Alright, so I’ve been trying to get into this whole meditation thing, and I decided to take it up a notch. I’m calling this my “meditation spots” experiment, and this is chapter three, so buckle up!
Finding the “Perfect” Spot
The first two chapters, well, let’s just say they were… learning experiences. One was in my living room (too many distractions!), and the other was at a park (too many noisy kids!). This time, I was determined to find a spot that was actually peaceful.
So, I started by thinking about places that usually chill me out. Then I remembered this little nature preserve near my house. I’d been there a few times for walks, and it’s always pretty quiet. Bingo!
Setting the Scene (and Failing a Little)
I packed a small bag with a blanket, some water, and my phone (for a meditation timer, of course – gotta keep it modern!). I drove over to the preserve, parked the car, and started walking. It was a beautiful day, sunny but not too hot.
I found this little clearing near a stream. It seemed perfect! I laid out my blanket, sat down, and… immediately realized I forgot bug spray. Rookie mistake. The mosquitoes were having a FEAST on me.
Pushing Through the Buzz
I’m not gonna lie, the first few minutes were rough. I was swatting mosquitoes left and right, totally unable to focus. But I told myself, “You’re here, you’re doing this, just breathe through it.”
So, I closed my eyes, took some deep breaths, and tried to tune out the buzzing. I focused on the sound of the stream, the birds chirping, and the feeling of the sun on my skin.
Actually Meditating (Finally!)
It took a while, but I eventually got into a groove. The mosquitoes seemed to calm down a bit (or maybe I just stopped caring as much?). I set my timer for 20 minutes and just… let go.
I focused on my breath, in and out. When my mind wandered (which it did, a LOT), I just gently brought it back to my breath. No judgment, just a gentle nudge.
The Afterglow
When the timer went off, I felt… different. Lighter, calmer, more centered. It wasn’t some magical, mind-blowing experience, but it was definitely something.
I sat there for a few more minutes, just enjoying the peace and quiet. Then, I packed up my stuff, swatted a few more mosquitoes, and headed back to the car.
Final Thoughts
Chapter three was a success! Even with the mosquito attack, I managed to find a pretty decent meditation spot and actually, you know, meditate.
Lessons learned:
- Bug spray is essential. Always.
- Nature is awesome, even when it’s trying to eat you alive.
- Perseverance pays off. Even a few minutes of calm is worth the effort.
Next chapter, I’m thinking of trying a guided meditation. Stay tuned!
