Expert: Alex Wilding - 6/21/2011

Question
Dear Alex, I have been meditating for 9 years now and it has made an enormous difference in my life (for the better).  My life is very busy with work and other interests and commitments.  Every morning if find some time to meditate but I do wonder whether my progress would be enhanced by living a quieter life.  sometimes when i sit down to meditate my head is very "noisy", filled with thoughts about the day ahead.  It seems that it would be beneficial to have a quieter life.  However, when I am on holidays from work I do find that I become more self indulgent and that i dont really spend any extra time on meditation.  Is this something you have found?  I guess my other question really is this - when I am too busy I become self indulgent in order to feel better and this draws me away from the "concern for others" aspect of practice.  is something that you or other people have found as well?
patrick

Answer
Hi Patrick,
> sometimes when i sit down to meditate my head
> is very "noisy", filled with thoughts about
> the day ahead
That's totally normal. You can take some heart from that fact that you do see what is happenening – most people don't!
I can also assure you that the prospect of a peaceful holiday with lots of time to practice turning in reality into a period of self-indulgence is very normal, as is the use of our "busyness" to keep our minds entertained, even when we long for some peace. So yes, it all sounds very normal.
If you are concerned, why not think about doing a strict reatreat at some suitable centre, somewhere where the circumstances will help keep you focussed? Even if you just do 3 or 4 days, or a week or two? It might help – trying a short one can't do much harm!
All the best
Alex W