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I am cleaning a part of my back yard under this huge tree I have for meditation. I will be planting grass and some plants. I have been using th earea to throw debris from remodeling until I fix my truck so I can haul it all to the dump. I am telling you all this because I have this feeling I am going to get some negative feedback for doing this. I have a feeling I am going to told that it doesn't matter and probably going to told something about attachment and something else I never thought of. I am doing this because I am fixing up my whole property and I like plants and a nice place. I figure I can use it for my meditation place because it is quiet out back.
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The buddha himself did that
As long as you don't become attached to the area then I see no problem in it. As long as you remember that you are always meditating and you are meditation then have fun with it.
NOTE: I will be starting a new string later in reference to medititation as life.
Look forward to the new thread... I meditate all the time....
nothing bu the sky above, nothing but the sky below.....
this is how I understand the difference between zazen and meditation. just words, but how do you realize these words?
^gassho^
The problem I have in all of this is that I'm fairly new to meditation. I like being somewhere quiet so that I can focus better. My apartment this past school year had two other roommates--one constantly cooked, one did nothing but watch television. And they talked. Loudly. I often became frustrated because I couldn't block them out. I tried relaxing music, earplugs, you name it. The noise there eventually discouraged me from meditating, because quite frankly, I didn't enjoy it, and it was too much "work" for me.
I am in a much quieter space now, but there are still cars, neighbors, young children....but no noisy roommates.
My question becomes this: How should I cope with all of the noise and still be able to meditate? Should I let the noise become my focus point? Or is there something about meditation that I just don't know yet?
Please forgive my ignorance...but that's why I'm here.
Thanks, Jules
but when I do, I try to incorporate the sounds as part of my meditation....."people talking.... nice for them that they have voices with which to speak.... may their words be wise...." and let it go.... "cars driving past.... may the drivers stay safe, and be safe....." and let it go.... "children shouting as they play... may they be safe, have fun and not quarrel....." and I let it go..... each time, coming back 'into myself, watching my breath, feeling it against my upper lip.... smiling contentedly....no-one knows I am here, no-one knows I am wishing them well.... just sitting.....
I have a book called "sitting" that you can use as a guide if you need it. We had talked about setting up a book exchange here, but that never really took off (at least for me, i found i most of my books are buried in storage). But i can send you this one if you like.
Also, have you looked into meditation groups in your area?
One thing that may help is this:
Are the distractions really external? OR are they internal...
Are the cars driving past the window really annoying or is it just our state of mind.
Keep practising though - we're all here for you if you have any other questions.
Bows,
Dave
There is no buddhists anything in my area.
Looks like i'm the only one for now. :-/
And I will stop apologizing for my ignorance.
Jules
And this may be a dumb question, but has anyone fell asleep during meditation? haha
Dear Anita,
There is nothing to worry about. Starting meditation can be confusing and daunting at the beginning. I remember saying to myself:
"But if you're not supposed to think about anything then surely you're thinking about not thinking!"
Fortunately there is a way around this, for the beginner.
Sit in a position where you are comfortable but still aware of your posture. Close your eyes and relax, breathe deeply. Allow your hectic modern day mind to settle, as much as possible.
Once you are relaxed focus your attention on your breathing and count for every exhalation. Count up to ten and then start back at one. If you lose you count or start thinking about something else, take a deep breath and, start again.
If you have alot on your mind, accept that. Don't try to force it out (there's nowhere for it to go!) and just continue to count your breathing.
Start with small five minute sessions. It's quality we're after, not quantity!
Please ask me anything if you have any other questions.
To answer your question about falling asleep: drowsiness can be the same as a busy mind - if we attach to not wanting either then we are still attached! If I am falling asleep sitting up then it's too late or I'm too tired.
If it is happening to you then I suggest meditating earlier in the day.
What was the quote Fede?
"Morning meditation is golden, evening mediation is bronze"
I hope I have been helpful.
Is meditation a way to free your mind from your problems? Like some people have a drink, and some people take a bath...
At the beginning, yes
Most people's mind tends to wander - that's why they call it monkey mind!
For some people it is purely theraputic. I'd say more effort is required than with pouring drinks and baths, though.
For other people it is not an escape. It is life.
I hope I've helped!