Meditation Beginner’s Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Meditation has been one of the most calming exercises that conditions both your mind and body to balance your thoughts and control body mechanisms. It has been applied for various purposes such as relaxation, spiritual awakening, and treat psychological disorders for years. Now, there are different meditation techniques available for everyone to try.
It might be very difficult for starters to get used to meditation because the mind is not yet fully trained to clear all the thoughts inside. First, you have to discover which meditation technique that works best for you. Not every technique out there is effective for every person which is why it is recommended that you explore each method. There are videos uploaded online guiding you on how to meditate and ways to discipline yourself in doing it regularly. Most techniques would include breathing exercises as the first step because it regulates the body to relax and prepares it for the next step which is mind-conditioning.
The concentration meditation
This type of meditation allows you to concentrate on one point which usually is characterized by following your breath, saying a mantra, staring at an object, listening to a single tune, or counting numerous similar small objects like beads. These exercises are very challenging at first so a beginner is already expected to experience difficulties during the first session. However, if they are determined to practice such a technique, they may be able to last longer in concentration.
From the name itself, your focus must be centered on your selected subject of attention in every moment you notice your mind wanders. It trains you to ignore random thoughts once you begin thinking about them. This method improves your concentration skill especially in situations where it is highly needed.
Mindfulness meditation
Mindfulness meditation is a method that makes use of the wandering thoughts of the individual to make them conscious of their current state. It enables them to notice and realize their responses to the thoughts that wander during meditation. The goal is not to suppress such thoughts, but to be aware of them. This also welcomes our response to those thoughts which helps us to get to know ourselves better.
Applying this technique will permit you to observe how your emotions and thoughts develop and you kind of identify how your response is being shaped. The way you study how your mind works will soon help you understand how you respond quickly to things that directly or indirectly affect you. This technique will surely mold how you should embrace and respond to certain situations in your life in the future.
However, we do not just stop at two meditation techniques. There’s a whole lot of meditation methods out there that you are free to experiment with. The choice of technique to practice will depend on what suits you best. It is you that can determine which is effective and it is seen in the results like how you naturally respond to matters and how you control your emotions. But, it doesn’t have to be a single technique only. You can mix and match methods as well as long as both are working well for you.
Other meditation methods
Concentration and mindfulness meditation methods are not the only ones existing today. There are several out there – movement, spiritual, transcendental, loving-kindness, visualization, and many more. Even traditional martial arts form like tai chi has a specific meditation training for those learning it. Meditation is an amazing instrument for you to experience because you can alter some steps to tailor-fit your needs. The time and schedule will also depend on your vacant time but doing it regularly will guarantee to see positive results.
The advantages of meditation
Relaxation is one of the common benefits gained from meditation. Studies have shown that it usually is the result of meditation, whatever technique was utilized. Better improvement in the body is observed because organ systems operate in a normal routine. Regulated oxygen levels, moderated sleep patterns, and decreased anxiety levels are also some of the advantages of this calming exercise.
The challenge with medical practitioners and researchers now is finding out whether embedding meditation into the daily routines of people would naturally result in long-term advantages and monitoring its direct effects on the cognitive and defense functions of the body of those following it. Although the purpose of practicing meditation varies among individuals, it is no doubt that it does change how you view the world and handle yourself.
Final thoughts
You can start meditating anytime and anywhere. Find a place where you find comfortable and look for tutorials online that guide you on how to meditate properly. It is best to be specific with the technique you want to try to help you better. More so, if you have the time to explore two or more techniques, it is also advisable to do it because you can craft another technique that can match your relaxation needs. After all, the results will solely be for your improvement.
