There’s a common misconception that, in order to meditate effectively, you need to wear a robe, hang a crystal around your neck and perch yourself on a Himalayan mountain top. But this couldn’t be further from the truth! People are slowly starting to realize that you can meditate pretty much anywhere; on the bus, whilst you’re queuing at the bank, cooking dinner or even in the shower.
If you’re new to meditation and you’re wondering where to start, you’ve come to the right place. Today is all about dishing out some essential beginner’s meditation tips so that you can start reaping the benefits of this powerful, ancient practice right away.
Top 4 Meditation Tips for Beginners
1. Set a daily reminder on your phone
This might sound silly, but any new habit must be strictly enforced before it starts to come to you more naturally. It’s a good idea to set your reminder for a quieter time of day too, perhaps first thing in the morning or just before bed, so that you’re less likely to brush it aside in favor of “more important” tasks.
2. Start with guided meditations
A “guided meditation” means someone is talking you through your meditation and directly your mind to a particular outcome. Guided meditations are perfect for beginners, especially those who struggle to silence their “monkey mind” and find stillness.
3. Get organized ahead of time
The last thing you want to do is spend twenty valuable minutes scrolling through YouTube in search of meditation videos when your reminder goes off. You’ll likely spend more time scrolling than you will meditating! A good idea is to save all your favorite recordings in one spot, download a meditation app or try a meditation podcast. Make your guided meditations really easy to access whenever you need them.
4. Find a meditation buddy
Setting new goals and working toward them can be pretty tough on your own. If you’re struggling to stay motivated, then try asking a friend or family member to join you. This way you can encourage each other, share your frustrations and learn from one another.
Last, but by no means least, if you find meditation hard, don’t beat yourself up about it! Us humans are programmed to seek out busyness and to value productivity. Sitting in silence and doing nothing can sometimes feel unnatural and uncomfortable. If you feel this way, know that you are not alone! Just keep showing up and doing the best you can.
Hey Joyfreshers, what are your meditation tips for beginners? How did you meditate successfully when you first started? Tell us in the comments below.