Ins and Outs of Guided Meditation

Have you thought about trying a guided meditation class, but are unsure? Are you unsure what the best way is to start a sitting practice? Guided meditation sessions take the pressure off you because you just have to follow the instructor without worrying about what to do.

When starting, you’ll want to choose between a guided meditation class or an at-home session led by a guided meditation CD. You can choose from meditation programs with a purpose–such as to quit smoking or to gain confidence–and those that are focused on meditation as the end as well as the means to an end.

In-person meditation classes are great because you get to meet others who practice sitting. You will learn how to sit comfortably, which is more challenging than you might guess. The group setting may also help you stick to your commitment to begin a practice, since discipline is something difficult to learn. You’ll also have the advantage of seeing your guide and learning some about his or her practice.

A good meditation CD will be between half hour and an hour long. You’ll need to set yourself up in a quiet room with ample time alone. Once you start the CD, you’ll want to close your eyes, find a comfortable position where you will not fall asleep but you also will be comfortable enough not to be distracted by bodily issues.

The instructor on the CD will guide you through breathing exercises as you relax. Once you are sufficiently relaxed, the instructor will move on to imagery, depicting a serene environment for you to meditate upon. By listening to the instructor and focusing on his words and your breathing, you will go deeper into your subconscious, exploring your inner world. Near the end of the CD, the instructor will talk you back out of your meditative trance, leaving you will positive thoughts that will carry you through the day.

Guided meditation can provide many benefits, including stress relief and improvement of mental focus.