Meditation Q+A
There is so much information about meditation out there and so many different and conflicting info, that it's sometimes difficult to know where to begin. That's why I created this blog post to tackle some of the most frequently-asked questions that we get asked at our Aura studio on how to meditate, which will hopefully help you get started on your meditation journey.
Most Common Questions
How long should I meditate for?
Making meditation a regular part of your day or week is actually more important than the length of time you meditate for. For that reason, don't get too hung up on a specific duration. See our full blog post all about 'clock time' and meditating.
As long as it works for you, meditation should be simple. Studies indicate that the benefits of meditation begin to appear after about ten minutes, but if you're new to it, you can start with just five minutes daily until you get comfortable with the process. As meditation becomes a regular part of your schedule, you can gradually extend the duration of your sessions.
What is the best time of day to meditate?
We all work better at different times and all have different daily schedules. So you need to find the time of day that works for you, and that doesn't feel forced. Many people prefer to practice in the morning but consider these common times of the day for your meditation practice:
Morning: By incorporating meditation into your morning schedule, whether it's in bed right after waking up or following a usual morning activity such as brushing your teeth or showering, you increase the likelihood of actually doing it (as some find it too difficult to meditate once the hectic day has started).
Noon: By midday, you have completed some of our urgent tasks, allowing you to pause, slow down, and establish a gap between the external world's rhythm and your internal world's rhythm. Treat your meditation session with the same importance as any scheduled meeting.
Feeling sluggish in the afternoon: Do you frequently experience tiredness, fatigue, or mood swings during the afternoon? This decrease in energy is typically attributed to your body's circadian rhythm. Engaging in meditation during this period of low energy is said to enhance brain function and boost energy levels, helping you stay more alert and focused for the remainder of your day.
Evening: Taking a break in the middle of the day can sometimes be challenging. However, the evening presents a great opportunity to pause and contemplate. As the day comes to a close, we begin to relax. Engaging in meditation can establish a bridge between the day's busyness and the calm of the evening, leading to better sleep.
Preparing for bedtime: At times, a soothing and calm voice can be beneficial in aiding sleep. Engaging in meditation can prompt the body to release stress and tension, promoting relaxation and diverting our focus from troubling and anxious thoughts.
What if I can't clear my mind?
It's completely normal for thoughts to arise during meditation, especially for beginners. Instead of trying to force your mind to be blank, acknowledge your thoughts and gently bring your focus back to your breath or meditation object. This is part of the practice! Even now, if i've been working hard and my mind is whirling I'll struggle to switch off. And that's completely normal. If this is the case I'll guide myself in with a body scan or similar to bring my awareness to my body and it's sensations and then I'm ready to begin the meditation.
Do I have to sit cross-legged?
No! Simply find a position that is comfortable for you, but not a slouchy posture which may cause discomfort and pain in your body that can end up distracting you. You can of course sit cross-legged, but sitting on a chair with a straight back or lying down can also work.
Should I follow a guided meditation?
Meditation is a skill that needs to be learned and practiced. Most people benefit from guidance and instruction. Often when we meditate, we notice our busy minds, and a meditation teacher can help to anchor us—guiding us step by step through the process and reassuring us that we are ‘doing it right’. Use apps like Headspace, Calm, or YouTube.
What should I do if I feel restless?
Restlessness is a common experience, especially when starting. If you feel uncomfortable, try focusing on your breath or doing a brief movement (like stretching) before settling back into meditation. Regular practice can help ease restlessness over time.
Can I meditate while walking?
Absolutely! Walking meditation is a great way to practice mindfulness. Focus on the sensation of your feet touching the ground and the movement of your body. This can be especially helpful if you find sitting still challenging. Any form of activity where you go within can be considered a form of meditation. For example, when you go to sleep and before you fall asleep, you're in that beautiful state where nothing matters and you hover between sleep and awake, not thinking of the day. This is a beautiful meditative state I try to be in for a while before letting myself fall asleep
Do I need special equipment?
No special equipment is required to meditate! A comfortable space and a quiet environment are all you need. However, you may find a meditation cushion or mat helpful for comfort.
What are the benefits of meditation?
Meditation has numerous benefits, including reduced stress, improved focus, enhanced emotional well-being, better sleep, and increased self-awareness. Regular practice can also help with anxiety and depression.
Conclusion
Meditation is a personal journey that can vary widely from one individual to another. By addressing these common questions, we hope to demystify the practice and encourage you to explore it further. Remember, the key is to find what works best for you and to approach your meditation practice with patience and curiosity. Happy meditating!
And if you have ANY questions about meditating... and I mean any, please don't feel silly asking a question that you think you should know. We all start somewhere & I'm still on my own journey so don't have every answer, but we're in this together and I've created this blog to pass on my help to similar souls wherever I can.
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