Meditation Tips for Beginners
Meditation can certainly be an intimidating practice to take on, but one that is always worth the time and effort. If you’re new to meditation and finding it challenging, it can be helpful to remember a few simple tips:
- Make it a regular routine. Like many things in life, meditation is easier when it is made into a habit. Try meditating every day, and at the same time every day, and it will quickly become engrained in your daily routine.
- Focus on one thing at a time. Meditation can quickly become overwhelming if too much is taken on too quickly. Start with just your breath, and slowly add more elements only when you become comfortable to do so.
- Experiment with different meditation styles. There are just about as many meditation techniques in the world as there are meditators. If one technique isn’t working for you, keep trying until you find one or two that “fit.”
- Maintain a position that is comfortable for you. Just because you see people in movies sitting cross-legged on hard floors does not mean that this position is required for proper meditation. Find the position that keeps you both alert and relaxed at the same time, and always put comfort above all else.
- Create a peaceful space for your practice. Find a special place in your home that allows you to feel at peace. This should not be the same room of your house where you eat, sleep, or work.
- Ensure that you will not be disturbed. Distractions are sure to arise, especially if you have busy children or pets. Do your best to let family and friends know when you are meditating, so that you can at least have a few minutes to yourself.
- Don’t be hard on yourself. Meditation is a practice, and it’s important to remember that there is no final destination on your journey. Some days will be easier than others, but what’s important is what you discover about yourself during the ride.
- Don’t give up. The times during meditation when you want to give up the most, are perhaps the times when your mind and body truly need meditation the most. The best thing you can do is to keep trying, and to apply what you learn during meditation to your everyday life.