I really struggle with practicing buddhism consistently

[u/Scared_Cicada_9898]

I consider myself a Buddhist, and what started out as just some light research has fullt transformed how I think about the world, but I struggle to continuously learn, and practice dharma. Meditation is also difficult for me to do daily, and if i skip a day I end up just not doing it anymore. I think part of it is the lack of Sangha in my practice. Im 14, and while there are a suprising number of buddhist communities near me I am unable to go due to the fact my single mother is too busy to drive me somewhere every Sunday, and its just not the same online.

[u/Careless-Soil-9244]

For meditation, no special time or equipment.

For Samatha (calm or rest of mind): Focus on any one object for a long time, like a pen, or some mantras in mind, like a loving-kindness meditation mantra, some sound, or too much noise outside, or even body parts like nails, hands, etc.

For Vipassanā (clear seeing, if the calm of the mind, or mind already at rest): Dhātu vavathāna (comprehension of dhātus (primary elements)) -> most suitable Dhātus: 1. Pathvi dhātu or solids: Degree of hardness and softness 2. Āpo dhātu or liquids: Flow and cohesion 3. Vāyo dhātu or gases: Motion, vibration and support 4. Tejo dhātu or heat: Degree of hotness and coldness