Richelle J:
I go back and forth with my meditation practice -- busy job, young child, not enough time to sleep, etc. Lately I've been more faithful to it, though still not doing nearly the LENGTH of sit I would like (if I get one 10 or 15 minute sit a day, it's a good day). My issue is usually being too tired (can't focus well).
Not that you were asking for it, but my advice would be to try sitting at different times of the day and see if that helps with the sleepiness. I find I can do jhana first thing in the morning after a cup of coffee, but if I try to meditate in the afternoon, it has to be walking meditation. Have you tried experimenting that way?
Also, you might want to try incorporating choiceless noting practice throughout the day. I do it on the way to and from work and if I decide to take a break during the middle of the day. That sort of thing can help move your practice along nicely.
Anyway, as usual, as I've gotten more diligent in practicing at least a little every day, I find myself with a growing need to interact with other practitioners as I feel like I don't quite fit in the world. My point of view is just different from most people's, as most people are more interested in being right and/or LOSING themselves in entertainment than in finding something in silence.
So how do others reconcile this sense that you don't have a common language with most people, with which to discuss spiritual/meditation/enlightenment experiences? Am I making sense? It's been a long day and I've had too much sugar (energy crash).
thanks for any input,
Richelle
Yeah, I have that issue as well. I don't have a very strong need to interact with other people over it, but it is there, so I occasionally pop in here and see what sorts of crazy things people have written and if I might have anything to say in response. But in general, it can be an isolating practice, since most North American Buddhists seem to be pale, old people on the verge of death.