Finding time in my hectic life!

[Demarous]

Hi all, been very busy recently and not had much time to get on the computer much!

I'm finding it very difficult to relax recently, i get agitated that i don't get time to meditate very often and get to my local monastery.

Is there any way or suggestions that i can motivate myself more as i know how important it is for me to focus and try and find some peace.

Metta,

Demarous.

[bodom]

Having a six month old i can sympathise with you on lack of time for practice. I have always turned to these words from Ajahn Chah to keep me motivated.

If you have time to be mindful, you have time to meditate. - Ajahn Chah

[acinteyyo]

I'm finding it very difficult to relax recently, i get agitated that i don't get time to meditate very often

Hi,
another Ajahn Chah quote:

Don't think that only sitting with the eyes closed is practice. If you do think this way, then quickly change your thinking. Steady practice is being mindfull in every posture, whether sitting, walking, standing or lying down. When coming out of sitting, don't think that you're coming out of meditation, but that you are only changing postures. If you reflect in this way, you will have peace. Wherever you are, you will have this attitude of practice with you constantly. You will have a steady awareness within yourself.

best wishes, acinteyyo

[Bhikkhu Pesala]

Pay more attention to the daily chores that you cannot avoid doing, especially the ones that you hate. Washing, shaving, dressing, bathing, cooking, cleaning, eating, going and coming, etc. Pay special attention to actions and movements, and sensations of touch.

If you slow down just a little, you will be more efficient, getting things done in less time, and with fewer errors.

[Demarous]

You're so right, its so easy to get caught up and taken away by the stresses and strains of everyday life, it really is back to basics, taking in the things that we take for granted. I shall try and be more observant!

Thank you so much for your opinions.

Metta,

Demarous.

[Ben]

Hi Demarous
Try getting out of bed an hour earlier and devoting that time to meditation.
metta

Ben

[zavk]

Hi Demarous

I sometimes find it helpful to perform acts of service for others. It need not be big acts but small things like giving someone a lift, helping out with an errand or something like that. These little gestures would help create the conditions for clarity of mind.

[Demarous]

i will try and do this, the early meditation and helping others.


Metta.

Demarous.

[withoutcolour]

Just try doing the dishes a littler slower next time around... pay attention and you're already there.

I, too, have trouble finding time to actually sit down and meditate, so I try to just be mindful.
And, although this is a Theravada forum, I will mention this: I do a lot of volunteering (mindful volunteering) with rehabilitating animals, so that is a sort of Engaged Buddhism (see Thich Nhat Hanh). So you're paying attention, developing loving-kindness, and watering good kammic seeds.

Best of luck.