How to Meditate — Beginners Guide

Meditation is a practice that develops focused attention, awareness in the present moment, and also observing without judgment. Although it sounds extremely simple, it is a tough state to achieve. Meditation isn't difficult per se, but it requires will and patience. In order to start paying attention to the present moment and not allowing the mind to wander, the most common type of meditation is to use an anchor, like the breath. Once you start practicing, you will be surprised by the number of random thoughts and stories that can come to mind, the way they can affect your spirit, and to discover more about yourself and life in general. 

Meditation doesn't cure all our maladies but it sure has plenty of benefits:

• It gives space and perspective towards life challenges and relationships. Meditation is a great opportunity for some alone time and regarding.
• Meditation can be done solo and there is no equipment required. You can do it almost anywhere as long as it is a safe place where you feel comfortable.
• It is proven to Lower stress. Not following every thought can reduce stress in a great manner.
• Improves focus and attention. By practicing coming back to our anchor, like the breath our capacity for focusing increases dramatically with time.
• Helps deal with tough emotions and be kinder towards ourselves and others.

How to Meditate:

• Start by choosing a place to sit, where you feel safe and comfortable and sit straight. Sitting on a cushion or a chair for example can do the trick. There are meditations that can be done lying down but for beginners can be more challenging because it may cause sleepiness, and the goal is to be aware.
• Set a timer for your practice and be smart about how long you propose to meditate. Ten minutes may not seem long but for someone that is not used to sitting straight in silence, it can seem like thirty minutes. Start small, 5 to 10 minutes and go from there. Setting a timer will also help you relax during the meditation, otherwise, you may end up thinking about how long it has passed.
• Close your eyes and focus your attention on the breath, the breath is your anchor for whenever your mind wanders. Is your breath fast or slow? Notice the sensations of breathing, if it is cold or warm if you feel it on the nose, chest or belly. Explore that for a while and breathe freely. Meditation practice can be done with open eyes too, but for beginners, it is usually better to do with the eyes closed because it helps focus on the sensations, breath and thoughts.
• Come back to noticing your breath whenever your mind wanders and without judgment, the purpose is to be aware not to stop thoughts. If it helps you can say to yourself, in when inhaling, and out when expiring.

And that is it, with willpower, patience and kindness that is much that can be achieved. Extra tip, place an Angel Aura crystal nearby for good energy! It is said to open higher awareness and psychic abilities, being great for meditation.