Hi ! this morning, i was just slipping into a nice calm state, when all of the dogs in the neighborhood started barking. I broke down and went to get my earplugs. i then slipped back into my state, and it was a very pleasant and fulfilling experience.
i thought about it, and wondered to myself...am i cheating? really, part of the whole meditation experience is to be in the present and simply observe? next time should i just sit and go with it?

How funny that happened to you! Yes, I think it was your Karma that the moment you slipped into your state the dogs came to challenge your will! I don’t blame you for trying to tune them out. But it seems you have a strong practice and are able to focus well in silence. I think it would only make your practice stronger to try and focus under distraction. Of course, you won’t have the same immediate fulfillment, but over time this effort could take things to a new level.

ShantiB

I disagree, I was told that when you are meditating you should be in a quiet place free from distraction. You were just creating your environment in which you have the most success. I don’t think that it’s necessary to suffer in order to try and meditate.

CHATuranga.

There is a really loud rottweiler on the ashram where I practice, and he does burst out into barking all of the time. For us younger students, he brings us out of our concentration, but I have watched my teacher sit totally unphased, completely focused, as if the only sound was the sound of om!

LauraK