Starting a new meditation practice can feel like a daunting task. Where do you even begin? Here are a few tips to get you started:
1. Use a guided meditation app. Guided meditation apps take you through the meditative experience in a calm and structured way. Popular options include Headspace and Insight Timer, but there are lots of apps out there. Do some research first to see what app would work for you.
2. Schedule some time. Intention is important. It’s much easier to begin meditating if you set aside time to try it out. Start with a modest 10-minute session and see how it feels.
3. Set the atmosphere. Meditation is easier when there aren’t any distractions. Find a place in your home that’s calm and soothing. Consider dimming the lights and finding a peaceful place to sit.
4. Make it a habit. Try to incorporate meditation into your daily life. If you make meditating a natural part of your everyday routine, it’ll be much easier to stick with it and see your new practice through.
5. Treat yourself well. Through this new journey, you’ll probably notice how toxic your inner voice can be. Instead of beating yourself when you forget to meditate, celebrate your humanness.
6. Start small. Starting a meditation practice is hard. It’s challenging to sit with your racing thoughts and feelings, simply letting them be. So, start small. Even a few minutes a day is okay. There is no one size fits all solution.
7. Don’t overthink it. All this advice is great if it helps you get started. But if all else fails, take a seat wherever you are and begin focusing on your breathing. Turn your attention to the rising and falling of your belly as you inhale and exhale. When your mind wanders away (this is natural), gently return your attention to your breath.
Stick with your new meditation practice. The benefits of meditation may result in changes including a calmer state of mind, greater self-awareness, improved energy and a stronger sense of happiness and wellbeing.
