Meditating in a busy city can be quite challenging. The traffic is often incredibly noisy, and sometimes you’re not even sure where to begin. Thankfully, there are some tips and tricks you can use to find the right place to meditate in a busy city.
Book shops are a good place to meditate
Meditation has been around for thousands of years and is widely practiced for stress reduction and physical well-being. Despite the popularity, not all people can make the time for meditation. However, there are places to go that prove a little more than a few minutes of solitary contemplation. Among these are libraries, parks, and book shops.
A good book shop is a great place to get some serious mind and body work done. Most have a zen like ambience and are stocked with the latest and greatest. In fact, many of them are staffed by actual meditators. Some even have a dedicated area for such activities.
There is a growing market for mindfulness apps and books. One such app is Insight Timer, a mobile app and service that offers over 80,000 free guided meditations for the budding Zen masters among us. The site also has a plethora of live events every hour of the day, so you never have to miss a thing.
Commuting meditation on public transport
Commuting to and from work can be a stressful event. But a good commuting meditation can help alleviate some of the stress you experience. And it doesn’t have to be limited to the train or a quiet room either.
There are a number of apps available to help you get the most out of your commute. For instance, there’s a color therapy bus with terrarium plants that has been proven to reduce blood pressure and improve wellbeing. Another is a guided observation app. You can even download an exercise workbook to do during your commute.
One thing to keep in mind is that you should be respectful of the people around you. While meditating, it’s okay to move about the train a little bit to let someone pass. Also, while you are meditating, be sure to pay attention to your breathing. This is not only good for your overall wellbeing, but it can also be a good way to train your brain to focus on the tasks at hand.
Using an app
There’s a huge range of apps available to help you meditate. But the key is to find one that suits you and your needs.
Meditation is a great way to ease stress and enhance your mental and physical well-being. However, it can be difficult to make time for a meditation session. Using an app can help you fit your practice into your busy schedule.
A popular app is Insight Timer. The app features a wealth of free content. You can choose from hundreds of music tracks, live events every hour, and hundreds of guided meditations.
Another popular app is Smiling Mind. This app has been developed by a team of psychologists to help people meditate. It is one of the more user-friendly apps on the market. With the app, you can choose from meditations for kids and adults.
If you are more of a novice, then there are a few more basic apps that can get you started. One of the best apps for beginners is Headspace. The app offers free 10-day courses that introduce you to the basics of meditation.
Seeking out a teacher
If you are trying to find a meditation teacher in a busy city, it can be difficult. Several teachers exist. It is important to find the right person for you. The best way to do this is to clarify what you want.
You should decide what your goals are for meditation and then look for someone who has the qualities that match those. For example, a teacher who has experienced the internal processes of meditation is best suited to guide you.
You should also consider the level of commitment the teacher has to his or her practice. A serious teacher should practice every day. Some teachers spend eight weeks preparing for a teaching engagement. In addition, you should find a teacher who has a background in psychology or secular philosophy. This helps ensure that he or she can handle basic questions and refine your meditation practice.
When seeking a teacher for meditation, it is also important to make sure that the tradition you choose is in alignment with your own beliefs. For example, you may be interested in a Buddhist teacher. But if you do not believe in Buddhism, you may be better off with a secular teacher who can teach you techniques.
