author: Leading Her Way
october 17, 2024
Meditation is such a buzzword and it can be overwhelming to get initially started as you might “just want to get it right” or think you are doing it completely wrong.
Let’s start off by saying there is no right or wrong and that it is much simpler than the internet often makes it seem.
At its essence, meditation is a journey inward - a deliberate practice of cultivating mindfulness, awareness, and inner peace. It provides us an inner sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of daily life, offering us a moment of stillness amidst the chaos.
Through meditation, we learn to observe our thoughts without attachment, and deepen our connection with the present moment. It is not about emptying the mind of thoughts but rather about developing a non-judgmental awareness of thoughts and emotions as they arise. With regular practice, meditation can help us to reduce stress, enhance a clarity of mind, improve emotional resilience, and foster a greater sense of compassion towards ourself and others.
It can be practiced by anyone, regardless of age, background, or beliefs, and can be adapted to suit individual preferences and lifestyles. Whether you seek relaxation, self- discovery, or a deeper spiritual connection, meditation offers a path to inner balance and harmony.
There are several types of meditation practices, each with its own focus and techniques. Some most common types, each in a nutshell:
Mindfulness Meditation:
Paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It often centers on the breath or bodily sensations, helping to cultivate awareness and acceptance.
Guided Meditation:
Following the instructions of a teacher or recorded audio to lead you through imagery, relaxation techniques, or mindfulness practices.
Loving-kindness Meditation:
Focuses on cultivating feelings of compassion and love towards oneself and others. It typically involves repeating phrases of well-wishing.
Transcendental Meditation (TM):
After grounding, silently repeating a mantra (a specific word or sound) to achieve a heightened state of relaxed awareness.
Body Scan Meditation:
Mentally scanning the body from head to toe, bringing awareness to each part and releasing tension or discomfort.
Chakra Meditation:
Focuses on healing and balancing the energy centers (chakras) within the body.
Movement-based Meditations:
Such as Tai Chi, Qigong, or walking meditation, where mindful movement is combined with breath awareness and focused attention.
Visualization / Manifestation Meditation:
Creating a mental image or scenario to achieve a desired outcome. It involves using your imagination to create vivid, sensory-rich experiences by immersing yourself in outcome-based emotions and levelling-up your energetic frequency.
Heart-Coherence Meditation:
Practicing synchronization between the heart and the mind, leading to a state of optimal physiological and emotional balance.
Each type of meditation offers unique benefits and resonates differently with practitioners. Exploring different techniques can help you find the practice that best supports your goals and preferences for inner peace and mindfulness.
Welcome to LHW’s Meditation 1.0
Check out LHW’s heart-coherence meditation "Meditation Bliss"
Change your frequency fast and uplevel your energy with this free guided practice which is rooted in the understanding that our beautiful heart generates a powerful electromagnetic field which will influence your overall wellbeing.
download
So... how to get started? Let’s break it down:
Step 1: Find a Quiet Space
Choose a quiet and comfortable place where you won't be disturbed. This could be a corner of your home, a park, or any serene environment.
Step 2: Get Comfortable
Sit or lie down in a relaxed position. Use cushions or a chair for support if needed. Keep your spine straight but not rigid.
Step 3: Set a Time Limit
We recommend starting with a short session, such as 5 to 8 minutes, gradually increasing as you become more comfortable with the practice.
Step 4: Focus on Your Breath
Close your eyes and take deep, slow breaths. Notice the sensation of your breath as you inhale and exhale. This helps to anchor your attention in the present moment.
Step 5: Be Present
As thoughts arise, gently acknowledge them without judgement and let them pass. Bring your focus back to your breath or a specific point of attention, like a mantra ("peace," "calm," etc.) or a visual object if helpful.
Step 6: Practice Regularly
Consistency is key. Aim to meditate daily, even if it's for a short duration. Over time, this will help you build a habit and deepen your practice.
Step 7: End Mindfully
When your session is complete, take a few moments to slowly bring awareness back to your surroundings. Notice how you feel physically and mentally.
Bonus Tips:
Start small: Begin with just a few minutes and gradually extend your sessions.
Be patient: Meditation takes time to master. Don’t get discouraged by wandering thoughts. Every day your practice may look differently.
Explore different techniques: As we gave you an overview of meditation techniques (guided meditation, mindfulness, loving-kindness, etc.). experiment to find what resonates best with you.
Use Resources: Apps like Headspace, Calm, or Insight Timer offer guided meditations and timers to support your practice.
Last but least as a fun fact, many famous individuals across various fields have publicly shared their practice of meditation and have openly discussed how meditation has positively impacted their lives and careers, highlighting its universal appeal and transformative effects.
Here are some well-known famous meditators:
1. Oprah Winfrey
Media mogul and philanthropist known for promoting mindfulness and meditation.
2. Hugh Jackman
Famous Australian Actor who incorporates meditation into his daily routine for focus and balance.
3. Katy Perry
Singer-songwriter who practices Transcendental Meditation (TM) for relaxation and creativity.
4. Russell Brand
Comedian and actor who speaks openly about how meditation supports his recovery and mental health.
5. Gwyneth Paltrow
Actress and founder of Goop, advocates for mindfulness and meditation as part of a holistic lifestyle.
6. Arianna Huffington
Co-founder of The Huffington Post, promotes meditation and its role in enhancing productivity and wellbeing.
7. Deepak Chopra
Author and spiritual teacher who integrates meditation into his teachings on holistic health and wellness.
We hope you are intrigued and following LHW’s steps and tips, you can embark on a fulfilling meditation practice. Remember, your journey is about you and you only. Every practice resonates differently with practitioners. Enjoy exploring and take your time finding the practice that best supports your goals and preferences for inner peace and mindfulness.
As you embark on this journey, may you find solace in the simplicity of being present, and discover the transformative power of meditation in enriching your life.
Let us know if this introduction helped you and if you are ready to give it a go? Or do you already have a solid practice? We would love to hear from you!
