Shambhala Group Meditation

I have taken a meditation course for almost a year, but haven't really made it a habit.  I have been going to the group meditation at the Shambhala centre once in awhile.  Tonight is the first time where the person sitting next to me had awful smelly socks :( yucky!!! How can I concentrate and focus on my breath when the smell is horrid... Each time I breath in, I can imagine those stinky bacteria entering my lungs.  I was trying to image the smell of roses, to distract myself, but I then started to noticed that unconsciously I was taking really shallow breaths.  After the first set of meditation, I could of moved to another spot, but I didn't want to 'offend' the stinky socks person by moving.  I had to endure another set of meditation with that terrible smell.  It's weird that we put ourselves through certain uncomfortable situations because we are taught to be polite/nice.

The Shambhala meditation is simple.  You're sitting with your legs crossed with both knees lower than your hips.  You can sit on a pillow to raise your bum up, so your knees are lower.  Let your arms down by the side of your body, bend your elbows moving only your forearms.  Slide the forearms so you can place the hands to rest on your thighs.  You keep your eyes open during the meditation and your gaze is about 3 or 4 feet in front of you.  You focus on your breathing.  Whenever your mind is thinking of something else, acknowledge it and focus on your breath again.

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