Someone Could Have Mentioned That Meditation Was A Winter Sport
“Don’t sweat the petty things and don’t pet the sweaty things.” — George Carlin
My sister and I went to meditation class last night. Two other women in my life were considering going too after reading about my experiences. It turned out that neither could make it. I was disappointed at first. Don’t I get extra Karma points for “recruiting”?
This has been a mild summer here in Chicagoland. Normally at this time of year it’s unbearably hot and humid out almost every day. This year, it’s been pretty cool. There was a week where the temps were in the 90’s earlier in the summer but lately…not so much. This week it’s finally been hotter, in the 80’s.
I love summer. I don’t even mind the unbearable heat and humidity as long as I’m outside at a pool soaking up some rays or at a barbecue or fest. Most of the year, the temps are well below 40 so summer is a big deal around here. But I can’t stand being hot and sweaty indoors. It’s gross and uncomfortable.
Because it’s been so unseasonably cool so far this summer (which is almost over by the way and I’m not happy about this at all), there was something that I never noticed about the temple where meditation class is held. THERE IS NO AIR CONDITIONING.
It was like a freakin’ oven in there. The temple is an old converted barn with high ceilings. There are ceiling fans but they are about 15 feet up. For reasons that I do not understand, the front doors were not open either. It was actually pretty breezy out last night and I’m sure some air coming in would have helped.
Did I mention that during the actual sitting meditation period, we also have to cover our legs with a heavy towel? Something about protecting the knees. We were all sitting there sweating in places a person should not sweat for the entire meditation. That made it difficult to think about anything but getting the hell out of there.
I still did ok, considering the inhumane conditions. I managed to stay pretty focused for most of the time. But, by the final 10 minutes, I kept opening my eyes to check the clock. I felt somewhat relaxed afterwards, but mostly just happy to get outside. I was so happy that the two women I know weren’t able to make it. If they are anything like me, they may not have enjoyed the sauna-like heat and had a bad first visit.
I’m thinking a fundraiser is in order. Immediately. That, or I just don’t go again until fall. I’m certainly not going to wish for cooler weather.
Thanks for stopping by!
Oh, man! Tell me about it. Usually I can stay focused and enjoy the meditation, even through some one’s coughing fit and background noises. But, jeeze! Turn the temple into a sauna and forget about it. This was the first time I actually sat there with my eyes open waiting for the Venerable to ding her little bell! AND the other lady that helps out was doing dishes in the back, someone was in & out of the front door, and then the freaking business line was ringing! LOL I will definately be practicing these next two weeks to stay focused.
I AM SO GLAD TO BE BACK!!!!
I forgot about all the noise going on last night too. Hilarious. We were DOING IT WRONG!
Sounds a bit uncomfortable–but I’d rather be too warm than too cold. I hate the freakin’ cold. And I’d be telling myself that maybe i sweat a couple pounds off. I try to look at the bright side of life
I’m with you there. I hate being cold. So, why the hell do I live here?!