Are you looking to start a meditation habit but are overwhelmed with where to start? What exactly is meditation? It may mean different things to different people as it is a very personal experience. Meditation is a tool to help focus on a thought, emotion or activity. Its purpose is to help calm the mind and allow clearer thinking.

There are great benefits of meditation. It may help ease anxiety, stress and depression. It allows for a deeper emotional self-awareness. It also contributes to a happier mood and better sleep. There are different types of meditation and they are achieved by applying different techniques.

Mindfulness mediation is a purposeful reflection on the present moment. It is a process of slowing down and feeling the moment. Some examples may include taking deep breathes upon awakening, stretching the body slowly and mindfully. It may be purposely stopping whatever you are doing to focus on your breathing at that moment. Take the time to feel how a juicy piece of fruit tastes and the textures of it in your mouth. Mindfulness meditation is a simple way of cherishing the present moment.

Transcendental meditation is a type of mediation that uses mantras to help focus the mind. A mantra is a word or sound that will be used to help concentrate during the meditation session. It is usually done for twenty minutes in the morning and evening. This type of meditation begins with sitting comfortably and focusing on breathing. Once the body has relaxed, repeat the chosen mantra silently. If the mind wanders, shift your focus back to your mantra. At the end of the session, stretch softly and breathe deeply. The goal of this type of meditation is to feel calmer and at peace.

Guided mediation is a process that uses a trained practitioner, audio recordings or voiced videos to help guide the meditation session. It is led with the intention to help calm and focus on specific areas. For example, focusing on breathing, the body, or even child birthing. Guided mediation is a great way to start as the guided voice allows for better focus.

Meditation is a time when the mind and body can be calm and opens the possibility for inner healing. Creating a space in the home to mediate will foster a stronger relationship to your practice. Try using soft carpets, fluffy pillows and candles to create a relaxing corner or space in the home to meditate. By creating a calm and peaceful environment, it will automatically set the mind at ease to help facilitate the benefits of regular meditation. Try starting your sessions in the mornings when the body is already rested. For beginners, meditate only for a few minutes and gradually increase the time as the body gets comfortable with sitting still. Try different sitting positions or even laying down to induce calmness.

Meditating is good for our mind and body. The busier someone is, the longer they should meditate to fully reap the benefits. Namaste.