Where do I Start: Tips for Beginners
COMMON MEDITATION MYTHS
Before we dive in, let’s get a few things straight…
‘If my mind wanders, I’m doing it wrong’. False. You’re not ‘doing it wrong’. Your mind will wander. This is a GOOD thing. It means that you’re alive & that your brain is functioning. In Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, he defined meditation as the ‘progressive quieting of the fluctuations of the mind’. Keeping your mind attentive + focused is a muscle that requires strengthening. It’s like a bicep curl for the brain, and this is how we build new neuropathways. Whenever you catch your mind starting to drift, gently bring it back to your point of awareness (i.e. your breath, a mantra, or the teachers voice). Instead of beating yourself up over it, remind yourself that thoughts are so so normal! If you showed up to sit, you’re doing it right. Let that be enough, because it is!
‘I need to sit completely still’ Hmm…I’m not a statue. Are you? Yes, we aim for stillness but I’m not expecting you to do that the first time you come to meditate. As a matter of fact, I wouldn’t expect that from you (or myself!) on any given day. Eventually with consistent practice, being still starts to become second nature. Start small and work your way up. And please…move if you have to! If your leg falls asleep, adjust it. If you need to cough, cough. If your back is aching, find a wall for support or lie down. Comfort is queen! If you’re not comfortable, the chances of you coming back to meditate are slim.
With that sorted out…where to start
First, learn how to meditate
Seek advice & knowledge
Whether its your best friend or a colleague at work who you know meditates… ask she/he how they got into it. People love talking about this stuff, especially if they’ve felt the benefits firsthand!
Check the schedule at a few of your fav wellness spots. See if meditation is offered and if it is, try out a class! Typically, you’d find classes at a yoga studio however I also teach at a gym. I even know of some spin studios that offer meditation.
Find a qualified teacher {either through an online platform, or better yet, in person}
Ask teachers at your local yoga studio their suggestions for go-to meditation instructors
Do some insta stalking (you’d be surprised with what you can find…)
Search for a local meditation studio (I’m gunna be honest with you…unless you live in LA this is a bit tricky. Patience! It’ll come)
Google it. Research information on your own to explore what resonates with you
Most yoga studios offer meditation workshops. If your local one doesn’t – suggest it!
200hr meditation teacher trainings are the thing…if you really want to dive deep, consider signing up with the intention of learning more.
When seeking out a teacher, if something feels off please listen to that. Meditation is intimate. We’re developing a relationship with ourselves and our brains. It’s important to trust the person who is guiding you into that space. Make sure they’re a certified meditation teacher, as well as someone you resonate with. Responsible teaching is important.
Second, start to practice & explore by yourself.
To be really cliché… it’s like riding a bike. You just gotta do it & eventually you’ll learn how to stay up by yourself.
Apps
Since we’re all addicted to our phones anyways, we might as well be proactive about it ;) If you find a teacher you love, consider following them on their social media platforms to stay inspired + informed.
Unplug: Guided Meditation (my personal fav! Use code ‘hAPPyVIP’ for 1 free month)
Headspace
Insight Timer
Calm
Guided Meditations
Are a really great place to start! Group intention can be so powerful and it really helps knowing you are supported by both the group + the teacher. Guided meditations make it really easy & accessible to practice because all you have to do is follow the simple step-by-step instructions + cues given by your teacher.
Unguided
After you’ve covered the basics & feel like you’re standing on a semi-solid meditation ground, the best way to create your own personalized practice is to practice on your own. Unguided. Just you, your brain, and your desired technique. In between the scheduled group classes, making the time to show up for yourself will truly enhance your life. Use techniques your teacher gave you or specific techniques you read about (for example; breathing exercises) and get familiar with what works for you. Try one thing, if that doesn’t work…try something else. My biggest piece of advice would be to get curious & stay open-minded throughout the process. Keep searching until something sticks!
You’ve read this blog and want to meditate asap?
Great, looovee it!
Here are two suggestions for you to implement at this very moment
1. Use your breath as your meditation teacher {she/he is quite possibly the most profound teacher you’ll ever have! And better yet, your breath is always readily available to you}
set your timer for 1 minute
find a comfortable shape, closing down the eyes if it feels comfortable
inhale for a count of 4
hold the breath at the top for a count of 4
exhale for a count of 4
hold the breath at the bottom for a count of 4
repeat until timer goes off
Feels good, right!?
2. Join my newsletter to get access to FREE guided meditations. Sent directly from my heart to yours…via the internet
Want to learn from me? Check out my schedule or shop my collection of guided meditations. I can’t wait to breathe with you! xx
Still got questions? You’ve got my attention! Post them in the comment section below…