How to Start Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness meditation offers plenty of benefits both physical and mental. It helps boost the immune system, speed healing, lift mood, improve focus, and reduce stress, just to name a few. 

But how exactly do you practice mindfulness meditation? Here’s how to start mindfulness meditation.

How to Start Mindfulness Meditation

1. Set Aside Some Time

It can be difficult to find time to practice mindfulness meditation, especially as you’re just incorporating it into your daily routine. 

There is no strict rule on how long a meditation session should be. Just set aside some time during which you can practice with minimal distraction.

For example, you can practice in the morning to help you prepare for what’s ahead. You can also practice just before you go to bed to help ease stress and tension. 

If you’re just starting, don’t think about a long session just yet. Even practicing for just 10 minutes is good for your well-being.

2. Find a Comfortable Place

You can’t practice properly if you’re not comfortable. So, find a comfortable place. You don’t need anything special. 

All you need is a warm place in which you can sit comfortably.

Some people like to sit cross-legged on the floor. Some others sit on their bed. It’s your choice. 

Don’t be afraid to experiment. The most important thing is that you can sit upright comfortably.

3. Start Small

How to start mindfulness meditation once you set aside some time to practice? By starting small. If you’re just starting mindfulness meditation, you should take small steps. Don’t expect to be able to meditate and be mindful for a long time.

Start with just one minute or two of practice. You can do it while sitting, standing, or lying down. If you practice, you will be able to do it for longer and longer periods.

The key is to keep practicing and be consistent about it. Once you’re comfortable practicing, you can extend the session to five minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, and so on.

4. Try It

One of the best things about mindfulness meditation is that you already have everything to practice. All you need is a willingness to try, your breath, and your senses. That’s all. Of course, having a designated time and place certainly helps.  

Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Your focus should be on the sensations in your body. Pay attention to your entire breathing process from start to finish.

Your mind will wander. Thoughts will come and go. Some of them will pull your attention away from your breath. If that happens, redirect your attention back to your breath.

Don’t beat yourself up because you’re distracted. Don’t dwell on it, either. It’s normal. What’s important is that you notice that you’re distracted and return your focus to your breath. Mindfulness meditation involves returning the wandering mind again and again, back to the present moment.

5. It’s a Skill

That’s how to start mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness is a skill and like any other skill, developing it takes time. Don’t rush it and don’t compare your progress with others. If you’re patient and practice consistently, you will make progress.

Being able to practice for a full 10 minutes is something you need to be proud of. Some days you will feel calm and focused. Some other days, you might feel distraught and restless. Notice what you feel and take note of them.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and get any help you can get. If you find it difficult to be mindful on your own, you can try guided meditation. 

There are plenty of guided meditation videos online, both for short and long sessions. There are meditation classes as well.

FAQs How to Start Mindfulness Meditation

What are the benefits of mindfulness meditation?

Mindfulness meditation offers numerous benefits, including boosting your immune system, speeding up healing, improving your mood and focus, and reducing stress.

How long should a mindfulness meditation session be for beginners?

There’s no strict rule, but if you’re just starting, even 1-2 minutes is a great beginning. You can gradually increase your session length to 5, 10, or 20 minutes as you get more comfortable.

Do I need special equipment or a specific place to meditate?

Not at all! All you need is a comfortable, warm place where you can sit upright without too many distractions. You can sit cross-legged on the floor, on your bed, or even a chair whatever feels best for you.

Conclusion

Now you know how to start mindfulness meditation. If you want to learn more about mindfulness meditation and other beneficial practices, visit True Aura.