Meditation Guide: My Five Tips

I started meditating on and off 15 years ago. After I started my yoga practice about three in a half years ago, I became more serious about meditation. I meditate every morning and sometimes at night if I feel like I need to calm my mind down. If I wake up in the middle of the night and I can't go back to sleep, I meditate. I have learned how to get the most out of meditating, and over the last three years I have mastered what does and does not work for me. I wanted to share my top 5 tips for meditating. Meditation is personal and it is important to find the right rhythm for you and your mind.

Tip #1: Find a quiet space

Look for a quiet space in your home or office that is quiet. Dim or turn off your lights and close your blinds or curtains. I personally find light distracting, so I like to have a quiet and dark space to meditate in.

Tip #2: Wear comfortable clothes and find a comfortable chair

Make sure that you're wearing something that is comfortable. The more comfortable you are, the more relaxed you will be. Also find a comfy chair, bean bag or yoga mat to sit on.

Tip #3: Find a quiet head space

Part of meditating for me is quieting my mind and my thoughts. I often have thoughts that are loud or run around in my mind like a hamster on a wheel. When these pop up in my head during meditation, I let them run their course and do not try to ignore them or push them away. If I have a pressing question or thought that will not disappear, I ask for the answer within myself.

Tip #4: Dedicate time 

Sometimes my meditations are shorter, but I often meditate anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. I find that I need to take my time with my meditation and not rush my process of calming my mind. Meditation is intended to relax your mind, body and soul.

Tip #5: Pick a meditation that works for you

My meditation for the day depends on my mood and how my body is feeling. You can listen to a guided meditation, choose a chanting meditation or practice a breathing meditation. Pick what will be best for you. You might need to do some research and trial runs to find what works best for you until you find the correct meditation practice.

Dhanpal, Snatam Kaur and Ajeet Kaur lead a great guided meditation.