How we interpret or look at challenges

[Jitendra Hy-do-u-no-us?]

I was out in nature meditating and as quite usual in the spring-contracted poison ivy in the woods. It interested me that what for me was itching a friend called pain. Recently Eric talked about pain in his legs from them falling asleep which I have also experienced. Sri Yukteswar used to say; “give the dog a bone’” which meant that sometimes it is better to just move a bit if we are in pain. In the case of those who have dogs; sometimes we also just give one a bone to keep it settled down..... take medication if we are itching or put a hot wash rag over the itching. In the case of meditation there are countless natural drawbacks... mosquitoes, hair blowing in your face, ants crawling on you, fruit flies ‘bugging you’ and on and on endlessly.

I think the thing to remember is that our practice is not an exercise in control over the elements but rather a chance to feel peace and relaxation. Therefore we should keep this in mind in our practice and use ‘thought adjusters’ ( don’t know how Eric was using the word but if he doesn’t mind I like borrowing his lingo) to help us find circumstances more conducive to the act of meditation

[JoySmith]

Yes, I also experience the little challenges when I'm trying to meditate outdoors.
A good idea to share, that experiencing peace and stillness and thankfulness are the better places to focus one's thoughts.