How To Meditate

Although there are many different meditation methods, both traditional and those that have evolved over the years, the basics of how to meditate are similar.

It is up to you to decide which method you would like to use, since the end results are mostly the same. Meditating does not take much of your time – it takes about 20 minutes a day, or more if desired. The basic goal of meditation is to achieve a quiet peace of mind. Once you have learnt the basics of meditation, you will find that it an enhancing experience.

These are the basic guidelines for anyone who would like to learn how to meditate:

Time

It is best to meditate during a time of the day where you are the least likely to be distracted, although it is more advisable to meditate in the morning, where your mind and body is fresh. However, some people might prefer to meditate at night before sleeping, in order to clear their mind before heading to bed. Both timings are appropriate and beneficial.

One should avoid meditation immediately after meals or at a time when you are hungry. This will cause both feelings – the feeling of hunger and feeling of “fullness” can be a major distraction while meditating. Remember the key to meditating is it to have a clear mind and body.

Surroundings

It is very important that you meditate in a clean room that you feel relaxed and comfortable in. It is better to have a separate room for meditation, which means that you should not sleep in there nor have anyone else in there, except those who have the same thoughts as you. This will be your “holy” room for meditation, and once you have maintained the level of “holiness”, you will notice that you will feel peaceful and calm when you enter.

During meditation, avoid as many distractions and obstacles as possible.
Switch off the TV, phone, radio, etc. as they are major distractions.

Meditating in the same room daily can help to bring you to a meditative state more easily and quickly.

Meditation posture 

Although meditation is ideally done in a sitting position on the ground, you can also use a cushion or pillow to make your meditation experience more comfortable.

You can sit in a cross-legged position but it is not necessary to sit in the lotus posture. Ensure that your spine is kept straight and erect. Meditating in an erect posture is very conducive and helpful in achieving high states of awareness and peacefulness. Regardless of what posture you use, it is important to be comfortable that you “forget your body”.

Sitting on a chair is possible too. You should sit up straight with your feet planted firmly on the ground. One can also lie down with closed eyes to meditate, although there is a risk of falling asleep during the process.

In terms of achieving desired results of meditation, one should meditate regularly in the same room, avoiding as much disturbances as possible. Adopt deep breathing and relaxation. Do not meditate when you are ill or when your mind is cluttered with miserable thoughts.

Now that you have read about how to meditate, you can prepare yourself for a calm and peaceful meditation experience.