How to Start Meditating for Beginners
Lots of people recommend meditating for one reason or another because they have heard just how good it is for wellness. But if you have never done it before, where do you start? Even though the idea of meditation may sound incredible, understanding how to do it is a different story.
The key is to keep it simple. It is absolutely possible to learn how to meditate – and benefit from it – without overcomplicating things.
Keep reading to find everything you need to know to start meditating today.
Benefits of Meditating
When you decide to make meditation a regular practice in your life, then you can reap some really wonderful rewards for your mind and body. A few of the most common benefits include:
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Improved self-awareness
- Fewer negative emotions
- Promotes healthy brain function
- Increased attention span
- Improve sleep quality
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduced signs of aging
Overall, meditation can enhance your emotional well-being so that you may feel stronger as you face the ups and downs of life. There is a really good chance that those around you will notice a difference as well.
How to Meditate for Beginners
The more you meditate, the easier it becomes and the more likely you are to feel the benefits. Just follow these steps to get started.
Sit Comfortably
Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to sit down with your legs folded to meditate. Rather, you can sit anywhere you are comfortable. For you, maybe that means sitting in a chair or on the couch. Maybe you would be most comfortable lying down in your bed. And if sitting on a pillow on the floor with your legs crossed sounds good, then that works, too.
You can’t clear your mind and focus if you are uncomfortable – so keep this in mind.
Go At Your Own Pace
Do people sit for hours and meditate? Sure they do. Do people sit for just a few minutes and meditate? You better believe it. There is no set time frame in which you must meditate. The point is to do it.
If you are only able to meditate for three minutes, then that’s ok. As a beginner, you may find it hard to sit quietly with your thoughts for long periods of time. Do what feels comfortable for you. Start small and work your way up as you practice and get more comfortable.
Breathing and Guided Meditation
Meditation involves focusing on the breath. You pay attention as you breathe in and out. You pay attention to the body and how it feels, what areas are relaxed, and what areas aren’t. Sit in stillness and quietness, focusing on your breath. This can be difficult if you’ve never done it before and most beginners find it helpful to have someone lead them through the process.
There are many different apps available, as well as videos online, that will help you with guided meditation. This means that you have someone walking you through the steps so you don’t have to worry about what you have to do – you instead just have to follow the guidance.
Many beginners find this the easiest way to learn to meditate. The more you practice it, the more comfortable you get with the process.
A Misconception of the Mind
A common misconception is that when you meditate your mind is completely blank. For beginners, it can be frustrating because it is hard to keep the mind quiet no matter how still you sit. But even those who have been meditating for years have the same problem. It can be tough for anyone to quiet the mind sometimes.
Acknowledge the thought or the emotion and then let it go. Don’t dwell on it or focus on it or get carried away thinking about it. Just see it and let it move on as you refocus your attention on the breath.
Be patient. You’ll get the hang of it.
Learn More About Whole-Body Wellness
Interested in learning more about whole-body wellness, living longer, and living well? Meditation can help – and so can Longevity Herbs. Browse our product selection online or contact us today!
