Meditation, a journey to self-discovery

Meditation is an ancient and increasingly popular practice of mental concentration and relaxation. As the stress levels of our society become higher and higher, so does the number of people looking for a method to relieve that stress inexpensively and effectively. Guided meditation will do that, and provides direction and focus for both new and experienced practitioners.

First, it’s good to know that meditation is not inherently religious or spiritual. You don’t have to be a Buddhist or subscribe to any specific belief system to practice meditation. Many people do indeed use meditation to feel connected to a higher power, but just as many people don’t.

There’s another common misconception that meditation is a way to “empty your brain” or to stop your thoughts from happening completely. That’s not the case. Instead, imagine your brain as a flashlight. Meditation doesn’t shut the light off; it just focuses the light on one specific area.

Meditation is a way to train your brain. Just like with any other muscle, you can train your brain into prime condition through consistent practice. And the goal of meditation practice is to cultivate awareness and mindfulness in all aspects of your life.

The best thing about meditation is that you can do it just about any time and anywhere and it doesn’t require any special tools or equipment.

Though you can do it any time, you may want to pick a specific time of day for your meditation practice. This helps you develop strong habits. 

Just like you might find it helpful to have a consistent meditation time, you might also benefit from a consistent meditation location. Choose a quiet spot where you won’t be disturbed and try to use that same location every day.

The reason meditation is so powerful is that it causes shifts in our awareness. Many people over-identify with their thoughts and emotions, which can prolong them and make them feel bigger than they are.

Guided meditation allows you to be guided by someone else. A guide may help you drum up some specific mental imagery or they may walk you through a series of breathing exercises or mantras to help you practice meditating.

If you follow guided meditation then headphones can help you to meditate effectively. You’ll be able to concentrate on the instructions and really listen without any distractions. Headphones can enhance the experience and you’ll hopefully get more out of it.

Meditation is a simple act that can have a lot of benefits. While you can try many types of meditation and meditation techniques, I suggest starting with guided meditations. It’s an excellent way to stay on track and motivated to meditate.

It’s one of the easiest ways to enter into a state of deep relaxation and inner stillness, and it’s one of the most powerful ways to eliminate stress and bring about positive personal changes.

Non-guided (silent) meditation involves practicing meditation without external instruction or guidance. The practitioner chooses their own focus of attention, such as the breath or a mantra, and tries to maintain awareness of that focus for a set period of time.

Both guided and non-guided meditation can be effective and beneficial, depending on the practitioner’s needs and preferences.

There are no set guidelines for how often should you meditate. However, as with other healthy habits, the more you do it, the better. If you want to receive the full benefits of meditation, you should practice it daily.

Like anything new, the more we meditate, the more comfortable we’ll get spending time with our minds. It doesn’t take long to feel the benefits of a regular meditation practice.

One study indicates that it takes up to 8 weeks for your brain to start seeing benefits from meditation. These benefits include improved focus, enhanced emotional regulation and control, and better decision-making.

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