Meditation for the beginner

If you want to start meditating, you may not know where to begin. There are many different kinds of meditation, and some may not work for you. It can just be a matter of trial and error to find the type of meditation you prefer.

Some meditations are done while you are sitting or lying still. Find a comfortable position so you are not shifting. Being at a comfortable temperature and in a comfortable pose helps your mind focus. Once you are settled, you can take two approaches: you can focus or clear your mind. For some people, clearing the mind of all thought is impossible. There is simply too much going on, so trying to force the mind to be totally blank is an uphill battle that may turn them off of meditation.

If you can’t clear your mind, focus your attention on an object like a lit candle or a fountain. As you watch the object, try to change what you observe about it. As you focus, the outside world should slip away and you should feel your stress levels sink. When your mind begins to clear, you can focus clearly on removing stress from your system.

Other forms of meditation may be more effective. If sitting still is not for you, then focus on going outdoors and refocusing your mind while you walk. Walking in parks or even being near trees or green things can increase your sense of well-being and remove anxiety and stress. If you don’t live near parks, try bringing flowers or plants into your home to give you something to focus on.

Another option for meditation is turning your commute into a mental exercise. Obviously, you can’t close your eyes and rest when you’re driving, but many meditations are available on podcasts that help focus your mind and relieve stress without the need to close your eyes and risk drifting off.

These relaxing guided meditations can help direct your focus on a specific object. Guided meditations will narrate instructions for you to follow, such as what to imagine or what to focus on. Listening to a soothing voice guide the attention of your mind can really help your meditation. If you are a person with a very active mind, then these kinds of meditations can be really helpful because your mind and consciousness have a specific voice or sound to focus on, rather than drifting off constantly.

The point of meditation is not so much how you perform it, but what results you get. Meditation can increase your ability to stay focused, reduce your stress levels and improve your awareness of yourself and others. In short, meditation has the potential to vastly improve the quality of your life.

During meditations, it’s also advisable to focus your attention on your energies, emotions, and deep, hidden thoughts. The deeper you go, the more significant your realizations will be. While meditation can lead to breakthroughs, we do recommend combining your meditation efforts with an interest in self-discovery and spirituality as a whole. Having this insatiable curiosity will encourage you not only to meditate on a regular basis but to also prioritize your spiritual well-being.

Another important point is to look towards your archetype. Self-awareness plays a big role in meditation – and being aware of your archetype is one of the most powerful methods of self-awareness. If you don’t know your archetype, be sure to take the archetype quiz here!

Finally, plan time each day to meditate. Trying to meditate only once a week or so won’t help you develop the correct habits. Instead, you’ll find yourself unable to get into a routine. But by meditating every day or every night, you should start to notice an improvement in your mood and sleep.

The Individualogist Team

The Individualogist Team is made up of archetype fanatics, individuation practitioners, and spirituality fans. Our humble group has banded together to deliver thought-provoking, life-changing, and growth-probing wisdom.