Duration of meditation practice?

[Reductor]

It seems that meditation is widely practiced in the Buddhist community, but I am not sure just how long those meditation practices are maintained before they lapse. Hence the poll. I've defined a lapse as 4 days, because that is just over half of the smallest increment listed in this poll. Of course you are free to define lapse to however many days you like.

I would welcome any elaboration you might have on your practice, including but not limited: to your technique, difficulties, tips on overcoming those difficulties, pleasant benefits you ascribe to your meditation practice (both while in meditation and in daily life).

Oh, and you can change your vote at any time.

Thank you anyone that participates.

[Ben]

Hi thereductor

Its actually been many years since I've had a lapse of four days or longer.
I think the experiential reality for many people is that in the first few years, one's practice oscillates like a pendulum. Some people have breaks.
I think its natural that people oscillate in the beginning. Practicing Dhamma can be deeply confrontational and challenging. Intensity of practice seems to be accompanied by difficulties associated with dealing with one's sankharas and kilesas.

If you miss a session - just accept it and make an effort to rearrange things in your daily life so that meditation is maintained.
In the past, in order to accomodate the needs of a young family, I have scheduled my meditation after everyone has gone to bed and again before they got up in the morning.
The other thing that I advise is to maintain your precepts and try to practice right livelihood. These, when practiced, make the maintenance of meditation practice easier.
Kind regards

Ben

[retrofuturist]

Greetings,

My meditation practice isn't structured enough to answer your question.

I meditated for an hour today, but it wasn't part of some regular schedule.

Whether I get to formally meditate on a day-to-day is often dependent on factors beyond my control, usually relating to work, family or weather.

Metta,
Retro.