There’s no doubt that meditation can be a hugely beneficial practice, but for many people, getting started is the hardest part. This is particularly true if you’re new to meditation or if you’ve been struggling with chronic stress or anxiety.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the challenges that come with getting started and offer some tips for making the process a little easier by Jonah Engler.
- The first challenge that many people face when starting to meditate is figuring out how to do it correctly. There are countless different techniques and approaches to meditation, so it can be difficult to know where to start. If you’re new to meditation, it might be helpful to find a guided practice or class to get started. There are also plenty of helpful resources online, such as this article from Mindful.
- Once you’ve got the basics down, the next challenge is to make a habit of it. Like any other new habit, meditation can be difficult to stick with in the beginning. One way to make it easier is to find a time and place that works for you and then make a commitment to practice regularly. If you can’t fit in a full 30-minute session, try 5 or 10 minutes instead. You might also want to try meditating with others or setting an intention for each session.
- Finally, one of the biggest challenges for people starting to meditate is dealing with distractions. It can be tough to stay focused when your mind is racing or when there are noises happening around you. One way to deal with distractions is to simply acknowledge them and then let them go. Another approach is to focus on your breath or a mantra. If you find yourself getting frustrated, try to remember that meditation is a practice of patience and self-compassion.
- Getting started with meditation can be challenging, but its well worth the effort. With a little persistence and some trial and error, you’ll be on your way to enjoying all the benefits that meditation has to offer.
Do you have any tips for getting started with meditation? Share them in the comments below!
- Jonah Engler says the hardest part of meditation is getting started. This may seem like a contradiction, but it’s true. The reason is that the mind is very active and it takes time to tame it. In the beginning, you will be fighting with yourself all the time. You will be constantly distracted and your thoughts will be racing. It takes time and patience to learn how to focus the mind and to stay in the present moment.
- One way to make it easier to get started is to find a place where you can sit or recline in a comfortable position. Make sure that you are in a quiet place where you can relax without being disturbed. Once you are in a comfortable position, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.
- When you are ready, begin by focusing on your breath. Notice the air as it goes in and out of your nose. Feel the coolness of the air as it enters your body and the warmth as it exists. Pay attention to the rise and fall of your chest and abdomen as you breathe.
- Continue to focus on your breath for a few minutes. When you notice that your mind has wandered, gently bring it back to the breath. Don’t get frustrated if you can’t stay focused. Just keep trying and eventually you will be able to focus for longer periods of time.
- When you are finished, slowly open your eyes and take a few deep breaths before getting up. Congratulations – you have just completed your first meditation session!
Conclusion:
The hardest part of meditation is getting started, but it’s worth the effort. With a little persistence and some trial and error, you’ll be on your way to enjoying all the benefits that meditation has to offer. Do you have any tips for getting started with meditation? Share them in the comments below!
Getting started with meditation can be challenging, but its well worth the effort. With a little persistence and some trial and error, you’ll be on your way to enjoying all the benefits that meditation has to offer. Do you have any tips for getting started with meditation? Share them in the comments below!