Meditation for Beginners

Although it can take many forms, one of the most widely researched forms of meditation, mindfulness meditation, is awareness of the present, moment by moment. Put simply, meditation involves practising intentional awareness on the present moment.

Meditation may look to an outsider like a difficult practice. But when you let go of what you think it should look like and adapt your practice to your life, it becomes less difficult to understand.

What are the benefits of a daily meditation practice?

The benefits of meditation are from the journey, not the destination. “Meditation is a way to experience and appreciate joy in the present moment, regardless of circumstance,” says Sarah Elmeligi, who teaches a meditation circle at the Yoga Lounge in Canmore, Alberta. Research studies find that meditation practice leads to increased feelings of calm and decreased anxiety.

Researchers have also found positive effects for improved sleep, stress management, self-compassion, and the ability to focus. Simply bringing your attention to your breath can bring on a relaxation response and calm your nervous system.

How do you get started on your meditation journey?

Meditation requires commitment. It is helpful to have a guide facilitating your meditation when first beginning to develop your practice. Attending community classes, participating in an online introductory course, or using a phone- or tablet-based meditation app can help you develop your new meditation habit.

In her meditation circles, Elmeligi guides participants through different types of meditation including mindfulness meditation, walking meditation, and yoga nidra.

How do you find the time for daily meditation?

Getting up 10 minutes earlier works well for many people with an established meditation practice who also have a family or a hectic work schedule. If finding time is preventing you from trying meditation, check your schedule to see if you might schedule a few minutes for yourself at the beginning or end of each day.

Once you start your meditation practice, you might find you don’t want to stop because of the many ways it benefits your day. Elmeligi says, “I encounter people who think they can’t meditate. [But] everyone can meditate. Everyone has five minutes!”

Where should you meditate?

Creating a peaceful atmosphere in which to meditate is important to begin a successful practice. If possible, find a quiet place with as few distractions as possible. When first starting your practice it can be helpful to use a consistent space to meditate.

Some people enjoy meditating outdoors on a quiet bench or in a peaceful garden. Find a place that works for you and keep practising. Once you become more adept at practising meditation, you may not require a consistent space.

In fact, Elmeligi sometimes finds it hard to find a quiet place or the time to meditate. “Sometimes, I meditate in the airport, waiting for my flight. There is chaos all around me and the seat is uncomfortable, but I can do it. It’s not perfect. You don’t need to sit in a certain way in a certain place. It’s not what is happening around you or where you are. It’s an internal experience. It’s about being aware of this moment.”

How do you respond to intrusive thoughts?

It is normal to have thoughts while meditating. Try not to judge yourself for thoughts that enter your mind when trying to focus on the present moment. Elmeligi suggests new practictioners try repeating, “I am inhaling in this moment. I feel joy in this moment.” She adds, “If you tell yourself something long enough, you’ll believe it.”

Try to be an observer of your thoughts and treat them as something transient and passing. You can think of thoughts as clouds passing through the sky or scenes in a movie. Watch your thoughts arise and watch them move away. For example, if you think, “Did I remember to send that email?” just acknowledge the thought and let it pass, let it be transient. Try not to follow the thought and mentally add it to a to-do list or try to solve the problem.

Elmeligi reminds the people she guides “to bring their focus and awareness back to their breath. Eventually you can let the thoughts fall away. You don’t need to follow the thoughts.”

Three short meditations to start you on your journey

Mindfulness meditation

• Consider setting a timer to let you know when your meditation time is complete.
• Find a comfortable seated posture. You might use a cushion designed for meditation or sit in a chair.
• Focus your attention on your breath and on how your body moves with your inhalation and exhalation. Notice the movement of your body while you breathe. Try not to control your breath. Instead, focus your attention on the act of breathing.
• When your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to your breathing.

Focused attention meditation

• Consider setting a timer to let you know when your meditation time is complete.
• Find a comfortable seated posture.
• Try to focus your attention on the act of breathing.
• Once you have taken a few quiet breaths, bring your gaze onto one steady object. Any focus will do; for example, you could gaze at a beautiful tree swaying gently in a breeze or waves lapping the ocean. Tratak, or candle gazing, involves watching the constant yet ever-changing candle flame. Allow the candle’s subtle movements to consume your thoughts.

Meditation with mantra

• Find a comfortable seated posture.
• Take a few quiet breaths to begin. Sometimes it can be helpful to repeat something in your head while you are focusing on your breathing to prevent thoughts from entering your mind.
• Repeat these words with each inhalation and exhalation. Here are some examples:
• Inhale: I am … Exhale: present …
• Inhale: Feeling … Exhale: this moment …
• Inhale: Be … Exhale: compassion …
• Inhale: Practise … Exhale: stillness …
• Inhale: Invite … Exhale: softness …
• Inhale: Inhale … Exhale: exhale …

Week by week meditation

Here are some tips for increasing the length of your meditation session. By adding five minutes each week over the course of a month you can build your meditation session into a 20-minute practice.

Week 1 goal: 5 minutes every day

Your goal this week is to find five minutes to dedicate to your meditation practice each day. Try to build this new activity into your routine. Sarah Elmeligi, who teaches a meditation circle in Canmore, Alberta, suggests treating it like something you do regularly for your health, just like brushing your teeth.

Try a few different times of day to see what works for you. Morning and early evening often work well, as our minds can be less busy during these times.

Week 2 goal: 10 minutes every day

Now that you’ve found a time of day that works for you, make sure you’ve found a way to sit comfortably for longer periods of time. Consider trying some different cushions created for meditation.

Set yourself up for success and let go of the idea of a perfect meditation practice. It is acceptable if you miss a day. Steady practice, not perfection, is your goal. Remind yourself of all the benefits that developing this new practice will bring to your life. Make a list of all the ways meditation might improve your health.

Week 3 goal: 15 minutes every day

Continue to build on the success of previous weeks. But, if you’ve skipped a day or find sitting for longer is challenging, be gentle with yourself. Remember that spending five minutes a day in meditation is better than not meditating at all. As Elmeligi says, “Expose yourself and allow it to unfold. Accept and love whatever presents itself to you.”

If you find you are distracted with thoughts of how much time is remaining in your meditation session, set a timer with a gentle ring to bring you out of your meditation.

Week 4 goal: 20 minutes every day

Reflect on any changes you’ve noticed in yourself outside of your meditation time. People with an established meditation practice report feeling calmer throughout the day. “Meditation is a way to feel joy in the present moment, regardless of circumstance,” says Elmeligi.

Celebrate your commitment to a daily meditation practice at the end of the month. You’ve worked to build a practice into your routine to bring you more vitality. Choose joy.