Are you interested in meditating but unsure where to begin?
We get it, meditating can be intimidating when you’ve never tried it before. After all, we live in a world where our body and mind are constantly distracted by the forces around us. This may be anything from our cell phones and our jobs to email notifications and television.
When we consider just how busy our daily lives are, it’s simple to understand why practicing mindfulness can be so difficult. However, it’s also become widely known just how beneficial it is to practice daily mindfulness.
This is why so many people have chosen to incorporate meditation into their daily lives. In fact, the meditation market is estimated to be worth over $2.08 billion by the year 2022. That’s nearly double what it was estimated to be worth in the year 2017.
If you’re interested in meditating, you’re going to want to read this. We’re sharing our beginner’s guide to meditation which is sure to point you in the right direction. From understanding where to situate yourself for your meditation to how to ignore your distractions, we’ve got you covered.
1. Find an Appropriate Outfit
First and foremost, it’s important to begin by dressing yourself in the right outfit.
While there is no “official” outfit for meditation, the goal is ultimately to be comfortable. You’re going to want to avoid any clothing that is constraining or makes you feel uncomfortable.
This means avoiding items such as jeans or anything that is too textured. The last thought you want to experience during your meditation is fretting about your apparel or discomfort.
Instead, aim to wear clothing that makes you feel both comfortable and confident. This could be anything from general exercise apparel to nothing at all. After all, some people feel most confident when naked in their own skin!
2. Prepare Your Perfect Space
Next, it’s time to focus on creating the best space for your meditation.
It’s essential for this area to be free of any common distractions. These distractions are anything from your phone and your computer to your alarm clock and your television.
You’re also going to want to focus on the audio of your meditation space. The best-case scenario is to locate a space that is free from external noise as well as internal noise such as an email or text notification.
Some people might find that their perfect space is in the comforts of their own home. Others may find that their perfect space is on a spiritual retreat and surrounded by others. Your perfect space is up to you.
3. Set a Timer
When you make the decision to meditate, you’re going to want to establish a strict timeline for yourself.
Do you plan to meditate for one minute or do you plan to meditate for five minutes? Either way, it’s essential to set a timer for your desired time limit and to force your body and mind to remain in position until your timer alerts you.
It’s also important to place your timer out of sight. This will stop you from distracting your mind and continually taking note of your remaining time.
Whether your timer is a phone, a timer or a stopwatch, ensure that it is a soothing tone. The last emotion you want to experience during your meditation is sudden shock or fret when a noisy alarm eventually sounds.
4. Find a Comfortable Position
When it comes to finding the right position for meditation, there is no strict or regulated position necessary.
Instead, it’s about finding what is right for yourself and what allows you to be the most comfortable yet aware. For example, some find remaining in a seated position with crossed legs most effective. However, others may find laying down flat on their back or in various yoga-inspired positions to be best.
Once you find the position that works for you, it’s officially time to close your eyes and begin your meditation.
5. Maintain a Simple Breath
Meditation is all about maintaining a simple breath from beginning to end.
When it comes to meditation, nasal breathing makes it easier to focus on each breath. If you’re experiencing difficulty focusing on your breath, try channeling your focus to the area between your lips and your nose. Allow your mind to really focus on this area and observe the sensation of breathing.
For beginners, the concept of focusing on each breath makes it easier to ignore outside distractions. This also provides our mind with something simple to focus our attention on.
When your mind wanders, be sure to center yourself and bring your thoughts back to your breath. This is always a safe and simple place to direct your thoughts.
6. Forgive Yourself and Start Small
For all beginners, it’s important to remember to forgive yourself and to start small.
Remember, no one ever said that practicing meditation is easy. In fact, it’s going to take time to be able to establish a meaningful and consistent meditation routine.
In the beginning, it may be helpful to practice a simple, five-minute meditation. As you progress further into your journey, you can slowly begin to increase this number. When you find that your mind is able to be almost perfectly as ease during those five minutes, you can then opt for six minutes and so on.
Our Beginner’s Guide to Meditation
At the end of the day, meditation is all about finding peace in both your body and your mind.
While the concept may at first appear simple, the reality is anything but. Throughout our day, our mind is constantly distracted by both internal and external factors of our lives. At the end of a busy day, it’s common to realize that you have yet to take any time for yourself and your well-being.
When we consider the above, it’s no wonder that only 14 percent of Americans reporting practicing meditation. But, as the concept of mindfulness becomes more cherished in our society, these numbers are beginning to increase.
We’re here to share practical advice on how to meditate the right way and begin your spiritual growth. This beginner’s guide to meditation was created for those that are eager to incorporate meditation into their lives.
It’s time to narrow your focus to your own well-being, finally. If you’re interested in a unique spiritual healing retreat, click here to learn more today!
