Meditation 101: How to start and how long should you practice it

With the increasing pace of the global world, we often find ourselves with no time to sit with our thoughts. To be able to sit and reflect seems like a distant dream. There is a growing sense of distance, not just between us and the world, but also with just us and our being. Who are we? What are we here for? If you feel the same way, if you wish to bridge the disconnect and bring calmness to your life then meditation is the best way to achieve it. It is the best way to connect with the outer world and to understand your internal universe better. Read ahead to figure out how you can incorporate meditation in your life.

What is meditation?

Meditation is an exercise in mindfulness that helps you train yourself to be more aware. It endows upon you the power to observe objectively, to understand the broader meaning of your being and your connection to the larger cosmos.

How to start meditating and what are the various types you can try?

There are no set guidelines for a person who wants to bring meditation to their lives. All you need is the desire and a quiet place where you can lay down your mat and practice relaxation. The important thing is consistency. Create a pattern of daily meditation, time block your meditation minutes and follow it with diligence and discipline.

Listed below are a few of the most popular forms of meditation that you can conveniently incorporate into your daily life for relaxation and calmness.

1. Chanting meditation

This form of meditation involves a repetition of sounds. They can be in the form of prayer, sacred words, or mantras. The sound created by your vocal cords, allows your brain to align all your focus towards that sound. This helps in keeping distraction at bay and allows you to reach greater depths of your consciousness and calmness.

2. Guided meditation

This is one of the best options for people who are new to meditation. This involves the guidance of an instructor, either in person or through audio or video tools. They guide every little experience to bring you to a deeper meditative state. All you have to do is follow the guidance of the instructor to reach a deeper state of mindfulness. Try guided meditation videos on Wellness TV.

3. Mindfulness Meditation

This form of meditation helps you to declutter your mind and slow down the chaos wreaking havoc in your brain. It allows you to reflect upon your racing thoughts, slowly achieving calmness. As you objectively observe your thoughts, you filter out what is negative and achieve a more heightened form of awareness.

4. Movement Meditation

Yoga is one of the most popular forms of movement meditation. Each movement opens up your body, releases tension and helps you relax better, not only mentally but also physically. There are various other forms of this meditation ranging from walking to activities like gardening.

What is the best time to meditate?

As mentioned earlier, there is no set guideline for meditation. This is an activity that you do for yourself so you do it when it is the most convenient. Some people do suggest that early morning is the ideal time for meditation because it is extremely quiet at the time and you have the luxury to enjoy the sweet fresh morning air. The key is to follow through with the process, to do it regularly.

How long should you meditate?

If you are a beginner, you can begin the process by taking out 5-10 minutes daily. With time and consistency, you will automatically be able to extend those 5 minutes to 30 minutes and more. Various professionals have developed the ability to spend hours, even days in the meditative state. The key is regularity. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Remember, the slow and the steady win the race.