Distractions

Anyone who has tried meditation knows that there is no such thing as a distraction free environment. In meditation, as in life, there are always distractions and part of the practice is to allow these distractions to pass by without attachment. 

One morning, I was up before anyone else in the house so I sat in a comfy chair in the living room, closed my eyes and began to meditate. Before long I heard my dog coming down the stairs and could feel his presence as he sat at me feet. I could hear his tail vibrating against the floor (as Vizsla tails do). I kept meditating. 

Then I felt his wet nose nudging my hands. I kept meditating. 

Then I heard footsteps coming down the stairs as the house began to wake up and a voice called out: “Hello?.....Hello?”. I kept meditating. 

Then I heard singing coming from the kitchen. I kept meditating.

Then I felt my dog wiggling at my feet. I kept meditating.


Then I felt my dog licking my fingers. I couldn’t detach from the distractions any longer - I started laughing. After a few moments of laughter I regained my composure and went back to meditating. 

I love the image of a yogi sitting cross legged next to a train that is roaring by. The yogi maintains a meditative posture, eyes closed, a look of peace on her face. One day.

I would love to hear about your experience with meditation and the ways you've learned to detach from distractions.