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How many times a day do you meditate?
I'm curious if people generally meditate once a day or more than that. How long do your sessions last?
I've got an awkward situation because I live in a 1 bedroom apt, and there's really no place where I can't hear the dog. If I crate her she cries. If I don't she barks at noises in the hall. I try to pick times when I think she'll sleep for a while but that's sort of hit or miss. I even tried using the community room which worked the first time. But this afternoon someone came in and wanted to watch TV. Basically I'm lucky if I can find 45 uninterrupted minutes/day.
Sometimes I can grab short stretches of time outdoors or on the train when I go into town. But I don't feel I get deeply into it with those short times.
I've got an awkward situation because I live in a 1 bedroom apt, and there's really no place where I can't hear the dog. If I crate her she cries. If I don't she barks at noises in the hall. I try to pick times when I think she'll sleep for a while but that's sort of hit or miss. I even tried using the community room which worked the first time. But this afternoon someone came in and wanted to watch TV. Basically I'm lucky if I can find 45 uninterrupted minutes/day.
Sometimes I can grab short stretches of time outdoors or on the train when I go into town. But I don't feel I get deeply into it with those short times.
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Seriously.
I would sit for an hour. Take a 10 minute break. Sit for an hour. Etc.
And I got varicose veins in my testicles.
Can we make this a thread about meditation injuries???
Anyway, why is the dog crying bothering you? I mean, when you meditate you will always hear something. Why does the dog crying upset your meditation and the air conditioning doesn't?
Meditate on that.
Seriously, when I am meditating the house will creak and I will about jump out of my skin. I've read this is a sign of 'inertia'.
What were you sitting on? My buckwheat hull zafu doesn't put any pressure on my genital area at all.
That is exactly what I was sitting on!
Also, pretty much anytime during the course of the day when I can snatch the time.
All of the distractions that you mention can be very good tools to see when and how thoughts and thinking arise. I enjoy meditating on the bus or subway for just this reason.
But since i've been doing it for about 12 years already, my blood pressure is fortunately low enough for me to instantaneously sleep into a meditative state.
First, earplugs. Get the long, pink ones which go really deep in your ear. I use them to sleep every night, and when I'm meditating if my fiance is talking to someone.
Secondly, train your dog to tolerate the crate. (Registration required; the username/password bugmenot/bugmenot works at the moment.) It's easier than you might expect.
Thanks for the tip. I'll give it a try.
It's also nice to see that this isn't entirely uncommon. Seriously, we should have a thread devoted to meditation injury stories.
It's sad, I know.
Unless I'm doing it in a group, I really don't like doing it where other people will see me. My lunch break would be a good time, but since the lunchroom is right outside my office, I'd either have an audience or I would have to close the door, which would look a tad suspicious.
My wife is usually at home when I am, and I even feel awkward meditating in front of her.
On days that I do manage to meditate on my own, I typically only do 15 minutes max before I give up from boredom or discomfort.
However, I am trying to add little by little.
I also have been trying Standing Meditation, but I think I like sitting/laying meditation better.
In addition to these unofficial meditation times, where time permits I meditate one hour in the evenings. As to the "depth" of meditation, don't worry about that, its not really the purpose of meditation, meditation is all about familiarisation and "depth" will come over time with consistent practise and development of positive habits. Anything that helps a good self image / positive internal outlook will have a beneficial effect on meditation. Positive karma will also influence external conditions that you face and this will help with meditation as well.
Cheers, WK
With Metta,
Todd
What about going somewhere else to meditate. In the summer a park. In winter a library doing sitting in a chair meditation. The second you would need to be somewhat near a city. The first if your in the countryside its all a park!
How exactly does walking meditation work? You are mindful of each step? Or the breath? Or what you look at? Do you stay focused on anyone element or what?
I like the idea, but I gotta say it will be difficult finding somewhere around where I live, where I can walk without having to dodge cars and people. We don't have parks around here....
Some people seem against it, but I used earplugs and just go in the restroom, and ask everyone around to leave me alone until I come out. My sessions are short compared to many others, around 15 minutes on average.
Chanting is preceded and followed by a few moments of Nembutsu recitation.
Some days I will also practice meditation, mindful breathing, mentally reciting the Nembutsu with each inhalation and each exhalation.
Usually I do this for 10 - 15 minutes.
Sometimes I also chant and/or meditate in the evening.
Throughout the day on many many occasions I will recite Nembutsu quietly or mentally.
Often this is rather spontaneous and always as an expression of gratitude, not an attempt to achieve anything.
Dude, start it. Please. You've got an attention-getting story. The thread will be well read, and it's on an important topic, so you'd be doing good for the community.
I know what you're talking about. I would feel too self-conscious being seen meditating by non-meditators.
There are some public places where I've gotten decent meditation, sometimes with the help of some "camoflage":
- in my car (parked), especially at night. Use the sun visor to give you some cover.
- in the library. Wear a hat with the brim low. Sit at one of those cubicle desks. Or face a window wearing earbuds and people will think you're just chilling and listening to something.
- in an empty, dark 24-hour fitness office cubicle.
- walking meditation in a parking lot in broad daylight. I held my cellphone to my ear, as if I were talking on the phone. (Pretty sad commentary on what is deemed 'normal.')
Also, maybe you could just tell your wife you want to meditate, and ask that she not come into the room for 30 minutes. That's not asking for much.
Definitely find a comfortable position.
As for the boredom, I think you need to approach it from a different mindset because meditation is fascinating! Try checking out the Introduction to Meditation series on zencast.
http://www.zencast.org/category/Introduction to Meditation
Currently I've been on the decline in Meditation. A few months ago I was meditating daily, but did it less and less. I plan for 2011 to be prosperous and rich in practice.
Metta
Robin