meditation - when rules get in the way

I can’t follow the rules of meditation. Well, not all of them at least.​

I found that some of the body position rules created a barrier to me practicing meditation regularly.

I often lie down to meditative, in bed, before I sleep. This breaks a bunch of rules. I find that I need quiet in my brain when I try to fall asleep. Otherwise, I’m awake and stuck on a thought train.

I can often be found sitting in my car, parked and waiting for my kids to be finished their activity listening to a guided meditation. Again, this breaks a bunch of rules.

Certain rules where getting in the way of me practicing. I needed to figure out how to incorporate meditation practice into my life. Modifying the poses made sense as a way for me to do this.

Rules of meditation outline that you should be:
·     In a seated upright position
·     Legs beneath you either crossed or kneeling
·     Hand in your lap cupped or open on your legs
·     Eyes closed

The one rule I can always follow is having my eyes closed. I find with my eyes open there are too many visual distractions. These distractions take away from my ability to concentrate.

You aren’t supposed to fall asleep when you meditate. I usually do this when I meditate in bed. I have spent years struggling with falling and staying asleep so I brought my meditation practice to bed with me. It has changed my sleep routine immensely. Most nights, I don’t struggle with falling or staying asleep anymore.

When I sit in my car and meditate, my legs aren’t beneath me. Nor are my hands in my lap or on my legs. I’m very self-conscious when I practice here. I’m also aware of what’s going on outside my car. This leads me to do a bunch of mini meditation practices versus one longer practice so I can open my eyes periodically to see my surroundings. Though I’m not following the rules of meditation, I am much happier to have these short little meditation practices versus having my nose in my phone.

The old saying goes “rules are made to be broken”. I don’t necessarily think that saying can be applied to everything. I do believe if there are barriers to you being able to practice meditation then I suggest getting creative and finding how the rules can work for you. Your body will thank you.