What I’m Not Supposed to Say about Meditation

As I’m traveling abroad this week for work, I’ve realized something about my meditation practice that I’m probably not supposed to say.

But here goes.

I find meditating quite a lot easier when I’m on the road.

I might not be supposed to say that, because it goes against the grain of wisdom about setting up a consistent meditation space and a regular practice. In theory, meditation is easier when predictable obstacles are removed, like where and when.

I get that, and it absolutely works for me.

But meditating while traveling works too, and sometimes better.

Here are three occasions to watch for.

In the Hotel Room, Right There on the Bed

Why? It’s convenient, I’m alone, and my time is more my own. I can more easily wake up and simply sit, as I wrote in a previous post. If I wanted, as I did today, I could just sit upright and cross my legs right there on the bed where I woke up.

On the Plane

There is also the quiet and the cocoon of travel. On a plane you’re already sitting. Your hands can easily rest in your lap or knees, palms up or palms down. You can use the tool of earbuds or headphones to signal to the person sitting next to you that you’d rather not engage in conversation just then, and take the opportunity instead to listen to a meditative podcast or visualization exercise. Or just be.

At Your Destination

This week, for me, it’s Bologna and Verona. I’ll be walking a lot, which often means practicing walking meditation. It’s what I do when I land and my body clock hasn’t yet adjusted, normally in the bustle of a busy afternoon. It’s also what I do early in the morning before the day kicks into gear, when it’s quiet. It’s a time to tune in to where you are, to what’s unique about where you are, and soak that up.

Have you noticed any changes to your practice – of breathwork, meditation or yoga – when you’re on the road? Drop us a line. We’re curious.

Namaste,
Cathy