Learning to meditate can be one of the best things a person can do for themselves. However it is not something that is generally taught unless you are born into a family that practices meditation. Therefore most people are beginners at meditation and must learn from the ground up. Meditation is not something you should fear as a beginner since while you can make mistakes you really can’t hurt yourself.
One key element for beginners is to pick a time everyday to do your meditation. You need to get into a routine and practice every day, and if you have a set time in your schedule you will do it without excuses. The challenges life throws at us everyday are unique that is why it is important to make time for your meditation. As you progress you may want to set aside two times a day to meditate. This would be one time in the morning to energize your self for the day, and one time in the evening to settle yourself before bed.
As a beginner you must understand that while you are sitting and it may seem like you are doing nothing you are actually doing something. Meditation is an active process that requires you to use your mind and focus. You can start by focusing on stilling your thoughts for a short period of time. As you progress you will increase the time you meditate and the time before you feel your mind wandering. Meditating is like pulling weeds from a garden, as you keep random thoughts out of your mind. When you begin to feel random thoughts entering your mind, stop those thoughts like you would pull a weed and put yourself back on course.
It is important to progress at your own pace. Meditation is not a race and not something that you will master in a week or even a month. Meditation is a lifelong process. Do not get frustrated as that will only further inhibit your ability to meditate. It should be something that you enjoy and look forward to therefore take a break if you feel yourself getting frustrated.
While it is not necessary you can find a comfortable pillow to sit on while you meditate. You should pick a nice quiet place to meditate and always use the same spot. Make sure your phone is off and you remove all possible distractions. It is hard enough keeping your mind from wandering without distractions therefore it is imperative to be distraction free while meditating. Remember this is your time, and you deserve time for you.
While meditating make sure your breathing is slow and focused. You want to make your body as still as possible as this will help still your mind. It is recommended by some that you start meditating with meditation music. It is best to try it and see if you like to meditate with music. Since it is a personal preference some people will enjoy the meditation music while others prefer to meditate in silence. Everyone starts as a beginner in something so there is no shame in the fact that you are a beginner in meditation. Start today and sit for just a few minutes stilling your thoughts and focusing on the greater consciousness. If you practice everyday in a very short time you won’t be a beginner but you will have advanced and begun to enjoy all the positive benefits of meditation.
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Since I started meditating I have felt more at peace and relaxed. You offer good advise for the beginner to get started and start on the right path.