[FsQGF1Mp]

Is it alright for a beginners to use ear plugs for meditation? I've just started using them when the house is busy rather than miss an opportuninty to meditate or should I try and concentrate through the noise.
Kind Regards
Gary

[beth]

You are trying to maintain mindfulness, not concentration, so there's nothing to distract you; noise is just another phenomenon to take note of. I would suggest not using them, or it'll turn into an attachment you "can't meditate without." Just my opinion.

[HilaryNidierer]

Thank you, I had an idea that may be the case.
Gary

[Feflyinvelf]

White noise machines work great.

[Kiliunjubl]

Whats a white noise machine?

[erepsysoulpfbs]

I would advise against any kind of artificial means to distort the meditative experience. Ambient sound and other pacifiers are numbing the result. In meditation our reaction to distractions is a teaching in itself. Not a problem but an opportunity.

Namaste

[VawSwaspamups]

I would advise against any kind of artificial means to distort the meditative experience. Ambient sound and other pacifiers are numbing the result. In meditation our reaction to distractions is a teaching in itself. Not a problem but an opportunity.

Agree,

[Seesspoxy]

Thanks for the replies and thanks to the blue bottle who was buzzing around the room during my meditation for helping to keep me mindful.

[gabbaman]

White noise machines provide a static sound like rain falling or wind blowing that has a volume control. I use one to sleep days after I've worked the night before. It completely allows my mind to relax without outside noise of dogs barking, guitar playing, loud talking or machine sounds to wake me up... unless the power goes out, then I have a reason to call in, so I have battery backup.

Not to say that sleep and meditation are the same. I feel if I had to meditate with white noise on I'd just fall asleep. One more excuse not to have to go to work, once I woke up to call in. But I'd never do that with intent to avoid my responsibilities.

[seervezex]

thanks to the blue bottle who was buzzing around the room during my meditation

Just as long as you weren't taking ownership of that blue bottle

Jay O, sleep is very important and if that's what you need to get it, then go for it.

Namaste

[Nifoziyfar]

My sound diffuser goes off about 1100 am, and I get up to eat and visit with the family, and dogs. Then I go sit, for 40 minutes, on the stationary bike, breathe and sweat, with windows open, so I am still pretty much within my own space, thoughts go through, the wind and nature outside move too. Next step is out to walk the dog, just one. Chow.

[Mambattedge]

Time to sit, and hydrate. Hot outside. Each moment can contain a mindful openness. Around a lot of talking or noise I tend to become very quiet, focusing on subtle awareness between sounds, on what is moving, in the wind, and what is not.

Oh, I don't listen to the radio, or music, watch tv or movies.

[ErnestTU]

Just as long as you weren't taking ownership of that blue bottle

No I let it out of the window when I was done.

[Dilangos]

Oh, I don't listen to the radio, or music, watch tv or movies.

That's good Jay O, there's a fair amount of rubbish out there. I watch and listen a bit but I don't miss it if I don't.

Fletcher, I figure blue bottles want out, unlike house flies who kind of know when they're onto a good thing. :-)

[Druspills]

To sit and listen to thoughts, feelings, as they arise, and let them go teaches a new form of listening... we begin to hear every sound around us as equally important, and ears that are open to hearing can listen to sounds, words, emotions that may not be listened to ordinarily. It doesn't mean we have to change anything, in or around us, but just being, is enough most of the time. We are what we hear, one with. We are united through sound, heard in silence.

[OEMCHEAPSOFTDOWNLOAD]

My next question, is it okay to keep my eyes closed during meditation or would it be more beneficial to have my eyes open?
Kind regards
Gary

[Zenunlild]

It doesn't matter really, except go with what seems to prevent hindrances from arising. There are no guidelines in the Suttas on posture except for a straight back and the ability to be in the posture for a length of time.

[onelovemp]

Hi Fletcher,

There's a meditation series of videos on You Tube by Ajahn Jayasaro which you might find helpful. Here's the first one...if the arrow in the box in the middle of the picture doesn't work, click on the sentence underneath.

Buddhist Meditation (1) Introduction

[chzvacmyye]

Thanks again.

[j2Y6Ysmb]

Thanks for the video, Aloka. I've seen it before quite a number of times, but it does me good every time I see it.