Meditation for Beginners: Tips for Getting Started
Meditation is a wonderful practice to adopt into your daily and weekly routines. It’s dedicated time to give your brain a break, clean and filter through your thoughts and feelings, and regain your focus. A top reason why people don't meditate is because they simply don't know how to get started. Meditation doesn’t have to be difficult nor extend long periods of time. Most often, quick meditations can bring as much benefit as longer sessions. So, it’s easy to pencil in a meditation session once you learn how to get started.
Here are seven tips for beginners:
1. Find the right place to find your zen
Meditation is best practiced in a quiet environment with limited distractions. To help you focus on your breathing and self-reflection, it’s important that you feel comfortable in the space. Your bedroom and car are easy places you can use to find your zen.
If you are living with your family or friends, do your best to secure a quiet place. You may even consider using headphones to block outside noise. Or, you may try walking meditation to get away from any noise and get the benefits of being outside.
2. Give guided meditation a try
Guided meditation is a great way to learn how to meditation because all you need to do is listen to reap the benefits of a mindful meditation session. There are a variety of different guided meditation apps and free resources that you can test and use anywhere. Additionally, there are specific meditations for a lot of things such as sessions for focus, relaxation, and sleep, among other concentrations.
3. Don't stop when it gets hard
A common reason you may stop meditating is when you find your mind wandering or you are suddenly challenged with the practice. Part of meditation is learning to overcome these challenges by having the right mindset and being committed.
You may find that after your first or second session, you are still not able to fully focus on your breathing or may find an overflow of emotions. This is normal. Meditation takes practice. Give yourself some leeway to find your form and become okay with emotions and restlessness.
4. Start small
You don't need to dive right in with daily meditation practice and long sessions, even though it can be beneficial. Meditating two to three days a week for at least ten minutes can be a great way to get started without feeling obligated to add it to your daily schedule. Just as you need to find the right place, find the right time that works with you, and increase the sessions and time period as you feel more comfortable.
5. Try group meditation to build a habit
If you are still a bit unsure about getting started, joining a group meditation can help you learn the basics. Also, participating in a group can motivate you to actually meditate and build a routine.
6. Be comfortable
Sitting cross legged isn’t always the most comfortable position. There are several meditation positions to try over time. The goal, however, is to be comfortable, whether you are sitting, standing, laying down, or walking.
Getting started with meditation can be a bit overwhelming. You may be wondering which place is best to meditate, how to get in a mindful state, and how to make sure you are doing it right. Meditation is a personal experience, and you may find what works for another person may not work for you.
References:
https://selecthealth.org/blog/2021/01/7-meditation-tips-for-beginners