The mindfulness revolution is here. And while New York City, with its thundering pace, constant noise, and ruthlessly competitive atmosphere, might seem like the least appropriate place to practice mindfulness, it’s also the place where you need it the most.
People say they don’t have time for mindfulness, but we New Yorkers know that we waste a lot of time on the subway—why not put it to good use?
Here’s how to meditate on the subway:
Step 1: Get comfortable
You won’t be able to meditate if you can’t let go of the worry that the person next to you is sitting too close. Find a comfortable position where you can let go of any body tension.
Step 2: Close your eyes
If you don’t want to close your eyes because you’re worried about creepos, just focus on a single spot. Reduce your visual stimuli as much as possible.
Step 3: Take deep breaths
Take a deep inhale, and count three heartbeats, then exhale all the way, and count three heartbeats. Repeat.
Step 4: Clear your mind
Try to focus on your breathing as much as possible. If other thoughts come into your head, that’s okay. But just let them pass by and then get back to your breathing. The idea is to clear your head of all your worries and only focus on the present moment.
Step 5: Keep meditating until your stop
By the time you get off, you’ll feel much more ready to do whatever it is you’re going to do at your destination. Mindfulness helps keep you in the moment in all aspects of your life.
Cover photo credit: Susan Sermoneta/Flickr