Meditation has been an invaluable tool for me in fighting distraction. Investing a small amount of time practicing everyday yields huge returns in the long run. As the forces competing for your attention become stronger in the coming years, the ability to maintain focus will become more valuable. I see programs that block websites as only treating the symptoms of lack of focus, whereas meditation is a way to directly develop the skills to overcome it.
I haven't meditated regularly in over ten years. I really am planning to pick it up again because it works. I find myself constantly engaged in thought. I'll wake up in the middle of the night not sure if I've even slept because I still have thoughts racing in my mind. I think I need a vacation, but short of that meditation would probably really help me once again.
1. How long do you meditate?
2. What's your pre-meditation trigger?
3. How many times a day?
4. How often do you miss a day (like when travelling), and do you have any technique for getting back into the habit?
I usually just meditate for ten to fifteen minutes in the morning before I've had any coffee. I focus on my breathing, and when my mind wanders, I refocus. I don't notice much difference from longer meditation, and I'm always able to set aside ten minutes, so it is easier to maintain the habit.
My advice for getting back into meditation is to just force yourself to do it for the first couple weeks, even if it doesn't feel worthwhile. It is hard at first, but you will soon notice that you're getting better.
Here is a free online book for anyone interested in getting started:
http://www.urbandharma.org/udharma4/mpe.html
