Meditation For Beginners

​​Meditation can seem like a daunting task at times. Often, we don't think we have the time to meditate, or the chatter in our mind just won't pipe down. Sometimes there are too many distractions, or we don't notice the instant gratification immediately afterwards, so we feel like the benefit isn't really there. Some might think that meditation is just some new-age hype, and it doesn't have any real value (although I would argue that science proves otherwise). If you are just starting your meditation practice, know that these thoughts and frustrations around it are common and completely normal.

Our advice to you is to start off with something short and simple. Like deeply focusing on one breath in and one breath out. Notice the cool air going in through your nose and the warm air on the exhale as you release. Notice the expansion and contraction of your chest and belly. Notice the temperature in the room. Notice the points of contact between your body and the floor or chair. Can you simply notice how you feel in this present moment?

The body benefits from movement. The mind benefits from stillness. And it is called a meditation 'practice,' not a meditation 'destination.' The chatter of your mind will often interrupt because that is just the nature of it. However, the more you commit to this practice, the more you will begin to notice ease of letting those interruptive thoughts go and the longer gaps will be between them. We have been conditioned to be bombarded with to-do lists and worries and having our attention pulled in many directions. Let those thoughts know that you see them, you acknowledge them, and you will address them later. For right now, you are doing something for your well-being.

Give yourself grace and patience. It is ok to feel frustrated with the process at first. There is a lot of 'undoing' with the conditioning around needing to constantly be doing something. Don't judge yourself and whether or not you're doing it 'right.' Give yourself credit for attempting to just be, and not do. Your value and your worth don't come from the things that you accomplish. Just being here is enough. You are enough. You are worthy and valuable because you exist.

We challenge you to commit to trying this out for just 2 minutes a day for a week. We are all given 1,440 minutes in a day. You can dedicate 2 of them to your wellness :)

If you prefer to be guided, there are many free apps you can download and many of them will be categorized by a topic or a length of time. Choose something short or choose a topic that seems beneficial to you. Some of our favorites are Calm, Insight Timer, Headspace, and Ten Percent. Give it a try. Let us know how you feel. Tell us what works for you and what doesn't. We love to hear your thoughts!

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