Guided by Six

Ah, the first noble truth: life is never exactly what we would like it to be.

I think I understand what you are facing with your family. And unfortunately, once you reveal an “aspect” about yourself that they might take issue with, there is no way you can take it back. And if you are dependent upon them for your support, it might not be the best of situations to find yourself in.

But I have a couple of suggestions that you might consider: You could get up in the morning an hour or so before anyone else in the family gets up. This would give you some time by yourself in a quiet house.

You could take up a sport such as yoga or martial arts where the practice of meditation is just one part of the sport. Sports are a much more easily accepted practice that your family might not have any issues with. And if they think that you are practicing meditation in conjunction with the sport they probably won’t think much of it (it would be just an associated practice of disciplining the mind as a part of that sport). If you cant afford lessons, just buy a book or borrow one from the library. Try to find one where they actually show some meditation. I like Tai Chi Chuan myself.

It is also possible to practice meditation when the family is sitting in front of the TV. They are paying attention to the show, but you are watching your mind; see your thoughts come and go, while you enjoy the quiet inside. Don’t worry if the sounds from the TV are heard, let them come and go too.