What is meditation?
Meditation is an exercise that can promote relaxation, increase awareness and expand consciousness. It’s an activity that typically involves mindful breathing and contemplation. Meditation is a practice that’s been around for thousands of years with roots tracing back to Hinduism, Buddhism and Taoism traditions. However, you don’t have to know ancient religions to begin. Beginners can practice meditation for any reason like resting the mind, cultivating awareness, confronting pain or expanding consciousness.
Why should you meditate?
Meditation can calm your restless mind. It can help you slow down racing thoughts or bring clarity if you’re indecisive. If you often feel anxious, meditation may help you feel better. However, you don’t have to feel bad to meditate. You can meditate to promote feelings of well-being and bring a sense of clarity to your thoughts and emotions. This will in turn enhance your sense of self and your relationships. It can even positively impact your work!
Meditation is a way of transforming the mind. It also involves techniques that encourage calmness, concentration, clarity, and emotional positivity. – Buddhist Centre
How do you start?
Meditation is simple. If you can safely take a pause, you can start this very moment. It doesn’t have to be long nor do you need to be in a quiet place. Although finding a quiet place to sit is best. The point is to be mindful and to check in with your thoughts as much as you can, especially when feeling tension. Ready to start a simple and short meditation exercise? Find a place to sit and start the following steps:
- Close your eyes.
- Focus on breathing naturally. Feel your lungs expand and be conscious as you exhale.
- Start counting with your breaths, up to ten.
- When ready, slowly open your eyes.
How easy was that? This short meditation exercise simply allows you to pause and be present in your body. I’m sure you’ve heard of sayings like “just breathe” or “take a deep breath” for taming down the nerves. When things get chaotic, it’s soothing to remove yourself from the situation and harness the calm that is always there with you. That is the essence of meditation – reconnecting with your inner strength.
I hope you find this meditation for beginners guide helpful. Remember, this is only the beginning. In time, you can meditate longer, practice consistently and go deeper in the mind.