Embrace The Noise: Finding Peace Through Subway Meditation

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- "Relaxing" isn't typically the first word that comes to mind when you think about riding the subway.

But, what if you could turn your daily commute into a time of peace and meditation?

According to Ethan Nichtern, a meditation teacher at the Shambhala Meditation Center of New York, finding a minute of solace on the subway may be less about finding silence -- and more about embracing the noise around you.

"It doesn't have to be shutting the world out," Nichtern said. "Get really interested in the sounds of them taking out the garbage bins, or the turnstyles turning."

Instead of concentrating on your breathing, focus on being present -- and don't stare down the tunnel looking for the train, CBS2's Alex Denis reported.

"You can look straight ahead at the wall, you can look at other people on the platform," Nichtern said. "But it's kinda beautiful because there's no downside -- you get to work at the same time. The train comes when it comes."

Compassion and empathy can also be another form of meditation. Take a moment to be nice to strangers, and wish them well.

"Just take a minute to say, 'may you have happiness,'" Nichtern said.

Don't close out the world -- accept it. That could give you the peace of mind you're looking for.

"The wonderful thing about a New York City subway is, it's a really lively space -- so there's lots to pay attention to," Nichtern said.

These practices don't only apply to subway riders --the same techniques can be used for commuters who take the LIRR, the Metro-North, PATH, NJ TRANSIT and the bus.