Let’s Meditate!
Disclaimer: I am not a Medical Provider (Physician, Counselor, Psychologist, etc.). I have zero Medical background. You agree and acknowledge that I am not providing health care, medical or nutritional services. I am simply speaking from personal life experiences to inspire others. I cannot treat, diagnose, prevent, or cure any physical, mental, or emotional issue, disease, or condition.
When I was first introduced to meditation, I wanted nothing to do with it. I was fidgety, kept opening my eyes, my mind constantly wandering, and then beating myself up for it. I kept making excuses for why it didn’t work for me. That was until I learned how to meditate. I started following guided meditations that helped me to understand the importance of quieting the mind. Now, I look forward to meditating in bed, my living room, or my backyard! I think once you grasp the idea of meditation, and understand it, you will love it too! Practiced daily, you’ll start to feel the emotional and stress relief of quieting your mind.
Keep reading to see my favorite FREE guided meditations!
Meditation Practice Explained
Meditation is a practice that involves focusing one's attention on a particular object, thought, or activity to achieve a calm and clear state of mind. It is often used as a tool for stress reduction, relaxation, and improved well-being.
There are many different forms of meditation, but some common techniques include mindfulness meditation, which involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment; mantra meditation, which involves repeating a word or phrase to focus the mind; and loving-kindness meditation, which involves cultivating feelings of compassion and kindness towards oneself and others.
Research has shown that regular meditation can have several benefits, including reduced stress and anxiety, improved focus and attention, increased feelings of well-being, and even changes in the structure and function of the brain. Many people also find that meditation helps them to develop a greater sense of self-awareness and emotional regulation, which can help manage difficult emotions and improve relationships with others.
Meditation can be practiced alone or in a group, and it can be done in a seated or lying down position. It is generally recommended to practice meditation for at least 15-20 minutes per day to start seeing the benefits, although longer or more frequent sessions can be even more effective.
How To Meditate
Meditation is a simple and effective way to reduce stress, increase relaxation, and promote overall well-being. Here are some basic steps to get started with meditation:
Find a quiet and comfortable place: Choose a quiet and comfortable place where you can sit undisturbed for a few minutes. It could be a room, a garden, or any place where you can sit calmly.
Get in a comfortable position: Sit in a comfortable and relaxed position. You can sit on a chair, cross-legged on the floor, or use a cushion to elevate your hips. The most important thing is to keep your spine straight.
Focus on your breath: Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to calm your mind. Then, begin to focus on your breath. Notice the sensation of your breath as it enters and leaves your body. You can count your breaths or repeat a word or phrase to help keep your mind focused.
Let thoughts come and go: As you meditate, thoughts may come into your mind. When this happens, simply notice them and let them go. Do not try to fight or suppress them. Instead, just return your attention to your breath.
Practice regularly: Consistency is key when it comes to meditation. Try to set aside a few minutes each day to practice. As you become more comfortable with meditation, you can gradually increase the length of your sessions.
Remember, meditation is a practice, and developing a regular habit may take some time. With patience and persistence, you can experience the many benefits of this powerful tool for improving your mental and physical health! It’s your practice, so stop comparing yourself to others! *Said with love*
Favorite FREE Guided Meditations
Guided meditations are great for all people, especially beginners who are not sure how to get started!
Boho Beautiful: The 14 Day Meditation & Yoga Journey. This might be one of my favorite guided meditations. It’s beautiful, peaceful, and great for beginners! That link will take you to the downloadable App, however, I love using YouTube to find their videos.
Insight Timer: Learn How to Meditate in 7 Days. Calm your mind & relax your body with these beginner friendly practices.
Smiling Mind: What I love about this App is that it’s great for all ages! Not only do they have meditation practices for youth, but there are also options for classroom and workplace meditations!
Chopra App: The Chopra Apps library has categories to choose from based on what kind of meditation you are looking for. Whether it be stress, work-life balance, and spiritual growth, just to name a few options.
UCLA Mindful App: This App is completely free and has short introduction videos explaining mindfulness and meditation before getting started. The UCLA Mindful App focuses on the importance of mindfulness.
Healthy Minds Program: The Healthy Minds Program is a nonprofit- donation based organization. The program focuses on awareness, connection, insight, and purpose.
