A Beginner's Guide to Meditation 

By: Catherine Weigel 

15 May 2024

Meditation is a very powerful tool that can bring a sense of calm to our busy lives. Meditation may seem daunting at first, but anyone can learn to meditate with patience and dedication.


To begin, you should choose a quiet, comfortable space where you can sit or lie down with minimal distractions. It could be a corner of your room, a peaceful park, or even a cozy spot in your home. You can sit on a cushion, chair, or mat, whichever feels most comfortable for you. Keep your back straight but not rigid, and rest your hands on your lap or knees. You can also lie down, and use the meditation to guide you into sleep. 


Next, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to center yourself. Then, allow your breath to fall into a natural rhythm. Be sure to pay attention to how your breath feels as it enters and leaves your body.


As you continue to breathe, make sure you are present in the moment. Notice any thoughts, sensations, or emotions that arise, but try not to attach to them. Instead, acknowledge them and do your best to bring your focus back to your breath and how your body is feeling, in order to ground yourself.


A key aspect of medication is consistency. Incorporating meditation in your daily life is shown (in the Healthline article “12 Science-Based Benefits of Meditation”) to decrease stress, manage anxiety, support and promote emotional health, and more. If you are new to meditation, start with just a few minutes each day and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable. Even just these few minutes of meditation can have a significant impact on your mental well-being.


There are many different meditation techniques and styles, so feel free to explore and find what works best for you! If one does not work for you, do not be discouraged! Whether it is guided meditation, mantra meditation, or mindfulness meditation, the most important thing is to find a practice that resonates with you!


Remember, there is no right or wrong way to meditate, it is all subjective. The most important thing is to make time for yourself and care for your sense of inner peace and mindfulness in your life. Take a deep breath, let go of any expectations, and allow yourself to simply be in the present moment.