Between 1996 and 2011, I spent about 6 years in India, a year in Korea, a year in Thailand and about another year travelling to Nepal, Laos, Germany Mexico and, South Africa. My goals were to study and practise Buddhism and Yoga. This was a long time to be travelling alone as a western single female tourist and I found it especially intense in India.
I took breaks in Thailand! Over the years, I took a few breaks and went to Thailand and often to the same small island in the south to the same small guest house with huts over looking the Gulf of Thailand.
If I could, IU would stay in the same hut, sometimes for months at a time! I completed two 4 month retreats in this hut.
During retreat, I woke before dawn, meditated inside my hut for 1 1/2 hours, swam in the glorious warm ocean and then ate a wonderful Thai breakfast of freshly shaved coconut, pineapple or mango and the best yogurt the world over. (stop, pause… remembering the yummy yoghurt in Thailand)
The rest of the day was kind of ridiculous from the perspective of urban frenzy that is our regular life these days; but these days changed my life: A 3-5 hour walk down a small island road toward town; alternating between plain old ‘exploring walking’ and ‘walking meditation’ and sitting meditation in a hut.
I found this old straw hut just visible from the road, about 10 feet into the jungle. I never saw anyone around or near this hut. Only the odd car drove down the road.
I meditated here for longer and longer periods each day.
Over the years I have likely meditated over 1000 hours in that hut. I loved that hut.
I would finish my walk. Head back for a swim, yoga on the beach, a light dinner and then 1 more hour of meditation.
Since then, especially when I live in the city; I have found myself scoping out places to practise outside.
It makes sense and here’s why:
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Grounding meditation helps us intentionally disentangle and release tension.
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There are more than 20 years of research discussing the benefits of earthing alone.
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The earth accepts me each time I take seat. Each and every time.
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Somatic meditation practise teaches us to experience the deep quiet of the earth and to notice the same deep quiet in the body and the mind.
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First and foremost, find a place that you can relax enough to close your eyes and concentrate on practise.
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In the city, look for a park or a beach that has a regular flow of people but is not too busy and loud.
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Next, look for a place just off the walking path or under a large tree.
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Benches are fine unless sit cross legged or want lie down on your back with knees bent.
Must haves for meditating outside
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Little car or foot traffic within 30 feet of the spot.
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Grass, sand or soil. (clean and relatively dry)
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A hill is preferable for sitting practise and in shade if its hot.
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Shoes and socks off.
It takes some getting used to but I totally encourage everyone to find a spot and get there once a week.
Let me know how it goes and what you notice!
