I am always getting asked about my own practise. I wanted to offer some thoughts and insight into its reality. The reality of the ‘At Home Meditator’
Questions like, what am I doing, how long, where, when….
The reality of being a father is that I live in a household with 2 kids and a big white alsatian named Thor who is much like my shadow.
Trying to fit in an hours meditation practise per day is difficult, on top of trying to run 2/3 businesses, being a stay at home Dad, and trying to keep up the informal activities through out the day.
Now my wife cheekily took this picture of me a little while ago (to prove that men could mutli task) and I wanted to share the reality of being an ‘at home meditator’.
Yes this used to happen most nights. My little lady loved going to sleep in my arms whilst I spent the evening resting/meditating. Evenings or early mornings were and still are my only time, and even then this time can involve more than 1 as Thor loves to get involved too.
All I am trying to say is do not seek perfection, do not seek that perfect quiet location. Practise whenever you can, how ever you can.
She wriggled about, which can be distracting, although just like thoughts can be distracting, pain canbe distracting, we just work with what is going on in that moment. No need to get frustrated, no need to get irritated, and yes I was doing 2 things at once, being a Dad and trying to meditate, but hey, I loved it.
My posture isnt perfect as I am supporting her so she doesnt roll off, and resting 20kilos on your lap and trying to manage that pain too can be distracting, but hey ho, it is what it is… An imperfect opportunity to rest.
Now I am sure you are thinking, I would be too distracted, it would take me away from my meditation, I need me time…. etc etc, and I would say absolutely. Work with what you can.
All I am trying to say is do not seek perfection, do not seek that perfect quiet location. Practise whenever you can, how ever you can.
If you have some imperfect meditation times I would love you to share them…
Have an amazing day.