How do I meditate? Our guide for absolute beginners

There’s no perfect way to meditate, as long as you feel happy and relaxed afterwards, you’ve achieved what you’re meant to

Meditation is a length of time when you’re in deep relaxation to help clear your mind and de-stress yourself. Make it your intention to achieve utter peace, a calm state of mind and serenity just by following the simple ways below. Never tried before? Begin your meditation journey here…we promise you’ll never look back!  

Environment

Creating the right environment is crucial when setting up meditation. It has to be one in which you feel safe and calm. Going into a room or environment that makes you feel uncomfortable will make it impossible for you to clear your mind. Preferably, a room that isn’t associated with any specific feelings is great. The natural light is more calming to the mind rather than artificial lights, although a few people do prefer absolute darkness. Also, allow fresh air to breeze through. A neutral space such as a conservatory or spare room with windows are ideal environments. The closer you are to nature and the outdoors, the better.

Prepare

Wearing comfortable, loose fitting clothing is critical as it will allow you to feel as free as possible. Also, make sure are wearing something to keep you warm as becoming cold throughout your session, may result in a distraction.

Leaving items that may distract you elsewhere is key, for example – your phone. You don’t want that to be buzzing when you’re attempting to relax. As well as this, turning off radios or TVs is a good idea. The noises may end up becoming a distraction, although using them for relaxing noises such as birds or water could be used to help calm you.

Set a reminder

It’s easy to say you’ll do something every day, but actually doing it is the challenge. Setting a reminder on your phone is a good way to get yourself to practice meditation. Do it first thing if you feel you’re more likely to do it in the morning and that’ll set you up for the day. If you’re not a morning person, doing it after work or before bed can be a great way to relax and unwind from a busy working day.

Positioning

Ensuring you’re positioned comfortably is essential. You could be sitting in the same way for 20 minutes, so making sure it is comfortable is important.

The typical meditation position is called the Lotus. This is when your pelvis is tilted forward to align your spine, but, as comfort is key, if it’s better for you personally sitting on a chair as an alternative then do that. Just ensure that you focus on remaining tilted forward to align your spine so it can support your upper body without tension.

Focus

Meditation is a personal experience and varies from person to person, but closing your eyes and being aware of your breathing are the most typical and popular ways to let the mind relax. By focusing on each breath, this naturally slows breathing down which results in relaxation with no effort. Close your eyes, notice you have thoughts and gently become aware of the breathing again. Having your eyes closed will decrease the chances of becoming unfocused by outside distractions.

Don’t worry

Meditation may be a new venture for you. The point of it is to relax and de-stress, so don’t worry throughout that you may be doing it wrong. You won’t be. There’s no perfect way to meditate, as long as you feel happy and relaxed afterwards, you’ve achieved what you’re meant to.

Your mind may wander onto something else, that’s also natural. Don’t worry if your mind wanders, just re-focus and the irrelevant thoughts will disappear.

Check in with yourself

Throughout your meditation sessions, be sure to check in with your soul, body and mind. Ask yourself how you are. How does your physical body feel? What is on your mind? Are you sleepy? Depressed? Busy? Remember, whatever it is you’re bringing into your meditation session is completely okay.

Smile at the end

Finally, smile. Be happy you had this time to focus on yourself, that you went through with it and that you took the time out of your day to become friends with yourself and get to know yourself better.

Meditation isn’t always easy. But if you can take 2 – 20 minutes out of your day to focus on yourself and relax, it will have great benefits.

About the author:

Michael Kenton is a renowned peacemaker, meditation expert and founder of the UK division of the charity The Abrahamic Reunion. Michael has extensive experience in retail and mediation and uses his retail expertise to progress in the charity sector whilst focusing on high profile fundraising initiatives. His current fundraising initiative Peace Gifts.Shop focuses on spreading the word of peace. Soul and Spirit readers can get an exclusive 20% off throughout November – so visit the site today.