So you’ve finally decided to see what meditating is all about because lately it seems like that’s all you hear people talk about….Only problem now is that you have no clue what to do!
That can easily be changed and if you keep reading this article, you’ll find a very simple how-to guide for the meditation beginner. Realize that this is a simple guide for you to follow, but that many programs, audio’s and guided meditations exist.
When I first started my meditation practice, I found guided meditations very useful and now I can easily meditate on my own anytime I need a quick refresher!
Here ‘s a simple 10 step guide to ensure your meditation practice is a success:
1. Set the intention to make meditation part of your daily ritual
2. Choose your perfect meditation place. To begin with, I recommend meditating in a quiet, distraction-free place. Don’t forget to consider the lighting in the room too. Will you be able to achieve a deep level of awareness with the lights on or off?
Realize that you can meditate anywhere and anytime you want and if you choose to meditate in your bedroom one day and outside the next day, that’s perfectly fine. The choice is all yours when it comes to your personal meditation practice 
3. Set a timer or alarm for 10 minutes otherwise you’ll be tempted to open your eyes and check the time.
4. Be seated and re-adjust until you’re in a comfortable position and don’t forget to adjust your posture if need be. Sit straight and upright but make sure that you don’t tense up. It’s important to be in a relaxed position.
5. Take 5 deep belly breaths. When you inhale through your nose, feel your belly expand (rather than your body stretching upwards) and as you exhale through your mouth feel pull your belly button inwards towards your spine.
6. Now start to relax your entire body. Starting at the tip of your head and spreading down throughout your body to the tips of your toes, visualize complete relaxation as you deeply inhale and exhale.
7. Now simply allow yourself to “be”. The goal here is to achieve a peaceful, thought-free mind. This is challenging at times, but it will get easier as your meditation practice progresses.
8. If thoughts enter your mind or you experience outside distractions, don’t give up! Simply acknowledge the distractions but don’t continue to focus on them. Bring your attention to your breath. Notice how your body feels as you deeply inhale and visualize all of the toxins and worries leaving your body with each exhale.
9. Continue to be seated in your position and focus on making each inhale and exhale deep and relaxing. Remember to allow your thoughts to freely flow through your mind and resist the temptation to focus your energy on them.
10. At the sound of the timer, take a deep breath and slowly open your eyes when you exhale. Do some gentle neck rolls and any other stretches you desire.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully completed your 10 minute meditation session. Make sure to meditate again soon (tomorrow or even later today!) to ensure that you’re moving towards improvement and mastery because similar to other things in life, meditation takes time and practice!
Here are a couple of links to free guided meditation audios for you too! Try them out and good luck with finding the perfect meditation guide for you
Free Guided Meditation: Silva Centering Exercise
Free Meditation: Thoughts Shape Reality
