines?

    I have allergies to certain modern houses but not to older ones; I think it's the plaster... consider moving?
  • taiyakitaiyaki Veteran
    What sort of meditation do you do?
  • BonsaiDougBonsaiDoug Simply, on the path. Veteran
    edited June 2012
    Go outside. Those "distractions" might actually help. Just don't dwell on them. Notice them and let them pass. Remember, meditation is about being aware and in the moment. You're not trying to get into some sort of trance.

    As to people stopping by, well there's not too much you can do about that. Should you meet them afterwards, you can simply explain you weren't being rude, just meditating. Sit outdoors often enough and people will come to recognize what you're doing and give you your space.

    Just my 2½ cents worth.
  • AmeliaAmelia Veteran
    You can meditate without looking like you're meditating. All sitting requires is "sitting." If someone comes by to say "hi" to you, you could just give them a wave and resume. I wouldn't say that it is part of the practice to push distractions away or ignore them.
  • buddhistokbuddhistok Veteran
    edited June 2012
    Thanks to everyone who replied. BonsaiDoug and Amelia, those comments were especially helpful.
  • DakiniDakini Veteran
    edited June 2012
    Close your eyes and wear earplugs outside. Or go to a quiet place in a park, by a tree or behind shrubs. Or get up on the roof, if you can.

    Are you in the US, @buddhistok?
  • buddhistokbuddhistok Veteran
    Close your eyes and wear earplugs outside. Or go to a quiet place in a park, by a tree or behind shrubs. Or get up on the roof, if you can.

    Are you in the US, @buddhistok?
    What?
  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator
    :lol:
  • PrairieGhostPrairieGhost Veteran
    :D I loled
  • howhow Veteran Veteran
    Amelia" answer was apt. I work as a plumber where I often have time between appointments to meditate in my truck. I sometimes think that passer's by must wonder what that guy sitting in his driver's seat finds so engaging with his steering wheel.

    Meditating with your eyes open is not for everyone but it does more easily enable you to respond appropriately to someones request to talk to you.
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