I had a yoga teacher who said you should be able to meditate on Broadway (we were in New York). Your surroundings don't matter, you can't control them anyway. You can control what you do in response. Doing nothing and watching your breath is always an option. I like to think about outside noise as simply the soundtrack to the moment. If I allow it to exist just as it is, it doesn't bother me and I can stay peaceful.
That seems to be the key for me as well. Think of noise as scenery. It bothers me less when meditating than when trying to read a book! Then it's distracting.
Yes, reading is an entirely different skill set that requires different focus. When there is noise, it's trying to multitask, whereas meditation is letting go and noticing. No thinking involved like with reading.
Meditation can be done anywhere exactly! And it's soooo beneficial. Even if you can 'sit' (still!) for 2 conscious breaths it helps calm the nervous system and helps you react less. I wish I had 'learned' to meditate sooner in my life. It has been a game changer. thanks, Tim for the good post!
I laughed at tiny particles of poo everywhere. All American households are full of poo. I've never understood their propensity to wear shoes in a house.
On meditating anywhere...I used to do it on the job as a server. Right when "the fuckening" would kick into high gear at peak dinner hour, I'd feel panic setting in so I'd mindfully stand still in a corner, close my eyes, and breathe with intention. It helped me realize that i can't be everywhere all at once and I will do what I can do to the best of my ability.
Yup, yup, and more yup. Totally agree with all that Tim. Grabbing 10 minutes in the car after or before work is my go to. Ditto the lounge, or the back garden. Just sit, don't expect perfection, but something good will always emerge. Cheers Tim I'll share a link to this in my Wednesday round up newsletter.
Totally enjoyed this….
I am so glad that you did! I had a ton of fun writing it.
Great post and reminder. Often I look for solitude but really it’s my thoughts not people I want to escape from.
I don't mind my thoughts most of the time. I value time away from people!
I had a yoga teacher who said you should be able to meditate on Broadway (we were in New York). Your surroundings don't matter, you can't control them anyway. You can control what you do in response. Doing nothing and watching your breath is always an option. I like to think about outside noise as simply the soundtrack to the moment. If I allow it to exist just as it is, it doesn't bother me and I can stay peaceful.
That seems to be the key for me as well. Think of noise as scenery. It bothers me less when meditating than when trying to read a book! Then it's distracting.
Yes, reading is an entirely different skill set that requires different focus. When there is noise, it's trying to multitask, whereas meditation is letting go and noticing. No thinking involved like with reading.
Such a good article! Meditation is not hard at all. I’ve totally meditated at work!!
You have such a talent for making everything funny! Also so true, start where you are. 💛
As someone who struggles to meditate, this post definitely makes me want to try it again. Thank you for writing it.
Meditation can be done anywhere exactly! And it's soooo beneficial. Even if you can 'sit' (still!) for 2 conscious breaths it helps calm the nervous system and helps you react less. I wish I had 'learned' to meditate sooner in my life. It has been a game changer. thanks, Tim for the good post!
I laughed at tiny particles of poo everywhere. All American households are full of poo. I've never understood their propensity to wear shoes in a house.
On meditating anywhere...I used to do it on the job as a server. Right when "the fuckening" would kick into high gear at peak dinner hour, I'd feel panic setting in so I'd mindfully stand still in a corner, close my eyes, and breathe with intention. It helped me realize that i can't be everywhere all at once and I will do what I can do to the best of my ability.
Yup, yup, and more yup. Totally agree with all that Tim. Grabbing 10 minutes in the car after or before work is my go to. Ditto the lounge, or the back garden. Just sit, don't expect perfection, but something good will always emerge. Cheers Tim I'll share a link to this in my Wednesday round up newsletter.
I loved this!
Awesome point Tim! I’ve just recently begun a meditation practice again. A timer app has been very useful.
Always a fun read Tim! My go to mediation is the Win Hof method or 4-7-8 developed by Dr Andrew Weil. Both help get me in a great headspace.
Love this! My fav place to meditate is outside. I go to a certain field and do a standing guided meditation via Insight Timer app.