man rowing on the moon

 

By David Jones

I believe meditation is less about when, where, and how you sit than about what you’re doing while you sit.

Of course, it becomes a healthy habit when pursued regularly. Having a regular time and place to sit without distraction is preferable, but like with prayer you can also meditate anywhere at any time.

I once flew out to visit my wife who was in Boston for a work assignment. Anxiety struck, so I decided it was time to get calm and centered. I put my phone away and sat up as straight as I could. Eyes closed, I began a Thich Nhat Hanh method I learned for sitting with the breath:

While breathing slowly in, I say to myself, “This is my In Breath.”

While breathing slowly out, I say to myself, “This is my Out Breath.”

Repeat.

This is handy when anxious and unwelcome thoughts arise. Not only are you focused on your breathing, you’re also giving your mind some words to repeat. Remember, not every anxious moment needs to be confronted and analyzed right then. Sometimes just breathing through it is enough. We can work on understanding it later.

I even spent some time meditating on a late evening subway ride in Boston. Doesn’t sound ideal, does it? The cars were packed. The lighting seemed glarey. The guy on my right was resting his elbow on my thigh. The train’s wheels screeched on every curve. We were constantly jostled side to side, rocked by bumps and sudden stops. About the only thing in my favor was opportunity. Perfect!

In fact, it’s an awesome opportunity BECAUSE of all the distractions and discomfort.

This guy’s elbow keeps moving around on my thigh.

Yup, I feel that. Bring your attention back to the breath.

The lighting feels like I’m being interrogated by the Feds in an old movie.

Ugh, it sure does. Bring your attention back to the breath.

Ow! The train lurched and I banged my knee on a pole!

Ouch! Rub it for a moment. Bring your attention back to the breath.

Um, my wife just let me know we might not be on the right train.

That’s okay, we’ll just make it back a little later than we expected. Bring your attention back to the breath.

See, this is so great because it reminds us we can practice even with our distractions.

Getting distracted doesn’t mean we’re failing at meditation. All we need to do is acknowledge it and bring our attention back to the breath. Over time that gets easier..

Another thing this helps me remember is that meditation doesn’t mean I have to ignore my environment. Sure a quiet room alone on a cushion is great, but even then you don’t necessarily need to block out the entire universe. Now, if that’s a fundamental part of your meditation practice, go for it. But I value environmental awareness when I sit.

This brings up one last thought: there are oodles of different styles of meditation.

I never sit Full Lotus because my knees and hips revolt when I try (if you can do it, I’m proud of you!). I mean I could use yoga and stretching to get there eventually, but why? Full Lotus is cool and all, but it’s not my style.

If I’m sitting on the ground or floor, I fold my legs in front of me. On a chair, both feet rest flat on the floor. On some other elevated seat like a sofa, my left foot rests on the floor (if possible) while my right leg is folded so that my right foot connects to the inside of my left thigh. And that’s when I suddenly hear folks hollering: “No! You’re doing it wrong!”

No, I’m just not doing it the way you’re used to. My way isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. The problem here isn’t the meditation technique but the attitude of, “Only one way is correct. Only one position is right. Only one teacher’s instruction is acceptable. Only one tradition is valid.”

I’m familiar with that way of thinking from my church days. Some traditions teach only one explicit way to do things. That’s their orthodoxy. But I believe we’re free to find what works for us.

I don’t think it’s wise to argue over meditation technicalities or criticize others for their variety. Our practice is more about the internal than the external. Supporting you in your practice is a wiser use of my time and energy than insisting on conformity.

As you practice Breath Meditation, Single Point Meditation, Insight Meditation, Visualization, Chanting, Mudras, Walking Meditation, Chakra Meditation, Yoga Poses, or whatever form that calls to you, I wish you peace, joy, and success.

Be well.

 

Photo: Pixabay

Editor: Dana Gornall

 

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