My greatest meditation aid is an alarm clock. Given a choice, I will choose sleep over most activities.
Getting out of bed on time is my primary way to make space for this quiet time. If it doesn't happen first thing, then it becomes another item on the to-do list and must wrestle for priority with everything else. Additionally, the morning hours are a sweet period of new beginnings to put away the previous day in anticipation of this day.
What is your preferred time for contemplation? What is your favorite daily location and what is your all-time favorite spot? What natural positions do you find yourself most comfortable and alert?
My spiritual meditation includes both Scripture reading and prayer, and guided mindfulness meditations are from either an app (Calm (@calm) or Headspace (@headspace)) or Tara Brach's (@tarabrach) archive. I am consistent for periods of time then drop off, only to jump back in after noticing the impact of not keeping up the practice.
What tools do you depend upon to help you conduct your practice? Have you altered these tools since you began? Why did you choose your current tools? Do you want anything more out of them?
For those that use physical activity as meditation, how do you incorporate this practice into your routine? How are focus, inspiration, and a sense of connectedness achieved during the exercise?
I would love to say that I nail the practice every day and the experience is out of this world, but sadly that is not the case. Getting too comfortable and falling asleep is my most common issue. When focused on prayers or meditation while in the parking garage before work, kind strangers have knocked on my car window to ensure I am ok. As a reward for their kindness, we both get a bit startled.
A dear friend strained her neck due to bowing her head in prayer over several extended prayer meetings. Thankfully, her neck mobility returned after working the muscles and a posture change.
What stories do you have from your practice?
Our methods are as diverse as we are. Variations exist even within close groups. Talking about our practices, experiences, and learning help us all to grow. Listening to someone with radically different beliefs provides a new language to bring back and enhance your practice. Your neighbor is waiting to chat.