An MP3 p_layer_, such as an iPod may be handy for listening to lectures and the like. As I am in a similar situation, I realize that one's parents do not always agree with them, and this may or may not be the fault of the individual. I have found that meditating at bedtime or in the morning is usually possible, as well as meditating a few seconds (or minutes) at a time during the day.

All of these insights are very good ideas it jut irritates me alot due to different thing like if I buy a non-christian book I have to put it into a storage unit where accessing it is hard otherwise my father will take it and either give it away or destroy it. If I had the resource I would rent an apartment of my own just to keep my stuff in it and have a space of my own. Until then I adapt what I can such as doing my posts when he is asleep or deeply involved in his video games,etc. I do find alot of time for contemplation since no one can tell what one is thinking unless they tell him. As for meditation,i do get some when I can not near as much as I would like or for the lengths of time I wish but we all do the best we can within the limitations of our life.

I have to ask you this - how old are you?

If (as Im sure you are) your over 18 years of age - he may be your father but he needs to realise you have a right to privacy etc.

If he has the 'energy' to seek n destroy your property - then maybe he should look after himself.

If he wants you to be there for him - he also has to realise he has to live by some of your rules.

Sorry but thats the way it is - Dictators become so because they are allowed too.

MTFBWY - A

In reply to your question i am 34...and i agree that i am en_title_d to some privacy,etc...i gues what lays at the heart of the struggle is his lack of understanding this...he seem to feel that because he pays the living expenses that give him the right to do as he pleases with anything or anyone that enters the apartment regardles of who bought it or actually owns it. I have tried to get him to look after himelf as much as possible but he refuses to do so..there' times when i wish he would just pass on...i often feel guilty for this as I do love him and want what is best for both of us...but sometime it just get to the point where i don't want to deal with him or his closemindedness. I have tried to set some minor rules regarding my property or things like times when I'm not to be disturbed...he just ignore my wishes or refuses to take into account anything I have planned...and then complains consistently till I often give in just to shut him up so I can focus on what I want to do after I finish with whatever he wants...

Trust me on this - ALL carers feel like that for a moment or two - its just frustration and tiredness.

Youve hit the nails on the heads - he is SELFISH and DICTATORIAL

Now your a similar age to me - and I would guess your dad is somewhere between late 50's and early 70's - either way he is stuck in the victorian era - now in most regards - im lucky my folks are not that way - they respect my privacy etc (99% of the time) etc - Im not saying however we live in perfect harmony like little house on the prairie or the waltons.

Your dad needs to learn the hardway - and you need to learn to not play into his gsmes

You need to learn that he shouldnt have his own way all the time and that your needs etc are as important as his.

He also needs to learn exactly the same thing.

So what id like to suggest firstly is a set 'free time' for you - and I mean proper me free time - not to use if for shopping or chores but for self pleasure - fun or just chilling - just your own space n time. Im not sure where you live but im pretty sure there has to be somekind of medical service who could provide an hour or two - even for one day a week - of care for your dad - rest bite care for you really - you may need to talk with your dads doc on this but given MS is a 'chronic' condition - I dont see any problems getting it - ass I said before - you as the carer in many ways are more important than the patient - a bit like the airliner and oxygen mask analogy someone used - if you go down - you both go down.

Your dad also needs to realise this.

I had an elderly relative who got progressively more selfish as illness progressed - whilst the result wasnt intentional - they had to go into a care home for a week - whilst there - they realised how much the family did for them and how much they got things their own way - as a result - the behaviour radically improved ponce back home - the 'shock' or realisation did us all a world of good

Sounds cruel I know - but maybe this is the jolt your dad needs

That aside - and religions etc aside - YOU need YOUR space etc

MTFBWY - A

PS - Here is an idea for you - recover all your books to make em look like bibles - that ought to keep your dad sweet

some very good suggestions...lol i like the one about making the books look like bibles...i will strive to ponder out a time I can take for me outide of my contemplations,"work duties" etc just for fun and to relax although I must say talking with my fellow Jedi is one of the most fun things I've done in a long time...perhaps that's why I pend alot of time reading posts on this site : )