Meditation Tips for Beginners

If you’re like most, your first attempts at meditation have probably gone something like this,  “Okay, concentrate.” “Am I doing it right?” “What am I going to eat for dinner?” But it doesn’t have to be that way! 

By definition, meditation is "the act or process of spending time in quiet thought"; How many people do you know in our nonstop, multitasking society that wouldn’t benefit from that?

There are numerous research studies that point to the physiological and mental benefits of calming the mind – even if just for a few minutes each day. Follow these tips and start your meditation practice today! 

Start Small

Begin meditating for 2 - 5 minutes. It's not about spending lots of time - consistency is what's key. Once you get the hang of 2 - 5 minutes, try adding another 2 minutes every few days or each week. Before long, you’ll be meditating for 10 - 15 minutes a day!

Get Comfortable

Dim the lights or try burning a candle or incense. You can sit cross-legged on a pillow or meditation cushion or on any chair with your feet resting on the ground. Maintain the natural curve of your back and try not to slouch!

Find Focus

Write down a mantra or close your eyes. Just like finding your drishti in a vinyasa class, you will find it easier to meditate with one point to focus on. This can be your breath, a word or phrase, or even a color. Try holding a mala or using a guided meditation to set you up for success.

Don’t Give Up

Just like yoga, meditation takes practice. Your first down dog wasn't easy but you kept coming back and look at you now! Forget perfection, stick with it and enjoy the journey.