Meditation is a great way to relax, achieve better focus, deal with anxiety and de-stress. It’s also accessible and free to do nearly anywhere. Yet learning to meditate and getting your practice going can be pricey (and where to begin?)
There are many types of meditation. Check out the various options to find the right style for you. This may change over time, and you may start with one form of meditation before experimenting with another. For example there’s:
- Mindfulness meditation
- Yoga meditation
- Self-inquiry
- Hiking meditation
- Zen
- Vipassana
- Meditation at work
- Walking meditation (and others)
Once you’ve decided on a style, here are 4 free or low-cost ways to begin:
Check out these Meditation apps: Many of these apps can get you started with guided meditations as short as 10 minutes a day to teach you the basics for free or for a low cost. Some also offer a free trial period of up to 30 days. If you are enjoying the app, you can chose to sign up for a monthly subscription package. Whether you need five minutes to help deal with a stressful situation, or have the time to sit daily for longer to achieve a specific goal–there’s an app for you.
Find free guided meditations online: There are plenty on YouTube and other sites. Unlike apps that can offer specific mediation help for focus, stress, anxiety, creativity, etc., you will need an idea of what you are looking for. But free is free so get comfy and get your om on!
Check out these mediation groups: There are people who meet to meditate almost everywhere and you can join them for free.
Where is your library card? Find it and visit. You’d be surprised by how many free resources there are in the form of books and videos.
When people start to meditate they notice their minds flow with many thoughts. Dan Harris, author of a book titled, 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, (and host of a great podcast on meditation) says if there’s anything you need to know about mediation, this tip is key: “Every time you get lost in thought, which you will, thousands of times–gently return to the breath. I cannot stress strongly enough that forgiving yourself and starting over is the whole game.”
Jon Kabat-Zinn, a renowned mindfulness mediation teacher and Professor of Medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical School also says that mindfulness means paying attention “on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally to the unfolding of the experience from moment to moment.”
Meditation isn’t complicated. In the end it’s about giving yourself some time to be present and to enjoy the many benefits in your life.
