The Best Ways to Learn Meditation
Meditation is an ancient practice that has been shown to help us become more present in our lives, reduce stress, and develop an attitude of gratitude. Whether you are new to meditation or you are a seasoned pro, there are many ways to learn and master it.
1. Find a guided meditation app for beginners
There are tons of free apps out there that can help you start your meditation journey. They can also be a great way to track your progress and get you on track towards your goal. This is especially useful if you are trying to get into a consistent practice without a teacher.
2. Create a space that is dedicated to your meditation practise
It can be hard to sit still for long periods of time, but it is worth putting some effort into creating a space that will help you relax and focus. Adding plants, a quiet room with a window, or keeping your phone out of reach can all make it easier to get into a more meditative state.
3. Try to set a specific time for your meditation session
It’s easy to forget about meditating when there are all the other things you need to do in your life. This is why it’s so important to set a specific time for your meditation practice every day. This can be done by blocking out a block of time on your calendar or by setting a reminder on your phone to meditate at that time each day.
4. Be patient and kind to yourself during your meditation sessions
When you’re first starting out, it can be easy to get frustrated or even beat yourself up for having too much “thoughts” during your meditative practices. You might think, “If only I could just stop thinking!” but this will only set you up for a self-defeating cycle that makes you feel bad about yourself and your ability to meditate.
5. Use a mantra
Mantras are sacred sounds that can override the normal thoughts that your mind may be having. If you want to try a mantra, here are a few ideas:
6. Keep your breath steady during your meditations
One of the biggest advantages of practicing a form of mediation is that you can train your body to remain still, which helps your mind become more focused and calm. The more you practice, the better you will be able to do this.
7. Breathe slowly during your meditative sessions
During meditation, your breath can be quite quick or it can become very slow and subtle. The key is to train your breath to be slow and gentle throughout the practice so that your mind can slowly relax into a deep state of quiet.
8. Take it day by day
Practicing a meditation practice can take a lot of work, but if you stay consistent, you will see a change in your life over time. This is a gradual process that will bring you to a place where you can be more present, less reactive, and more aware of your emotions.
