If you’ve been wondering whether now is a good time to start a meditation practice, let’s make this simple for you: YES!!!
Meditation is a skill that can be learned and it’s easier than you might think. Especially if you’ve been putting off learning how because you thought it was too difficult or would take too much time to learn.
Here are some types of meditation that you can try today:
Guided Meditation
You listen as someone guides you through a visualization exercise. During the exercise, you will allow a mental image to form according to what the guide says. The purpose is to take you to a place of relaxation. The most difficult part of this type of meditation is allowing your thoughts to be guided by someone else. You can find guided meditations on YouTube and on various websites. This type of mediation may be difficult for beginners though. You should already be comfortable with clearing the mind of all thoughts before attempting this form of meditation.
Mantra meditation
Mantra Meditation is the act of silently repeating a calming word or phrase to prevent distracting thoughts. Mantra is a Sanskrit word derived from two roots: man (meaning “mind” or “to think”) and trai meaning to “protect”, to “free from”, or “instrument/tool”. Therefore, mantras are tools of the mind or tools to free the mind. The word you choose to use is meant to be the sole focus of your experience, which is what leads to preventing other thoughts from entering your mind.
Qi gong Meditation
Qi gong (CHEE-gung) is a form of Chinese meditation that emphasizes the “qi” – your life force or life energy. It combines relaxation, physical movement, meditation, and breathing exercise. You can find numerous instructors on YouTube and other websites suitable for beginners.
Tai chi Meditation
Tai chi (TIE-CHEE) is a form of gentle Chinese martial arts movements combined with deep breathing. You’ll need an instructor to guide you through the proper and most effective movements. There are plenty of instructional videos online to get you started.
Yoga Meditation
Yoga is the practice of performing a series of posture while controlling your breathing. It promotes a flexible body and a calm mind. Done correctly, it encourages you to focus on the moment. While yoga can be learned via video tutorials, as with most of the movement focused meditation types it is best to find a local instructor so that you learn the proper movements and can achieve the maximum benefits.
Walking Meditation
This one is my favorite and the easiest form to start with. Walking Meditation is the combination of a slow-paced walk with meditation. Concentrating on your legs and feet, your visualize or say the action words as you do them such as moving, placing, lifting as you do each action. This is truly the easiest meditation to do as a beginner. You can do it in your home, in your own yard, or along a walking path.
Meditation is a tool and skill that you can use to manage your stress, reduce anxiety, and achieve an overall sense of wellness and peace of mind. With many choices available to you, as a beginner, starting a meditation practice today is easy and you are encouraged to do it.
On a personal note: for me it was somewhat difficult to master meditation in the beginning as I have a very active mind and thoughts seem to flow constantly. I read book after book with little help. This is the only book that helped. Now I can meditate anytime, anywhere without interruption.