Meditation around kids

[exhale]

I have a general question (or brainstorming topic).

I have two young kids (2 and 4 years old).  Historically, I have made time to escape to quietness in order to meditate.  Though, it often is a logistical barrier to leave the house routinely to meditate (and there isn't really a quiet, isolated place in the house), and ends up being an excuse to not meditate.  

Does anyone have experience with their meditation practice associated with kids?

Does one meditate in the kids presence and just accept/embrace the loud and disruptive environment?  (they often climb on me when I have tried in the past).  

 

[Tanz]

If its in the house, its while they are sleeping.  Either early morning or at night.  
If you live in a place with a yard then turning on a movie or leaving them with your spouse while meditating outside is an option.  
 

You wont get into any type of deep meditation if they are stimulating you to get your attention.  However I would say watching them quietly while they are playing together is a type of meditation, followed by some kind of writing on any type of insight then reflecting works good for me.  

Edited December 22, 2019 by Tanz

[mandyjw]

I try to get up earlier than them but occasionally getting enough sleep takes priority.  Often they get up pretty early, so then I do the best that I can with them running around, climbing in my lap. The thing about having kids is that you truly appreciate the time you have to be present and are greatly motivated to bring presence into the chaos. Seems like they are slowing your progress down, but really they're there just for you to wake up.

Remind me of my own words in 10 minutes. lol 

[Buba]

When my mother’s grandmother was praying (salah) I would always climb on her, especially when she was prostrating. I would wait for time when she prostrates and jump on her. She would say “Allahu Akbar” very loud, so people now I am in the room, bothering her. And they would come and take me ? 

You can meditate at night lying in your bed.

[ChimpBrain]

I have a kid and I can relate. As already mentioned, before they wake up, nap time, and after they get to bed are your golden opportunities. Also, I got a really high quality set of 3M ear muffs that reduce sound by 31db that help a ton. I don't know if you have a significant other, but my wife and I will often take turns meditating out in the garage with the ear muffs where we won't be disturbed while the other partner manages the little one. Sorry that's all I got. I don't think one can consider "meditation" with kids climbing on them and being crazy around them actual meditation. Maybe you can if you're much better at it than me, but I definitely can't. 

Edited December 22, 2019 by ChimpBrain

[Florian]

@Buba She would say Allahu Akbar and then blow herself up (just kidding, I hope I don't get banned)

[mandyjw]

2 hours ago, Buba said:

When my mother’s grandmother was praying (salah) I would always climb on her, especially when she was prostrating. I would wait for time when she prostrates and jump on her. She would say “Allahu Akbar” very loud, so people now I am in the room, bothering her. And they would come and take me ? 

You can meditate at night lying in your bed.

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

I figure if Wim Hoff had to raise 4 kids alone and found his solace and relaxation from them in the extreme cold training that he did, then if I can learn to tolerate my kids during meditation, I'm gonna be like the Buddha squared. If you can't meditate and listen to "Baby Shark" on replay in the background, then just get the fuck out.  I'm kidding, sort of, if you can get time for yourself do, if not, you needed the exact kind of experience or challenge that you got.  

 

Edited December 22, 2019 by mandyjw

[silene]

'Letting go' is the meditation practice which life gives me around kids. As in, I want to do X, but have to let it go and be present with the child. God laughs at my plans  

Edited December 23, 2019 by silene