What is meditation?
The answer to that question certainly isn’t an easy one. The world of meditation is a vast ocean of dynamic, diverse, all-encompassing philosophies and practices. But let’s see what we can unearth about the expansive field of meditative practice. Together, there’s plenty we can explore!
The Origins of Meditation in the East
So, what is meditation? Today, the word is synonymous with the process of intentional reflection, contemplation, and inward thought. But what does it really mean? And where did it all begin?
There are many, many forms of meditation, from the Buddhist vipassana, to the Vedic mantra meditation. The most compelling thing about meditation, really, is that there is simply no right or wrong answer. Anyone can do it. Meditation can be practiced anytime, anywhere, and no previous experience is needed.
That said, the world of meditation for beginners certainly can be a daunting. But it doesn’t need to be! If you’re new to meditation and want to know how to get started, this is a great way to dip your toes into the meditative ocean.
The practice of meditation is quite old. Earliest documentation of meditative practice dates back to the Vedas of India in 1500 BCE. It went on to be embraced by the early Buddhists of Japan, and then spread through the East, practiced by monks and priests, princes and commoners alike.
Today, meditation is embraced the world over, by people of all ethnicities, cultures, and religious backgrounds.
How to Begin Your Meditation Journey
Meditation isn’t necessarily a religious practice – although it can be. Meditation can be a spiritual endeavor, or it can simply be a method for combating stress after an exhausting day at work.
Again, there’s no right or wrong answer. And that’s the beauty of it. The true secret to a successful meditation practice? Habit.
Whether you’re looking for inner peace, mental clarity, or just a momentary breather from the demands of your daily life, meditation can become a powerful tool in your mental arsenal for combating stress and creating balance within.
But how do you practice meditation? How do you get started if you’re unsure of where to begin? Those are some great questions! Let’s see if we can find the answers together.
A Meditation You Can Try Right Now
There are many forms of meditation, from mindfulness to transcendental, from metta to open monitoring. Each practice suggests its own unique set of techniques, but all offer an opportunity for heightened tranquility, calm, and stillness.
If you’re eager to jump in and try meditating right away, then here’s a sample practice:
1. Find a comfortable position to rest in. You can be sitting, standing, or lying down.
2. Close your eyes.
3. Take a deep breath in through your nose. Hold it for a moment. Now, release.
4. Do this three times.
5. On your fourth breath, turn your attention to the tip of your nose. As you breathe in, focus onthe air that enters your nose.
6. What does it feel like? Is the air warm? Cold? Can you smell anything in the room?
7. See how long you can rest in the awareness of your breath.
Once you’re satisfied that you’re finished with your practice, open your eyes, stretch out any stiff muscles, and reflect on your experience.
What did it feel like to focus on your breath? Did you find it challenging? Boring? Relaxing?
This simple meditation can be quite a profound one. It is a form of mindfulness meditation that involves resting in awareness of the breath. And this meditation is widely practiced by many around the world on a daily basis. If it seems simple, that’s because it is! Many meditative practices are, in fact, simple to practice. Simple, but not easy.
Using Guided Meditation for Inner Wellness
Meditation can be quite a challenge, so it’s important not to overdo it. An ideal meditation goal of 5 minutes a day is best for beginners. You can meditate on your own (it’s good to set a timer or an alarm), or you can follow along with a handy guided meditation if you’re hankering for some concrete instruction.
Guided meditation is a fantastic beginner-friendly way to delve into the world of meditation. Many instructional videos can be found on Youtube that will help lead you through your preliminary practices. Guided meditations often incorporate the use of music, which helps facilitate a holistic relaxation response in many practitioners.
If you’re curious about learning more about guided meditation, or perhaps even wish to try a few practices yourself, be sure you don’t miss out on this excellent guided meditation. There are plenty of top notch meditations to select from, and you’re sure to find one that will leave you blissed out and eager for more.
Once you’ve got a few guided meditations under your belt, you’re likely to feel more confident about striking out on your own as a meditative practitioner. Remember, there are many practices to choose from. Find the one that suits your needs, your schedule, and your lifestyle. The results are sure to be nothing short of profound.
Have you tried meditation before? What were your experiences? Share your story with us in the comments below.
Author Name and Description: Mindvalley Academy
Founded in 2003 by Vishen Lakhiani, Mindvalley Academy is an online school for all the things regular schooling forget to teach you. We bring you world-class courses from the world's top personal growth authors and brands to allow you to create remarkable transformations in all areas of your life. We know that you are so much more extraordinary than you were made to believe. Go beyond just having a good career – lead a life that is extraordinary in all dimensions of being human, and beyond.
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Resources
Babauta, Leo. “Meditation for Beginners: 20 Practical Tips for Understanding the Mind.” Zen Habits. https://zenhabits.net/meditation-guide/
“History of Meditation – Mankind’s Oldest Gateway.” Project Meditation. https://www.project-meditation.org/mankinds-oldest-getaway/
“Types of Meditation – An Overview of 23 Meditation Techniques.” Live and Dare. http://liveanddare.com/types-of-meditation/