Quick Tips on Meditation

We all know meditation is important for your health, both mentally AND physically. The benefits of combatting anxiety and stress in a healthy way are endless and you could read more about that in our other meditation post. Today, we’re here to discuss how to start meditating and hopefully provide you with effective tips to help you get started.

The first thing to know is that there is no “right way” to start. There are many wrong notions of what meditation really is. Some assume you have to be a bald monk sitting with legs crossed atop a placid mountain with a tranquil and all encompassing view. Others think they need to be in a silent dimly lit room made of bamboo filled with the scent of essential oils. Fortunately for us, that’s not what meditation is. Meditation itself is the act of clearing your mind in order to enhance your perception of the world around you. That could be achieved by sitting on a chair, posing on a yoga mat, lying on your back, or sitting with crossed legs in the middle of your bedroom. Whatever process helps you get there works!

Next, you’ll have to choose which form of meditation you wanna pursue. Sitting down in a quiet space is the most popular and easiest way to clear your mind but there are other options. Tai chi offers a way to clear the mind while constantly yet slowly moving your body, a perfect meditation for the jittery types. Not only will these slow and easy motions loosen your muscles but Tai chi forms help relax you and put your mind at ease. There is also guided meditation for those who prefer the exact direction of what to do. If you don’t want to waste your time finding a class to go to, their are many apps available to help guide your meditation as well as put you on a schedule (we like Headspace!). Scenic meditation also helps some and it’s free and easy. Simply go to the local park, do a short hike, or even pull up some scenic videos on YouTube!

Another important aspect of meditations is what we like to call the three Ps; patience, practice, and persistence. Similar to lifting weights or learning to play guitar, becoming adept in meditation takes time. One session won't bring upon the drastic epiphany that changes your life. Meditation is only effective when doing the three Ps. Be patient with the process, practice daily, and even if you don’t see direct results you have to be persistent and make meditation a daily routine.

In order to make it part of your daily routine, we advise you to create a space to really hone in your meditation skills. Some people like to call it their altar and set up plants, candles, and more. While that creates a serene environment it’s not 100% necessary. All you really need is a quiet spot in your home to just sit down.

Now all that’s left to do is sit down and meditate. Whether you’re using an app or just winging it at home, your only real job here is to let go.  Let go of all the stress and anxiety by emptying your mind. Don’t consider it as an exercise but as a time for you to clear your mind and get some well deserved relaxation.