My 13 hour flight just got delayed 7 hours, I'm stuck at my second airport, and I dont think I'm gonna make it. I have some movies and audio books on my phone, but really only anticipated having to burn the flight time via napping and some media, not 7 hours leading up to it, and I'm pretty sure I'm gonna mentally burn out on passive media.
- I have media on my phone - movies, shows and audio books, but I can only do about 2-3 hours at a stretch before I burn out on those things.
- I have wifi and power both on the ground and on the plane, although I'm sure the connection once we get going isn't going to be performance enough for online games.
- I have a phone and headset but didn't bring a laptop because it was just extra bulk I didn't think I'd need. I don't have a switch or steam deck or anything neat.
- I have access to the airport lounge, so drinks are free, and I get free drinks on the plane. I don't want to get wasted or have to pee constantly, so my plan is to jim lahey it.
- I'm intrigued by mobile games, but every one I've tried has felt too gimmicky with gambling or freemium BS mechanics. Also tried started valley but it never got me hooked either. I have an android and will buy games if they're worth it.
- I'm open to any other ideas that could somehow mentally (or physically while on the ground) stimulate me.
- I'm a dude in my 30s with a family and kids, but I'm currently traveling solo.
- I've already killed 2 hours on a plane and 2 more on the ground (my planned connection time) doing nothing, I was saving my media trying to avoid burning out on shit before I get on the plane.
- I suck at sleeping when on the go.
- I'm on my 3rd mimosa and bored as fuck.
Help.
Yes, all the time. It's a crucial part of the whole thing, as far as I know. (Not an expert, barely do it, have been meaning to get back into some kind of habit)
Before this, I thought of meditation as the whole "still mind" thing, but if it's how anyone works, it sure isn't me. Mindfulness is more about realizing when a new thought "arises", looking at it sort of dispassionately, and gently refocusing yourself. There's no real "failure state", you will get distracted and that is fine, just get back into it.
Thats voice is the whole thing.
Meditation is the act of quieting that voice.
The more you practice it, the easier it becomes.
There's a lot of ways to meditate (a lot of ways to quiet the voice). Have to practice them.
The advantage is that the next time you are being distracted by those thoughts at a time when distraction is unhelpful, you will more naturally and easily quiet your mind and resume your focus.
It's like practicing to control your thoughts. Think of it like walking the dog. It's going to pull at first. Gotta keep walking.