How to Meditate on an Airplane

Air travel can be long, boring and tedious unless you use the time while trapped in a tin flying machine for something constructive–like meditation. If you meditate on an airplane you will arrive at your destination more rejuvenated than stressed. Monks meditate for hours, if not days, so it doesn’t matter if your flight hops to a nearby township or spans the ocean. You've got time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Preferably a window seat

1. Begin before take off. Sit comfortably in your plane seat, as much as that is possible in the cramped quarters. Place your feet firmly on the floor, keep your back straight and head erect. Close your eyes.
2. Start to deeply inhale and exhale, making each breath slower than the last and releasing all tension from the top of your head to your toes.
3. Incorporate the annoying oxygen mask demonstration into your meditation. Your eyes are closed but your ears may not be. As you pick up the words of the flight attendant, imagine that oxygen filling your lungs and refreshing your brain.
4. Focus on the take off. As the plane leaves the ground, imagine your soul, too, is beginning to soar. Picture your soul shimmying with the sun.
5. Keep breathing and concentrating on dancing with the sun. Once you reach 35,000 feet, you should be well on your way to a peaceful meditation throughout the flight.
6. Use airplane distractions to your benefit. Make any on board announcement, too-loud movie, person jostling you to use the john or someone trying to ask if you wish to buy an overpriced, bad meal part of your meditation. They are the evil forces of consciousness trying to blast you out of bliss and make you spend money on fattening food. Do not let them.
7. Bring yourself down with the plane upon landing. Imagine your soul slowly descending from space to land safely and serenely at your destination. Keep that feeling with you the entire time you're there.

Tips & Warnings

• Place a “Do Not Disturb” sign on your lap if your seat mate won’t get the hint that you don’t want to chat about where you’re from or where you’re going.
• If you don’t have a window seat, ask for one. Often seats are available or a person may be willing to switch when they hear you must meditate, undisturbed, for your health.
• Do not fear falling asleep. That, too, results in ultimate relaxation.
• Do not answer questions or open your eyes throughout the entire flight. That can be your challenge and help pass the time if you can’t get deep enough to meditate.
• Don’t give up. You never know if that blissful state will hit you immediately upon take off or somewhere over Indiana. Keep trying.