The quickest way to end a beautiful meditation 3 minutes in, is to a hungry kid, stressed housemate, or boisterous pet. It’s hard to build a regular meditation practice when you are constantly getting interrupted, so here’s a few tips for enjoying the whole experience.
1. Space
One of the easiest ways to avoid distractions while you meditate is to find a quiet space where you are unlikely to be distracted or disturbed. Be flexible about it, because it’s so easy to make an excuse like ‘oh, I couldn’t meditate today because I always sit under the tree in the garden but today it was … raining, full of mosquitos, too noisy due to the neighbour’s leaf blower”.
Your meditation space doesn’t have to be a scented room with candles (though that is very lovely). I’d suggest keeping it simple. It could also be:
- in the car, parked under a shady tree after you’ve dropped the kids off to soccer. I used to have a student who was a taxi driver and this was his preferred option!
- in the laundry, leaning against the washing machine with the door locked with a comfortable pillow behind and underneath you.
- in your reading room with a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on the door.
- in the corner of your bedroom.
2. Gadgets
There is no denying that smartphones are fantastic but please, turn off your phones and gadgets during meditation. You can use apps like Insight Timer and program them for 10/20 mins etc. Place them close by but not so they’ll be a distraction.
You can also use a kitchen timer or a regular alarm clock as an alternative to your mobile phone.
3. Timing
Timing is critical to your meditation practice and we always recommend plenty of space in between school drop-offs and the time your mother always calls. Here’s a few simple ways to minimise interruptions:
- Feed kids, spouses and pets before meditating.
- Don’t meditate when your housemate normally gets home from work.
- Practice your meditations when your neighbours are out (if possible!).
- Put your pets outside if they are likely interrupt you. Pets usually love meditation so will quieten down once you start.
4. Boundaries
You definitely don’t want your kids barging in demanding snacks or your housemate needing WIFI support during meditation. Be loving and set clear boundaries with the people in your life.
5. Partners
If you can’t get your people to stop interrupting you during meditation, why not recruit them into practicing with you. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to practice together?
6. Classes
And finally, if you’re getting interrupted every time you try to meditate you could also join group meditation classes in your local area. Meditation classes are an excellent way to build a practice, get guidance from an experienced teacher, plus ensure that you sit in your meditation for the whole 5 – 10 – 15 minutes.
Looking for meditation classes in Cairns and Far-north Queensland?
Julie runs regular classes at her rainforest home in Bayview Heights (south Cairns), as well as the Cairns Spiritual Centre and other feature destinations around Mission Beach and the Atherton Tablelands. Click here for more information.
