Raw-Dogging Your Flight: A Meditation Practice Opportunity

You're boarding a plane. You take a seat among other travelers. Some weary, some calm, some nervous, some excited. Your goal? Perhaps it's to be sitting. No distractions. Nothing to take up your attention. So called, "raw-dogging" one's flight experience has, in recent times, pierced the scene. Perhaps a big "F-You" to our apps and devices trying their best to take our attention, or maybe feeling that this may be our one opportunity for silence before we head into adventure & back into the hustle & bustle of our daily lives.

I love it. A chance to be truly disconnected. & perhaps, a perfect opportunity to practice meditation? A time and place to settle my nervous system, and find a sense of calm and peace. Here's how I do it.

Once settled, comfortable, and in the air, I sit. I breathe. I take the time to let the glitter fall. I let the swirling thoughts settle. I let what is asking for attention to be heard, to be seen, and to be felt. I sit, in the present, not worrying about the future, and not beating myself up over the past. I observe sensations as they arise. Perhaps it may be my guilt, my shame, my anger, my sorrow. I acknowledge the sensation. I thank it for its presence, for its message, and for its need to be felt, heard, and seen.

As I sit, I breathe in. I focus on the sensation of the breath, as it enters my nostrils. Wherever I find the sensation the strongest. And then I breathe out, through my mouth, focusing on where I can feel the sensation most. In my mind, I say, "In, I am breathing in. Out, I am breathing out." I find myself in this pattern, and I continue in this pattern. When I find my mind wandering, as it will do, I notice & acknowledge the thought, and bring myself back to the breath. I enjoy practicing mantra meditations, and at times may switch my focus to "Breathing in calm, breathing out ease" and "Breathing in peace, I am home".

Why do this? How does this help, and why would I even bother? For me, it brings me calm, helps me feel more stable, and I emerge from the plane more relaxed and ready for what is next. It helps clear my mind of whatever has been swirlin' up in there and causing chaos. Everyone's experience with meditation can be different. There's also apps like the Calm App and the Plum Village App (my personal favorite, & completely free) that can help guide your experience, and provide an anchor for when your mind wanders.

Please note that, while a simple practice, meditation can also be a difficult experience. When the dust settles, there may be uncomfortable emotions that arise. Perhaps a thought or experience comes to mind that brings up sensations you'd rather not face at this moment. It may be a difficult storm to weather, and you can choose if you'd like to bear it, or disengage from the exercise itself. You do not need to feel pressured to continue the practice when encountering things that may be overwhelming in the moment. You know yourself more than anyone, and I believe it is best to engage any sort of mindfulness practice through a trauma-sensitive lens, if you can, to avoid any sort of re-traumatization.

I have difficulties meditating in public. There's generally not many places I find where I can sit in peace, with my eyes closed (you can also practice meditation with your eyes open), and breathe. I often feel that if there's people around, they may notice me and think I'm weird, aloof, odd, or a funky monkey. In the plane seat, sitting with my eyes closed seems natural. No one may think otherwise, or give you a second thought. Many folk are doing the same, closing their eyes, sitting in silence, perhaps trying for a bit of sleep. A bit of solace. A bit of rest.

I'm happy that you're here, and reading this. I enjoy speaking about my meditation practice, as I've navigated (& continue to to do so) high levels of anxiety, and meditation has helped bring me a sense of calm & stability. Thank you.