This article was last updated on 19 May 2020.
It seems that the word ‘meditation’ scares the crap out of a lot of people…. It used to scare me too as I thought I wouldn’t be able ‘to do meditation’. I felt silly trying to sit still for a while trying to clear my mind and ‘think nothing’. Then I discovered some great Guided Meditations and so got hooked on meditation.
Since 2012 meditation is a regular part of my wellness routine (also see How Meditation Improves Your Fitness Regime) as it helps me to calm down, reduce my stress levels and overall it helps me feel better.
What is Meditation?
Okay so let’s have a look at what meditation actually is…
Following Free Meditation: Meditation is about letting go. Meditation is not about concentrating, focusing, visualization or trying to stop your thoughts. It is about letting go and surrendering to the inner silence.
Following Zen Habits: You should feel your body parts. A great practice for beginning meditators is to take notice of the body when a meditative state starts to take hold. Once the mind quiets, put all your attention to the feet and then slowly move your way up the body (include your internal organs). This is very healthy and an indicator that you are on the right path.
To me, meditation is more about coming back to yourself and I feel it’s a helpful tool for anyone who is seeking to better themselves and improve their health. Anyone can do it, from executive to working at home mum, from kids to older adults, everyone in the family can join in!
Tips To Get Started with Meditation
- Personally I aim for early morning meditation which helps me in getting a great start of the day. Early morning rituals help you clear your mind and create a clear vision / goal for the day.
- Meditate for as long as you are enjoying it. It is especially important in the beginning that meditation is not a chore. It should be fun, relaxing and relieving.
- Educate yourself. Confusion and misunderstanding is primarily caused by ignorance. Find a good teacher, or online community where you can get answers. Read some books on meditation and spiritual practice.
Practical Meditation Tips
- Take some you-time: Make sure you’re in a place where you won’t be disturbed. Turn of all your electronics such as phones, tablets and laptops and turn down your watch notifications too so that you won’t get interrupted.
- Set the mood: Play some relaxing background music (if you are not doing a guided meditation) and turn on your aroma diffuser with a relaxing scent such as lavender or orange.
- Start small: Don’t get too fussy and simply start with a short meditation practice.
- Use an app: There are many great apps available to help you get started with meditation or to track your meditation sessions. Apps like Headspace, Calm or Relax melodies are great (and free)
- Congratulate yourself: Don’t be so hard on yourself, be proud of starting out small and congratulate yourself for giving it a go!
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