What is Meditation and How to Practice It

Meditation is a practice where one focuses the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity to train attention and awareness. There are various methods and types of meditation, but its primary goal is to calm the mind and bring clarity to thoughts.

Benefits of Meditation

Better Physical Well-being

• Enhanced sleep quality, easier awakening, normalized blood pressure, and improved heart function are just the beginning of what daily meditation can offer.

Improved Memory

• A clearer mind and better focus enable you to remember more information, improving both short-term and long-term memory.

Goal Orientation

• Among thousands of daily thoughts, concerns about the future and anxiety over events that haven't happened yet take up too much attention and energy. Meditation helps you discern what’s important, transform it into plans, and then into actions.

Patience and Empathy

• Understanding your own emotions allows you to better understand others and build better relationships with them.

Tips for Beginners

1. Meditation is a Skill. It requires learning and practice.

2. Best Time to Meditate. Morning, right after waking up, is ideal.

3. Find a Quiet Place. Choose a spot where you can be alone and undisturbed.

4. Make it a Daily Habit. Incorporate meditation into your daily routine.

5. Focus on Your Breath. Notice and feel the air circulating through your body with curiosity. Thoughts will come and distract you, but you choose whether to let them stay or let them go.

6. Give Yourself a Month. Record the start date of your practice and commit to it for a month. This will help you develop a skill that will increasingly help you live more mindfully each day.