It may seem like a complex and challenging task to start a meditation practice. But once you get to know what meditation is, you will understand how simple and convenient it is. You must now stress over the concept of meditation as the understanding of it will come to you as you start practicing it. Meditation practices are meant to bring you peace and relaxation. We can encourage ourselves to practice meditation by recognizing that discontent and unpleasant feelings are infectious – they tend to harm others by their very nature. Because meditation expands the most basic direction of our being, it is critical to rely on clear, progressive, and sincere meditation strategies.
The benefits of meditation are unlimited, from your overall mental to physical well-being. There are no boundaries to how and when you can meditate. As the purpose of practicing meditation is to help you relax and get calm, you must not worry about what others are doing. Meditation is a very personal activity as it connects you to yourself. There might be several confusions among the beginners regarding meditation practices. Here are some simple methods to help you start a meditation practice without any confusion.
1) The reason
It is essential to make clear to yourself why you want to meditate. The reason can be anything; it just has to be clear in your mind. When you know why you’re doing something, you have more reasons to stay motivated throughout the process.
2) Comfort
Being comfortable while practicing meditation is very important to establish a sense of order and relaxation. Find a spot where you feel the most comfortable. It can be the floor, a chair, or even your bed. Being seated in a comfortable position will help you focus better on the practice rather than in an uncomfortable position. When it comes to working, you can meditate in any position that suits you. It is not about your position but what makes you relaxed and calm. You need to stay steady, not stiff.
3) Punctuality and Consistency
When it comes to meditation practice, patience and consistency are the keys. It would help if you also were punctual every day. This means, to develop a meditation habit, you will have to practice every day at the same time and in the same place. This will train your mind to be more focused during the practice.
4) Avoid distractions
It is essential to keep yourself focused while meditating. To ensure no disturbance during the practice, keep your mobile phone or any other device that may disrupt the practice away. This applies to your thoughts too. When you feel like you are being distracted by your thoughts, you are probably holding them back. The point is to let them flow freely and feel what they’re processing.
5) Set realistic goals
It is vital to note that when you unrealistically expect goals initially, you are more likely to get disappointed and give up very soon. It takes time to get that precision and concentration during meditation. Make sure that the goals you set are achievable and not extreme. You don’t want your practice to be a hardship, so begin as small as possible to succeed — even one mindful breath a day motivates you to do something simple that isn’t tedious and is incredibly good in developing what will become a strong practice in the future.
6) Write down your progress
Maintaining a journal, especially for meditation, will help you track your progress and understand the areas of improvement. You will be able to get better only when you know where and what you’re doing wrong. It will also help you get through the tough times when you feel like giving up. Going through your meditation journal will motivate you to keep going on and not give up.
7) Find company
Having someone to practice meditation with makes it more fun and approachable. It allows you to discuss your difficulties and see how all brains are addictive, neurotic, and anxious. Sharing experiences will help you to build a more effective routine for meditation practice.
8) Practice breathing
As basic as it sounds, focused breathing can help a lot more than it seems in meditating. This simple activity enables you to let loose yet have significant control over your mind and body. Breathing practice brings a sense of relaxation and calmness to mind and body. Notice your breath until you become aware that you are thinking. Take a deep breath in, a deep breath out, and let go of the thought. Then start over.
9) Try new things
Even though you are just a beginner, you should not refrain from trying new practices every once in a while. It will help you stay connected to your routine even more. Including new methods and techniques will give you something to look up to throughout the whole practice. Experiment to see what meditation practices fit great for you and what you enjoy practicing.
Conclusion
Meditation is a lifelong journey, not a dash to instant gratification. Take it one session at a time, day by day, understanding that this is a skill that requires dedication, patience, and practice, with the advantages becoming apparent slowly over time. We meditate to improve our awareness of the present time. This skill aims to help us become more constantly aware and less disturbed during the day. At the end of your meditation, it’s essential to understand the state of your mind at that time and then make the inclination to carry that state of mind into the rest of your day. Evolve meditation to your current needs. Recognize that there is no correct or incorrect way to meditate. What matters is that meditation assists you in reducing stress and feeling better in general.
