How to Get Started with a Daily Meditation Practice

Here is an easy format for how to get started with a daily meditation practice from my friend Micheal. I’m heavily meditated every day. I find it’s really valuable to tune in and listen with my heart instead of the busy mind. You will find many of these ideas useful as you develop your own time of meditation.

Why You Should Meditate

When you are having a difficult time or facing a challenge, it is important to sit with your feelings. Lovingly allow yourself, and your mind, the time and space to process things. It can be tempting to try to find the quick solution to resolve the issue or your feelings towards it. However, opening yourself up to the experience of challenge and insecurity can be ultimately more satisfying. It can also help reduce stress from trauma due to illness, family struggles, or in times of crisis.

Daily meditation, after a time, will change you. It begins to reveal to you the grace and wisdom of simply sitting with yourself. You find the ability to let your mind be with whatever presents itself, without searching for a solution. Meditation is all about being with yourself, seeing yourself, and allowing your mind the space for honesty and mental clarity.

Being present in the moment takes will – you have to want to encounter yourself and experience whatever is. ‘Whatever is’ simply means the things you are presented with while meditating. Getting started with a daily practice session can, and will, look different for every individual and every meditation session.

Make a Plan 

Think about what the best time of day is for you to start you meditation practice. The first thing in the morning is a great time to meditat. That’s because your mind is still somewhat peaceful and hasn’t gotten busy with thoughts of the day. At the same time, it may be useful to wait before looking at your phone in the morning before meditating.

Try to get plenty of high-quality sleep, avoiding television and phone screens before bed for better rest. In order to be in the right mind-set to meditate early in the morning, try to wake yourself up gently. One way to accomplish this is to wake up a few minutes earlier than usual. Start by setting your alarm before bedtime.

Get creative by using quiet alarms, or alarms which gradually increase in volume. Then your body and mind can wake up gently, without a shock to your nervous system. The afternoon is also a good time to meditate. That way you can let go of the events and stressors of the day.

Whenever you choose to meditate, make it a routine. Try not to miss a day, or change the time of your session if you can help it. Practicing at the same time and place every day helps in several ways. That’s because your mind is able to focus without getting distracted with thoughts about schedule and responsibilities. 

Find the Right Spot

Choose somewhere quiet, comfortable, and uninterrupted when you sit and start to practice meditation. You could be sitting upright in a comfortable chair with your feet on the floor, or on a cushion or blanket on the floor. If you’re in need of pain relief, or are unable to get comfortable, lying down is ok too.

For sitting, Brandon Shedd, a health writer at Britstudent says: “Wherever you sit, try to keep your back straight so that your spine is erect to allow your breath to flow better.”

You can also make sure the temperature is comfortable. Also, try wrapping yourself in a shawl or blanket if you need to. Your clothing should also be comfortable, not irritating in any way or restricting your movement.

Getting Started

Start with a simple exercise for breath awareness by focusing on complete inhalation and exhalation. This simple thing helps to release any built-up tension you have. Try to calm your mind and let go of your thoughts and worries, bringing yourself into the moment. Check out Karen’s meditation on facebook videos.

How to Get Started with a Daily Meditation Practice

if you are new to the practice, you can start with just five or ten minutes a day. Patricia Cassell, a lifestyle blogger at Write My X, explains: “Even this short time will be more than enough to allow yourself to find answers and revelations if you are feeling a loss of direction.”

If you don’t know where to look for answers, stopping and listening can teach you to trust yourself. During moments of uncertainty and difficulty, this is a valuable skill.

In essence, meditation is becoming comfortable listening to nothing and trusting in your mind’s ability to thrive while challenged. Any new practice may be overwhelming at first, but stay wit hit. Meditation can be a gateway to deeper understanding and appreciation of life and experiences. Sending my best love and hugs. Namaste xo Karen