Has anyone any tips on starting meditation?

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Been thinking of trying to meditate but I tried years ago and couldn’t settle to it. I have different relaxation and sleep apps etc on my phone but for actual meditation I’m not sure where to begin or if anyone finds it helpful? Thanks for any advice x

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Headspace is a great app that goes through the basics, would defo recommend starting there xx

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I did download the free version but haven’t tried it yet. I forgot I had it actually. Might try it later thanks Fran :blush:

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Your welcome sweetie, meditation classes can be really powerful and lovely, except I always end up falling asleep :sleeping:

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That’s no bad thing ! :blush::+1:

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Untill ya start snoring! :flushed:

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Hahaha yes well there’s always a downside !! :laughing::laughing::laughing:

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Headspace is good. I also use one called Calm.

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Thank you very much I’ll definitely look at this ! X

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Is calm free ?

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Yes Calm is a free app.

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Thank you I’ll take a look :blush::+1:

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Clicked on it to have a quick listen. That’s some soothing voice he’s got ! :blush::sleeping::sleeping::sleeping::sleeping::sleeping: Might try this one tonight :slightly_smiling_face:

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Just keep in mind that you won’t be able to shut your mind off completely, you’ll keep having thoughts of all kinds and sometimes people get frustrated and quit because they think meditation means a totally quiet mind. Just sit, focus on breath, accept thoughts as they come, then just gently watch the thoughts float by–think of your thoughts as clouds, they come, pass by, and go.
There’s a great book called Bliss More by Light Watkins that really helped me. With time and practice it gets easier and you can calm your mind more easily and let go of passing thoughts more quickly. :blue_heart:

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Thank you that explains a lot I always feel like my mind is still racing a bit too much but I guess it takes practice :slightly_smiling_face:

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I enjoyed the book, “Taking the Path of Zen”, by Robert Aitken.

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A friend just suggested the Insight Timer app to me. It’s free with lots of guided meditations and tips.

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Thanks cus I’m not doing too well at getting to sleep here and it’s almost 2am :roll_eyes:. Have tried one but I’ll give that app a look :slightly_smiling_face::+1:

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Try to learn as much as you can about it. See what works for you. There is a ton of online material. Maybe also look at medical websites as well, that are connected to respected hospitals. The info you find on meditation is usually straightforward and easy to follow.

When I meditate, I try to focus on relaxing. Both my body and mind. I’ve found a good way to start is to do diaphram breathing, to a six second count, with inhalation and exhalation. You can add in contracting or tightening your muscles in groups while inhaling, and then relaxing the same muscle group while exhaling. I start with my toes, then feet, calf muscles, then thighs and work my way up through the muscle groups until I get to my face and then the top of my head. I’m usually more relaxed by that point. Give it a try :blush:Hope that helps a little! Counting sheep is good too!

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There’s a lot on YouTube, I like a channel called “the honest guys” for guided meditation. Have to second headspace too, it’s a great resource!
Two things, you might have some immediate benefit, but most benefits come with daily practice over time.
The other thing, just do it! Especially if it’s a guided meditation, don’t worry about if you’re doing it right or if you’re in the right mood etc. All you really need to give it is time and the rest will follow eventually :wink:

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