I walked in the door this evening to find,

[GoddessOfGuinness]

there was an electric guitar playing loudly, a movie on TV with the volume cranked up, and a video game going at the same time. And over top of all this, a visitor who cannot stop talking, poor dear, was flapping at the mouth.

The noise and confusion were overwhelming for me. The experience helped me realize that my brain is often cluttered with a constant bombardment of loud noise...if not from the TV, from elsewhere. I'm going to have my first visit to a meditation center tomorrow morning. I need to get some basic instruction to help me cope with all the racket.

Is it possible to meditate in such conditions?

[I Have A Dream]

1. The only way that I'm able to meditate is to put on music that allows...

me to focus on it rather than on my surroundings. I put the music on with headphones and that really helps me even with the voice in my head that would often interfere with my ability to clear my mind.

Just for your information, the music that has worked best for me is a CD called "Chakra Chants" by Jonathan Goldman.

Good luck!

[GoddessOfGuinness]

4. Maybe it's time to invest in

those Bose headphones that shut out noise...

[I Have A Dream]

10. I bought the Bose headphones, and they really didn't work well.

They helped some, but I could still hear the noise enough that it still interfered with my train of thought. (Fortunately, they had a 30 day return policy, so I returned them.) They were also a very cheap plastic that looked as though they'd break very easily. I was appalled at this given how expensive they are.

Another thing that you could do is get a white noise machine. Often, the "noise" is the sound of running water, so it can be quite relaxing.

[billyskank]

2. I would say that it is very difficult indeed

All kinds of sensory input are distracting. Such an environment would be most unconducive to meditation, I think.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

5. I'd love to be able to cut through the distraction

Maybe I cling too much to silence...

[billyskank]

11. That will take very strong control of the mind

the sort of thing that one performs extensive training to achieve, I think.

[NMMNG]

3. Meditate under such conditions?

I wouldn't imagine so. I would be crawling out of my skin under such conditions--I'm not very tolerant of noisy situations.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

6. I can't stand constant noise...

especially from the TV. :(

[NMMNG]

7. I get to work at night

And the TV is always blaring (at both jobs). I have to wonder how the people can stand it. When I watch I turn the volume down low and put the captions on. My roomie insists on slamming doors rather than just closing them, as do some of my co-workers. Then there's the co-worker who sings hymns for hours at a time--loudly.

And don't get me started on the screaming kids and thunking basketballs in my neighborhood...

[GoddessOfGuinness]

8. Someone was having a party a couple of blocks away tonight...

I'm glad we don't live next door, because their music was loud enough for me to hear clearly in my backyard.

[NMMNG]

9. That's obnoxious

I would have called the police come about 9 or so. There's no reason for it to be that loud. x(

[Pharaoh]

12. I LOVE YOUR ANTEATER!

Where can I get one? :party: