My journey with meditation: A beginner's guide

This post is a submission from one of Medito’s users, Chris Cade. Chris shares his mindfulness journey and explains how meditation has changed his life. If you’d like to share your experiences with the Medito community, please get in touch! [email protected]

Meditation has been a practice that I've been interested in for quite some time now. I started by doing simple mindful stretches and breathing exercises, but I quickly found that meditation was much more than that.

In short, meditation is the practice of becoming more aware of thoughts, feelings and sensations, without judging or analyzing them. It is about becoming aware of habitual thinking patterns, and realizing that they don’t define you. It's an exploration into the inner-workings of your mind, and a journey of self-compassion and self-discovery

Despite its simplicity, meditation can be challenging at first. You have to be patient enough to stick with it until it starts to feel like a natural part of your routine. If you do this, mindfulness will start to flow freely in all aspects of your life. This may take a few weeks or even months, but it is important to realize that mindfulness isn’t a quick fix, and it’s best not to approach it with a goal-oriented attitude. However, the benefits of meditation are worth it!

Meditation Feelings & Experiences

The first time I tried meditation, I didn't know what to expect. Within minutes of starting, my mind was racing with thoughts and it felt impossible to focus on my breath.

I felt frustrated and wanted to give up, but I knew that I had to be patient. Starting the session with some deep breathing, helped me to relax, and settle into the meditation, and I was eventually able to observe my racing thoughts more objectively, without being completely caught up in them. With time, my mind naturally became quieter, and I was able to focus on the present moment more and more, and for longer periods of time.

Since then, meditation has become an important part of my daily routine. It helps me relax and find inner peace during a busy day.

Learning About meditation

Before beginning any new activity, it's important to do your research first. That's why I wanted to share some of the resources that have helped me learn more about meditation and how to practice it successfully.

1. Reading about meditation

One of the best ways to learn about meditation is to read articles and books about the subject. There are plenty of resources out there, so be sure to search for what interests you most.

2. Watching videos on meditation

If reading isn't your thing, you can always watch video tutorials on how to practice mindfulness Meditation. These short clips will teach you everything from basic breathing exercises to more advanced techniques. I found some of the FAQ videos on the Medito YouTube channel really helpful, especially this one on maintaining a regular practice.

3. Finding a meditation group

If you're interested in committing more time to your practice, it's helpful to find a meditation group or class. These groups can provide support and help you keep on track, while also allowing you to share your experiences with others.

4. Attend events and workshops

If you can't find what you're looking for online or in person, sometimes the best way to learn is by attending events and workshops. These events offer a variety of different resources, including lectures and group meditation sessions.

5. Trial and error

If you're not sure where to start, it's always best to experiment a bit. Start with simple techniques like mindful breathing exercises or mindful movement, and work your way up as you get more comfortable.

Meditation journey

I began my journey to meditation by reading articles and watching videos on the subject. Once I had a basic understanding of how it worked, I started looking for a group to join. After trying out several different practices, I finally found one that fit me well and has helped me improve my overall mindfulness skills.

I know there are plenty of different ways to practice meditation, so don't be afraid to try out a few different methods until you find what works best for you.

My Meditation Tips for Beginners

Below are a few tips that I've found helpful when practicing meditation for the first time.

- Make time for meditation

Whether you're looking to practice mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or another type of exercise, make sure you carve out some time each day to focus on yourself. Dedicate at least a few minutes per day, and slowly increase the amount of time as you become more comfortable with your practice. Medito’s “Learning to Sit” course teaches the basics of meditation, starting from just 3 minutes and gradually building up to longer sessions.

- Set realistic goals

Don't expect to be able to Meditate for hours on end right away – it may take a little bit of effort and patience before results start showing up in your life. Start by setting small goals that will help boost your progress overall.

- Make time for breaks

Even if you're practicing for hours on end, take a few minutes now and then to relax and revitalize yourself. This will help keep your practice from becoming too taxing – and who knows, you may even start enjoying it!

Benefits I've Found from Meditation

Below are a few benefits that I've found to be particularly beneficial when practicing meditation:

1. Improved focus and concentration

Meditation has been shown to improve focus and concentration, enabling you to better manage your thoughts and stay on task throughout the day.

2. Reduced stress levels

Practicing meditation can help reduce stress levels, helping you feel more relaxed both mentally and physically.

3. Increased emotional stability

As mentioned before, meditation has been found to increase emotional stability – making it easier for you to process difficult emotions healthily.

4. Improved overall well-being

Overall, meditation has been found to improve several aspects of mental and physical health – making it a valuable tool in maintaining good conditions both now and into the future.

Additionally, I've found that regular meditation has helped improve my sleep quality immensely. Give it a try today and see how it can benefit you!

Meditation obstacles I've encountered

Here are a few of the most common barriers that people face when starting meditation. If you find yourself struggling to practice regularly, be sure to give these tips a try:

• One of the biggest obstacles to practicing any action is a lack of motivation. Make it easy on yourself by setting small, achievable goals and rewarding yourself for every successful step along the way.

• Just like anything else in life, getting started can sometimes feel scary or uncomfortable at first. However, with enough effort and perseverance (and maybe a little bit of help from a friend or therapist), you can eventually overcome any fears or challenges.

• Make sure to set aside enough time each day for your practice, even if it's just a few minutes. If you find yourself struggling to stick with meditation over the long term, try cutting back on other commitments to make more room in your schedule for this new habit.

Meditation has many potential benefits, including improved mental and physical health. However, it can be difficult to stick with the practice if you don't have enough time or motivation. Try setting small goals and rewarding yourself for every successful step along the way to make it easier.

I hope this has been helpful. If you have any questions or would like more tips, please feel free to reach out.