Lily N.
The most important thing is to make sure that others can’t/know not to disturb you. You’re never going to find a spot that’s completely free of distractions, and that’s okay!
No matter where you are, it’s normal to get distracted. The best thing you can do is notice what distracted you, whether it was a noise or a thought or a physical sensation; notice where your attention has wondered, and gently bring it back to what you were focusing on. It’s normal to feel frustrated if you find yourself getting distracted, but it’s actually a valuable learning experience. Simply notice that you feel frustrated after a distraction, perhaps say to yourself that you notice frustration rising in you, but don’t let it consume you. Meditation is also about training your focus, and each time you notice yourself getting distracted and bringing your attention back, it’s as if you’re strengthening your focus muscle.
TLDR: the most important thing is that nobody/nothing wants something urgent from you during your meditation and you really have the time/space for it, and you’re never going to find a perfect distraction-free place. Instead, see the distractions as learning experience to strengthen your focus in the long run (and notice that your reaction to a distraction is also a distraction in itself)
No matter where you are, it’s normal to get distracted. The best thing you can do is notice what distracted you, whether it was a noise or a thought or a physical sensation; notice where your attention has wondered, and gently bring it back to what you were focusing on. It’s normal to feel frustrated if you find yourself getting distracted, but it’s actually a valuable learning experience. Simply notice that you feel frustrated after a distraction, perhaps say to yourself that you notice frustration rising in you, but don’t let it consume you. Meditation is also about training your focus, and each time you notice yourself getting distracted and bringing your attention back, it’s as if you’re strengthening your focus muscle.
TLDR: the most important thing is that nobody/nothing wants something urgent from you during your meditation and you really have the time/space for it, and you’re never going to find a perfect distraction-free place. Instead, see the distractions as learning experience to strengthen your focus in the long run (and notice that your reaction to a distraction is also a distraction in itself)
