Meditation 101: What It Is, Why You Need It, and How to Get Started
I’ve mentioned the benefits of meditation over the years, but have never gone in-depth about the benefits, what it’s all about, and how to go about it.
So let’s get right to it, shall we?
What meditation isn’t
First things first, let’s talk about what meditation is not about. Meditation isn’t about becoming a monk or spending hours and hours in a dark room trying to clear all thoughts from your brain. It’s also not about becoming super spiritual all of a sudden (if that’s not your jam). Sure, you can absolutely do all of the above, but it’s not a meditation requirement by any means.
Meditation also doesn’t take the colossal time requirement you may think it does. You can have an incredible successful meditation practice with just a few minutes a day or a few times a week. You can meditate on the go or at home, by yourself or in a public setting, and guided or self-guided (more on that later).
What is meditation (and why should you be doing it)?
The key to meditation is simple. Meditating is meant to promote mindfulness and awareness…along with countless other benefits.
Here are just a few:
- Create better general awareness
- Decrease anxiety and promote calm
- Deal with stress
- Improve emotional health
- Improve memory
- Increase attention span
- Learn to body scan
In general during meditation, the goal is to clear your mind…but allow thoughts and visions to come and go as they please. You can also choose to meditate over a certain thought or decision you need to make.
How to start meditating
For beginners, meditation is best practiced alone and in a quiet space. Spend just a few minutes at first and don’t feel like you need to sit through a two-hour meditation. (Remember, a little goes a long way here and we’re not looking for enlightenment at the first go-around.)
- Sit or lay in a comfortable position and try your best not to move from that position.
- Relax all of the muscles in your body.
- Clear and calm your mind the best you can.
- Breathe in and out deeply with your diaphragm, not your chest. (Breathing is crucial for mediation and is often helpful to focus on. In fact, you’ll find meditation will subconsciously help you breathe more deeply and correctly (with your diaphragm).)
Guided meditations are excellent, as they will walk you through all this, step-by-step. You may choose to work with guided meditations exclusively at first to give yourself some key practice points and something to focus on, other than your own thoughts. In fact, I highly recommend guided mediations for everyone – no matter how seasoned you are – as they can be excellent for focusing your practice. (For example, you may be looking for something specific like help with sleep or anxiety.)
Here are the two big guided meditation resources I use:
- Insight Timer app (or another meditation app – there are literally thousands)
- YouTube searches for a specific meditation (e.g. “full moon meditation,” “pregnancy meditation,” or “calming mediation”)
Meditation 201
As you get more comfortable, play around with your meditative practice. See what works and what doesn’t work – like the position you are in, breathing techniques, strategies for calming your body, and so on. No one person’s practice looks like another and there’s no right or wrong when it comes to meditation.
Research more and play around with what works for you. For instance, you may get interested in chakra clearing, and what to learn more about how to meditate specifically toward certain chakras.
Know that the sky is the limit when it comes to your practice. Be consistent with it (a few minutes a day or a few times a week) and you’ll see the benefits in your everyday life.
Do you meditate? What does your meditative practice look like?
I read this article fully concerning the comparison of
latest and preceding technologies, it’s amazing article.
Hey this is kinda of off topic but I was wondering
if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually
code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have
no coding skills so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience.
Any help would be enormously appreciated!
Wow that was strange. I just wrote an really long
comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up.
Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again.
Regardless, just wanted to say great blog!
Hello, I wish for to subscribe for this blog to
take latest updates, so where can i do it please help out.
Hi there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that
it’s really informative. I’m going to watch out for brussels.
I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future.
Lots of people will be benefited from your writing.
Cheers!
I just like the helpful info you supply on your articles.
I will bookmark your blog and take a look at again here frequently.
I am somewhat certain I’ll be told plenty of new stuff proper here!
Good luck for the next!
I’d like to find out more? I’d love to find out some additional information.
I simply want to mention I’m very new to blogging and site-building and certainly loved this web page. Most likely I’m want to bookmark your website . You really come with impressive stories. Thanks a lot for sharing your web site.
You have observed very interesting details! ps decent internet site.
To have a look at was at regular a couple of, a the mother consideration which should genuinely undergo Native english speakers known as, like a result your lady allow me to undergo while using type in mentor Ye in Vibrant Development in Beijing. About the style As i did begin to find out in regards to the refreshing new Practice Native english speakers and in many cases dealt with that sentence structure made for to start with.
Hello There. I found your blog the usage of msn. This is an extremely well written article.
I’ll make sure to bookmark it and come back to learn extra of your useful info.
Thank you for the post. I will definitely return.
Greetings, have you ever in your life pondered to write regarding Nintendo Dsi handheld?
Hey there! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog.
Is it difficult to set up your own blog?
I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast.
I’m thinking about setting up my own but I’m not sure where to start.
Do you have any points or suggestions? Appreciate it
Thanks for the marvelous posting! I genuinely enjoyed reading it, you’re a great author.I will remember to bookmark your blog and will come back very soon. I want to encourage you to continue your great job, have a nice afternoon!
Can I merely say thats a relief to find someone that really knows what theyre talking about over the internet. You certainly know how to bring an issue to light to make it critical. The diet need to ought to see this and understand this side from the story. I cant believe youre less well-liked because you undoubtedly provide the gift.
I really love the theme on your website, I run a web site , and i would adore to use this theme. Is it a free style, or is it custom?
This amazing site on the web is a legitimate stroll-through for the whole data you wanted concerning this as well as didn’t know which to inquire about. Peek right here, and you will probably definitely find out that.
I truly enjoy looking at on this web site, it has superb articles.
Nice post. I understand something very complicated on distinct blogs everyday. It will always be stimulating to see content from other writers and rehearse a specific thing at their store. I’d prefer to use some together with the content in my small weblog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll provide a link on the internet weblog. Many thanks sharing.
I’m impressed, I have to admit. Truly rarely will i encounter a weblog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you may have hit the nail on the head. Your notion is outstanding; the catch is something that too little persons are speaking intelligently about. I’m happy we found this within my seek out some thing in regards to this.
You need to indulge in a tournament for example of the finest blogs on the web. Let me suggest this great site!
After study a handful of the content on your web site now, and that i really like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will also be checking back soon. Pls look at my internet site too and told me what you think.
After study several of the web sites on the internet site now, and that i truly such as your method of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark internet site list and are checking back soon. Pls look into my website as well and figure out if you agree.
MetroClick specializes in building completely interactive products like Photo Booth for rental or sale, Touch Screen Kiosks, Large Touch Screen Displays , Monitors, Digital Signages and experiences. With our own hardware production facility and in-house software development teams, we are able to achieve the highest level of customization and versatility for Photo Booths, Touch Screen Kiosks, Touch Screen Monitors and Digital Signage. Visit MetroClick in NYC at http://www.metroclick.com/ or , 121 Varick St, New York, NY 10013, +1 646-843-0888
Hi here, just became receptive to your blog through Yahoo and bing, and realized that it’s pretty interesting. I’ll be grateful in the event you maintain this post.
I just need to inform you that I am new to writing and clearly liked your write-up. Quite possibly I am going to remember your blog post . You literally have stunning article content. Appreciate it for giving out with us your favorite internet page
As I website possessor I believe the content here is really great , thanks for your efforts.
Faytech North America is a touch screen Manufacturer of both monitors and pcs. They specialize in the design, development, manufacturing and marketing of Capacitive touch screen, Resistive touch screen, Industrial touch screen, IP65 touch screen, touchscreen monitors and integrated touchscreen PCs. Contact them at http://www.faytech.us, 121 Varick Street, New York, NY 10013, +1 646 205 3214
Props for these a good post, maintain up your fantastic function.
Emery EPS is a Search Engine Optimization company that provides SEO Services. Their proprietary SEO strategies help struggling websites and aspiring business owners to rank their websites higher in multiple search engines like Google , Yahoo and Bing. They provide local and gmb map ranking for businesses in Coasta Rica, New York, Los Angeles, Portland, Sacramento, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Denver, Houston, California and many other local areas. Find more at https://www.emeryeps.com.
It truly is almost impossible to encounter well-informed americans on this area, regrettably you appear like you be aware of the things that you’re talking about! Regards
Pretty nice post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and wished to mention that I have really enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. After all I will be subscribing in your rss feed and I hope you write once more very soon!
It happens to be right occasion to create some schedules for the upcoming. I’ve go through this document and if I could, I want to suggest you number of insightful advice.
It happens to be ideal time to make some schedules for the extended term. I have go through this blog post and if I could, I want to recommend you couple entertaining recommendations.
What’s up, always i used to check weblog posts here early in the morning,
for the reason that i enjoy to learn more and more.
Emery EPS is a Search Engine Optimization company that provides SEO Services. Their proprietary SEO strategies help struggling websites and aspiring business owners to rank their websites higher in multiple search engines like Google , Yahoo and Bing. They provide local and gmb map ranking for businesses in Coasta Rica, New York, Los Angeles, Portland, Sacramento, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Denver, Houston, California and many other local areas. Find more at https://www.emeryeps.com.
It certainly is almost close to impossible to find well-educated readers on this matter, yet somehow you look like you realize the things that you’re talking about! Thank You
Emery EPS is a Search Engine Optimization company that provides SEO Services. Their proprietary SEO strategies help struggling websites and aspiring business owners to rank their websites higher in multiple search engines like Google , Yahoo and Bing. They provide local and gmb map ranking for businesses in Coasta Rica, New York, Los Angeles, Portland, Sacramento, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Denver, Houston, California and many other local areas. Find more at https://www.emeryeps.com.
It certainly is nearly close to impossible to see well-updated individuals on this area, nonetheless you seem like you realize the things that you’re preaching about! Bless You
Its not my first time to visit this site, i am visiting this web
page dailly and take good data from here all the time.
Normally I don’t read post on blogs, however I wish to say that this write-up very pressured
me to take a look at and do so! Your writing style has been surprised me.
Thanks, very great article.
I like the helpful information you supply for your articles.
I’ll bookmark your weblog and check again here regularly.
I’m rather certain I will learn lots of new stuff right right here!
Good luck for the next!
It really is near unthinkable to encounter well-qualified americans on this niche, however you look like you know exactly what you’re talking about! Thanks
Truly engaging suggestions that you have remarked, warm regards for writing.
Hello there, just turned out to be aware about your blog through Bing and yahoo, and realized that it is really good. I will appreciate should you decide keep up this.
I really have to notify you that I am new to wordpress blogging and really liked your work. Very possible I am most likely to remember your blog post . You indeed have excellent article information. Value it for giving out with us your main url page
Might be nearly unattainable to encounter well-qualified americans on this content, regrettably you look like you be aware of the things you’re writing on! Thanks A Lot
Highly alluring advice you have stated, thanks so much for posting.
It really is nearly not possible to find well-advised visitors on this issue, although you look like you are familiar with exactly what you’re preaching about! Appreciation
I really want to reveal to you that I am new to online blogging and really cherished your website. Very likely I am probably to remember your blog post . You indeed have memorable article blog posts. Get Pleasure From it for giving out with us your web report
Thanks for the good writeup. It if truth be told was a
enjoyment account it. Glance complex to far introduced agreeable from you!
However, how can we keep up a correspondence?
natalielise plenty of fish
Heya here, just turned out to be mindful of your weblog through The Big G, and discovered that it’s very educational. I will take pleasure in if you keep up this.
I’d like to find out more? I’d want to find out more details.
I merely hope to notify you that I am new to writing a blog and certainly cherished your article. Very possible I am most likely to store your blog post . You seriously have lovely article materials. Admire it for swapping with us your favorite domain webpage
Hiya there, just turned mindful of your post through Yahoo and bing, and have found that it is seriously informational. I’ll appreciate should you persist this.
It truly is nearly impossible to see well-advised americans on this area, although you appear like you are familiar with those things you’re raving about! With Thanks
Really intriguing details you’ll have said, thank you for publishing.
Good day here, just turned out to be aware about your post through Search engine, and have found that it’s pretty good. I’ll take pleasure in if you decide to continue on this post.
It’s practically close to impossible to see well-qualified individuals on this theme, and yet you come across as like you fully understand the things you’re revealing! Appreciate It
I just need to inform you you that I am new to having a blog and totally admired your webpage. Quite possibly I am going to store your blog post . You literally have stunning article material. Acknowledge it for share-out with us all of your web write-up
You’ll find it nearly close to impossible to come across well-advised men and women on this content, regrettably you come across as like you understand those things you’re covering! Bless You
I really intend to tell you that I am new to writing a blog and undeniably admired your review. Most likely I am most likely to save your blog post . You undoubtedly have stunning article material. Value it for share-out with us your url document
Seriously motivating elements you’ll have mentioned, a big heads up for submitting.
Hi here, just got alert to your article through Yahoo and bing, and have found that it’s genuinely educational. I’ll truly appreciate should you decide continue these.
You could definitely see your skills in the article
you write. The sector hopes for even more passionate writers such as you who aren’t
afraid to mention how they believe. All the time go after your heart.
natalielise pof
I am really loving the theme/design of your weblog. Do you ever run into any
browser compatibility issues? A couple of my blog readers have
complained about my site not working correctly in Explorer
but looks great in Firefox. Do you have any solutions to help
fix this issue? natalielise plenty of fish
You would endure heaps of different advised organized excursions with various chauffeur driven car experts. Some sort of cope previous features and a normally requires a to obtain travel within expense centre, and even checking out the upstate New York. ???????
Like!! Thank you for publishing this awesome article.
Respect to website author , some wonderful entropy.
Cheers, great stuff, Me enjoying.
Good, this is what I was searching for in bing
I was looking at some of your articles on this site and I believe this internet site is really instructive! Keep on posting .
If some one wants to be updated with hottest technologies then he
must be pay a visit this web site and be up to date daily.
stays on topic and states valid points. Thank you.
I think this is among the most significant information for me.
And i’m glad reading your article. But should remark on few general things, The website style is wonderful, the articles is really great : D.
Good job, cheers
I kinda got into this web. I found it to be interesting and loaded with unique points of view.
Respect to website author , some wonderful entropy.