Meditation is a spiritual practice that has been around for thousands of years and is known to help reduce stress, anxiety, and increase overall wellbeing. Despite its benefits, many people find it difficult to start meditating, but with the right approach and mindset, anyone can learn to meditate.
We have classes in the following locations for May 2023
Monday, May 8, 15, 22, 29, 7.30pm-9pm Scarborough Community Centre, 173 Gildercliffe St, Meeting Room 2
Saturday May 13,20,27, Boola Bardip WA Museum, Hacket Hall Studio, 2.30pm-4pm
Monday 8,15,22, 29 May 7.30pm- 9.00pm Sullivan Hall, White Gum Valley (in the City of Fremantle)
So what are the basics of meditation and what are some tips on how to start your own meditation practice.
What is Meditation?
Meditation is a practice that involves training your mind to focus and calm your thoughts. There are many different types of meditation, but they all involve a few basic principles: a quiet space, a comfortable position, and a focus on breathing or a specific thought or image.
Meditation has been shown to have a wide range of physical and mental health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep quality, and increasing feelings of well-being and happiness.
How to Start Meditating?
- Find a Quiet Space: Find a quiet and peaceful space where you can meditate without distractions. This could be a room in your house, a quiet outdoor space, or even a yoga studio.
- Choose a Comfortable Position: Sit in a comfortable position with your back straight. You can sit cross-legged on a cushion or in a chair with your feet on the ground. The key is to find a position that is comfortable for you and allows you to stay focused. Lying down tends to make you sleepy so avoid this posture.
- Focus on Breathing: To begin, take a few deep breaths and focus on the sensation of the air moving in and out of your body. If your mind starts to wander, gently bring your focus back to your breath.
- Set a Timer: Start with a short meditation session of 5-10 minutes and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable. Set a timer to help you stay focused and avoid distractions. Play a piece of meditation music you know goes for a certain length or burn a stick of incense that burns for 10 minutes or so.
- Practice Regularly: Consistency is key when it comes to meditation. Try to meditate at the same time every day, and aim for at least 5-10 minutes of meditation per day. Over time, you may find that you are able to meditate for longer periods of time.
- Join a group: Group meditation is by far the best and easiest. You get strength, inspiration and improved concentration
Tips for Successful Meditation
- Don’t be too hard on yourself: Meditation is a practice, and it takes time to develop. If your mind wanders, gently bring your focus back to your breath or your chosen point of focus.
- Experiment with different types of meditation: There are many different types of meditation, including mindfulness, visualisation, and mantra meditation. Try a few different techniques to find the one that resonates with you.
- Be patient: It can take time to see the benefits of meditation. Keep practicing, and over time, you may notice improvements in your mental and physical health and you experience a sense of true happiness.
Meditation is a powerful tool for exploring spirituality, reducing stress, anxiety, and improving overall well-being. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can start your own meditation practice and begin to experience the benefits of this ancient practice with modern benefits.
Remember to be patient with yourself, experiment with different techniques, and most importantly, make meditation a regular part of your daily routine. With time and practice, you may find that meditation becomes a source of peace and calm in your life. Register for our upcoming classes.