When Should You Meditate?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWhen<\/em> should you meditate is one of the most common questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFor those new to the wonderful world of meditation, first thing in the morning is generally recommended. It\u2019s easy to plan <\/em>to meditate every day, but far more difficult to follow through and actually do it. To achieve consistency, set a reminder for every morning for right after when you wake up. For an extra reminder, put a physical note somewhere where you won\u2019t miss it.<\/p>\n\n\n\nYou have to make a commitment every day to turn this into a regular practice, even if you only do it a few times a week. The important thing is to be clear about how much time you\u2019ll be dedicating to it. You might start with a two minute session and after a few sessions, expand to ten or fifteen minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s a suggestion! A lot of people have reported that they don\u2019t meditate in the traditional lotus postion in a sunny studio way. Instead, they add it to a routine they already have, such as brushing their teeth in the morning, so they won\u2019t forget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How Long Should You Meditate?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAfter the initial two minute sessions to get you used to the stillness, you\u2019ll want to expand the length of your sessions. It obviously depends on your lifestyle and schedule, but one of the most important parts about meditation is that frequency is more important than duration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Give ten minutes a shot, then as you feel more comfortable with yourself, make the jump to 15 or 20 minutes. If it sounds overwhelming or daunting to sit in silence for that amount of time, cut it back. As you build your confidence and grow to love spending time with your mind and yourself, wanting to extend your sessions will come naturally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What to Wear?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIt goes without saying that meditation is a peaceful practice, and so it’s an activity that requires absolutely no frills. If crop tops and yoga pants don’t do it for you, don\u2019t wear them! Wear whatever feels comfortable to you. That\u2019s what\u2019s so great about meditation. This is a freeing practice that only needs a few minutes of your day and the willingness to open your mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now, let\u2019s move on to the actual mediation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step One: Take a Seat<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIt’s as easy as that. Find somewhere that\u2019s quiet and peaceful. A place that makes you feel calm. Let go of all the chatter about which cushions to use and where and how to sit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You don\u2019t even have to jump to the meditation and yoga mats right away. A lot of people actually find it more relaxing to sit on a chair or in bed or on the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So start by sitting in whatever way is most comfortable to you. The important thing is that you\u2019re comfortable, stable, and in a position that you can maintain for a while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step Two: Sit Still For 2 Minutes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAs a beginner, it\u2019s hard to believe that two minutes is all it takes to successfully meditate, but it\u2019s true!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next step, as you feel your heartbeat slowing down, your shoulders relaxing, and you start to realize that this is actually calming, start following your breath. Track your deep inhalation and exhalation. Feel the sensation of your breath as it fills you. Count each breath and follow them through your nose all the way to the bottom of your lungs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As you breath in, count one, and then as you breathe out, count \u201ctwo\u201d and continue until the count reaches ten, then start over at one. As these two minutes pass, focus on your breathing techniques, focus on your belly expanding as you inhale and feel it contract as you exhale slowly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step Three: Follow Your Wandering Mind<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nBefore you know it, your attention will shift from following your breath and begin to wander. This next step is noticing where it goes. This can take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes into your session. Allow it to wander and then recenter yourself in reality by returning your focus to your breathing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now, think about what happened. How long did it take before your mind started to wander away from your breath? Can you see how busy your mind is, even without you actively guiding it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oftentimes, without us even noticing it, our minds have these narratives that we don\u2019t want. Incessant unanswerable questions about a conversation you had this morning or worries about bills, time management, and personal problems can dominate your thoughts. You may even start questioning why <\/em>you\u2019re meditating in the first place when you could be doing other things?<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe thing is– meditation is just as productive as other activities. It has long-lasting benefits in your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t judge yourself for the rampant thoughts that your mind throws your way. What\u2019s important is that you come back from it, which leads us to our next step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n