It this okay to do?

[Genius]

I want to know whether its okay to meditate just after having a meal(lets say after a gap of half an hour).

I ask this question because in the Discover Meditation course, clear instruction has been given that one should wait for least 3 - 4 hours after a heavy meal and about a couple of hours after having snacks. I have a hectic schedule and its difficult for me to maintain this kind of gap between my meals and meditation. And so, most of the times I end up missing my meditation sessions altogether.

So can anyone tell me if the time gap between a meal and the meditation session has any major impact on the quality and effectiveness of meditation?

Thanks in advance
Genius

[MetaCognition]

Meditate whenever you can, dont worry too much about details like this. Is it optimal? Perhaps not, but neither are most things.

[peaceandkarma]

If your stomach feels full up, it could interfer with your meditation. I like to meditate after I get up and before I go to bed, but thats just me, but it works well for me.

[Genius]

Thank you both for your replies Does anyone else wants to add something?

[brozen]

in the end it is a personal experience.
meditate at any time of the day. Only you will know what time is best for you.
I find it hard to meditate just after waking up, other people find this is a good time for them.

Experiment and you'll know whats best.

Happy journey

[Hazelkay]

Welcome to the forums

There is no substitute for your own experience. What works for one person is not right for another.

Experiment to find out for yourself what works for you.

Deliberately choose to meditate after a meal and see what it feels like.

leave a short gap and see what that feels like

leave a longer gap and see what that feels like

When you have found your optimum, that is the best for you.

When it is impossible to have this sort of gap, still meditate and just be aware of the feelings that come up - pleasant or unpleasant. The joy of mediation is that it can be done anywhere any time whether the time, environment or mood are just right or just wrong.

It's beautifully relaxing to have a quiet space, a comfortable tummy and a concentrated mind and it is also very beneficial to be coping with adverse circumstances as this teaches us a lot about ourselves, our inner chatter and our reactions.

Enjoy the adventure!
peace and joy

[Bryan555]

Originally Posted by Hazelkay

Welcome to the forums

There is no substitute for your own experience. What works for one person is not right for another.

Experiment to find out for yourself what works for you.

Deliberately choose to meditate after a meal and see what it feels like.

leave a short gap and see what that feels like

leave a longer gap and see what that feels like

When you have found your optimum, that is the best for you.

When it is impossible to have this sort of gap, still meditate and just be aware of the feelings that come up - pleasant or unpleasant. The joy of mediation is that it can be done anywhere any time whether the time, environment or mood are just right or just wrong.

It's beautifully relaxing to have a quiet space, a comfortable tummy and a concentrated mind and it is also very beneficial to be coping with adverse circumstances as this teaches us a lot about ourselves, our inner chatter and our reactions.

Enjoy the adventure!
peace and joy

Has anyone else noticed that Hazelkay always gives good advice, and writes with a wonderful simplicity?

Always nice to see your posts, Hazel.

[M L K]

I have indeed noticed. And I also appreciate your ability to be both brusque and kind, Bryan. Many thanks to both of you. Margaret

[Hazelkay]

Well, if we are having a mutual admiration society let me say how much I learn from coming to this forum. The wisdom, challenges and tolerance from the regular contributors are always educating and thought-provoking. The reaching from our newer members is always with me when I sit to meditate with a 'beginner's mind'- possibly they are the greatest teachers.

The compliment is also enlightening - as I know the warm fuzzies reaction that ensued shows how much the 'I' still reacts to praise and blame.

peace, joy and grateful thanks to you all.

[MetaCognition]

There is no doubt that every person, even the most “enlightened” of beings feel positive feelings when they are talked about positively. It is how we are programmed. So just enjoy the praise and keep on living a positive life!