replacing meditation

stefanabovetheview · February 27th, 2011, 10:35

Almost a week ago ive been evacuated from libya, and you all probably know the situation there by now.↲im now in a tiny apartmant in sarajevo with my mom and my younger brother, and i havent meditated since i got here. The apartment is always busy and any noise would be heard throughout the whole apartment. Theres only one actual door anyways lol. Id go out and meditate on a mountain or something but its way to cold.↲my mind has become quite unpeaceful and i constantjy feel stressed (not too much tho), sad and unorganized. Are there any daily practices i can do that are similar to meditation? Some which will clear my mind?↲today wil probably be the first time my apartmant wil be empty, and im looking forward to resume meditation and find atleast 15 mins daily to do so=D But im looking for practices i can do, just incase i dont get peace in my apartmant.↲thanks,↲stefan

Hazelkay · February 27th, 2011, 11:58

Life has certainly taken a difficult turn for you.

It would be easy to say that meditation is about being aware of just what is - so a noisy apartment should be no barrier - but I think that would go down like a lead balloon

Here's a few suggestions:-

I don't know if there are any quieter places around like churches or rooms set aside for praying - perhaps you could explore what might be around.

Wrap up warm and do a 15 minute walking meditation.

Take a mundane task that doesn't require much thinking about and really give all your attention to it observing the sound of it, the feel of it, the look of it, the rhythm of it.

If you can bear it you could sit and just listen intently to all the sounds you can hear around you identifying the near ones, the far ones, the ones that are continuous, the short sharp ones etc etc - this is also meditation - you may become aware of the silence these sounds exist in.

Hope things improve for you,
sending much loving kindness

olmate · February 27th, 2011, 11:59

When I am travelling at busy airports or the hurley burley of the day starts to take over, I try to slow everything by just noticing. Noticing the breeze caressing a nearby tree... noticing a bird land on a rooftop... notice a cloud passing by... notice a fly circling the room... notice the glances between two people in love... notice a garden... notice the sounds of the night.

Just notice.

I wish you and your family well.

Olmate

stefanabovetheview · March 1st, 2011, 16:45

Yes, and the only door there is is the bathroom door, and it would be quite wierd meditating knowing my mom and brother are watching me, haha. Thats a great idea tho! I can go to church to meditate! I usually read a book which keeps me focused and clears my mind, or take a warm bath with relaxing music while i close my eyes and relax.
Olmate! I have to say i do that all the time aswell. I just observe the enviroment and notice whats going on!
The first few days were quite sad and unconfortable for me because of this sudden change that happened, but now im quite happy and relaxed. I found time to meditate yesterday and the day before. For now im going to do these little things you guys told me.
Thank you, my family is all well and my area wasnt really affected by this conflict.
This was helpful =)
Peace

Midnight · March 2nd, 2011, 02:07

Wow, I had no idea you were from Libya, Stefan. Really hope you're doing alright.

Everyone's given great advice so far. Not much to add, except for maybe a tip on getting to meditate regularly; try meditation as you are lying down before going to bed. Lying down makes it much easier to fall asleep during the session, especially if you're just starting out meditation, but that's not necessarily a bad thing for right now anyway. When you find you haven't been able to get to it some days, 5-10 minutes is enough, in my opinion.

stefanabovetheview · March 3rd, 2011, 15:08

Yes Midnight, I know its very unexpected. Im alright thanks, Im not originally Libyan so I luckily got evacuated

And wow! Never thought of that before! Before sleeping is the only time there is silence in the tiny apartment, and completely forgot about meditation lying down! Im pretty sure I will not have trouble staying awake.
Thanks