The Worst Places to Meditate: A Personal Insight

When it comes to meditation, the location you choose can greatly impact your experience. I recently moved to Thailand and have tried a variety of meditation spots. After exploring numerous caves in the region, I can confidently say that the worst place to meditate is, undoubtedly, a cave.

Caves Aren't Just for Holy Monks

Many people imagine monks sitting in caves for years on end, completely absorbed in their meditation practices. However, most of us are not monks, and caves can be far from ideal places for us to meditate.

I've been to Krabi, Thailand, a place filled with caves and even smaller, more secluded sites. Some of these caves are home to small Buddhist temples, but as I discovered, their beauty is often marred by the challenges they present.

Challenges in Caves

Humidity and Temperature

Caves can be intensely humid and sometimes very hot. This can make for a very uncomfortable meditation experience. It's not just the heat, but also the constant humidity that can make the air feel stagnant and suffocating.

Wildlife

Let's not forget about the critters that call caves home. Spiders, centipedes, millipedes, ants, and various other bugs are not uncommon in caves. Leopards, bears, king cobras, monocled cobras, spitting cobras, and venomous pit vipers have also been reported. Even if you're not bothered by insects, their presence can detract from your focus. As for mice, shrews, and other small mammals, they might find shelter in your cave, and their presence is something you might not want to deal with.

Bat Guano and Unpleasant Odors

Another issue is the smell of bat guano. Bats contribute to the unpleasant odor that can be challenging to overcome. Despite the fact that some people might get accustomed to it, personally, I've come to dislike the smell a great deal. Add to this the dropping of mud from above, which can be quite unsettling.

Silence and Other Distractions

Silence can be a double-edged sword. While a deep cave can be eerily quiet, this quiet can prove to be a major distraction. The silence may make you more aware of your own heartbeat and blood flow, which can be unsettling. Additionally, the continuous sound of water dripping from stalactites can be hard to ignore and disrupt your meditation.

Isolation and Ease of Distractibility

Being in such an isolated place can also be a form of distraction. The lack of any external stimuli can lead to a heightened awareness of internal sensations, which can be both a blessing and a curse. For some, this might make it easier to focus, while for others, it might be too much to handle.

Personal Observations

While cave meditation can be challenging, I wouldn't say it's entirely impossible. There are people who love doing it and find it to be an enriching experience. However, for the general population, there are better options.

My Experience with Other Locations

Some of my other meditation spots include a nearby train crossing, which presents a different set of challenges. Living next to it, I've found that I can still maintain my concentration even when a train passes with its horn and warning bells. However, visual distractions are another story. Closing my eyes and keeping the lights down helps, but sometimes even minor sights like a book title or a receipt can distract me.

Physical Sensations

As I get older, my body has accumulated aches and pains. During meditation, I'm more aware of these sensations, which can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it gives me an opportunity to observe myself being drawn to pleasant sensations and pushed away from unpleasant ones. This kind of awareness is valuable for personal growth and meditation practice.

General Tips for Meditation

If you find it challenging to meditate in noisy or visually distracting environments, consider the following adjustments:

Closing your eyes and keeping the lights down Avoiding noisy situations Practicing in a quiet, comfortable environment

Ultimately, the key is to identify what distracts you the most and work to minimize those distractions. Over time, you may find yourself able to meditate more effectively in a wider range of settings.

Best of luck and keep exploring the wonderful world of meditation!