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Practice slipping away...
nakazcid
Somewhere in Dixie, y'all Veteran
This is really a two-part question. Firstly, I've been having a great deal of trouble getting myself to meditate in a steady, continuous way. I still meditate on the spur of the moment, when I need to steady myself, but I don't have a consistent practice any more. This is in spite of clearly perceiving the benefits in myself and the way I relate to others and the world. So the question is why do I make excuses and avoid (or just outright forget) such a beneficial practice?
The second part relates how to change this problem. The usual suggestion is to make meditation a daily habit. I've tried getting around this by setting my alarm clock a half an hour early, but I find that I'm so groggy first thing in the morning that I just smack the snooze button in a sleepy haze. I have an atypical work schedule, running from 6 AM - 2 PM Saturday thru Wednesday. I'm grateful to have a job in this economy, but getting up at 4:15 AM to meditate is not easy. So if anyone has some suggestions for achieving a consistent practice, I'd appreciate the input.
The second part relates how to change this problem. The usual suggestion is to make meditation a daily habit. I've tried getting around this by setting my alarm clock a half an hour early, but I find that I'm so groggy first thing in the morning that I just smack the snooze button in a sleepy haze. I have an atypical work schedule, running from 6 AM - 2 PM Saturday thru Wednesday. I'm grateful to have a job in this economy, but getting up at 4:15 AM to meditate is not easy. So if anyone has some suggestions for achieving a consistent practice, I'd appreciate the input.
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Comments
Firstly its ok to just do short sessions of 10 to 15 minutes to begin with. Secondly there's no rule that says you have to meditate first thing in the morning !
Nothing to stop you meditating after getting home from work and maybe having a bath or shower and freshening up a little first....or perhaps in the evening.
Its also good if you can regard it as something beneficial to look forward to in a light hearted way.
With kind wishes,
Dazzle
.
Have you tried setting up an alter? Perhaps this may inspire you somewhat as well, reminders help us all.
Well wishes, friend.
Training in meditation on the cushion is only part of the practise
We train on the cushion to that we may be more mindful of our trainings when off. So when not on the cushion you should be mindful of holding correct paths and remembering your trainings, So when you finally do get to sit your meditation will be very productive as your objects of focus are constantly with you.
Oh and remember death and rebirth as well these I find are excellent motivators
Trying going to a meditation training at your temple, that is if you attend temple. I know some people who have gotten into the habbit that way. Another way is during the day just take like 5-10 minutes of your time and just clear your mind and meditate. That might motivate you to want to do it everyday.
Just some suggestions
I think maybe you haven't really gotten some joy and peace from your meditation practice. That is why you find it hard to motivate yourself. Meditating for long time is not important. It is more important to have quality and the feeling of not having pushed too hard or forced your mind too hard. Joy and peace is not the goal of meditation but rather is some of its by-products. But it is important to experience these factors to have a sense of appreciation of your practice and also as a fuel for further perseverance.
From your time-schedule and what little i can glean of your lifestyle... you can practice when you come home instead of waking up so early. Come home, if you are tired, have a short lie-down, close your eyes, let go of thoughts, feel mindful of your body and its sensations... half an hour... that is also practice you know... and top quality kind of practice because you also enjoy relaxing after your job. After that you can go do your other house-work, and later sit up and do a formal session... can be short like 20-30 minutes...
During your job, you can take short moments, and even longer, depending on your job nature, to be mindful of your present moment, body, sensations, thoughts, feelings or your breath... just bring mindfulness into your very existence and life... that is the spirit of meditation.
I know people who reached quite deep realisation without much formal meditation but by bringing mindfulness to their daily life. You can try too... but the fact is mindfulness in daily life is much more demanding and thorough than formal meditation and then forgetting it after that...:p
There is a book by Amy Schmidt called "Dipa Ma : The Life and Legacy of a Buddhist Master". How this female house-holder managed to reached deep realisation by practising even in her daily chores... and taught many other householders to do so... it may inspire your practice.
Whatever the case, don't push your mind and body very hard and be expecting about results... i think you must respect the wisdom of your own body and mind... work with them, don't just command them like a slave... if you befriend and work with them, they will help you on your path very much too... in all things, slow and steady wins the race.