How To Start A Mindfulness Meditation Practice

Hello, friend. Do you ever feel daunted by life's endless activities.

An overflowing to-do list, racing thoughts, and a ticking clock can often feel like you're running out of breath. Trust me, I've been there.

Coming to the good part, would you believe me if I said it is possible to discover peace amid the craziness of life?

What if I told you that there's an easy way out: You can learn how to start a mindfulness meditation practice and, in return, completely shift your daily encounter?

No, it's not difficult, and no, it does not include any special techniques or need for equipment. All that's needed is your willingness to show up.

In this guide, I'll be walking you through the steps on starting a mindfulness meditation practice. This guide is for everyone, even those who've struggled with consistency.

So, ready to dive in?

The Journey Begins: Understanding Mindfulness Meditation

Before discussing the steps involved in a mindfulness meditation, it is important to define what it is.

This form of meditation aims to develop awareness of the present moment. A person practicing this form of meditation should never pass any judgment on what is happening around him or her.

Mindfulness meditation focuses on the current happening rather than worrying about the past or the future, which is often a source of anxiety.

You may ask yourself: “What makes this different from any other form of meditation?” Very valid point.

Unlike many kinds of meditations that require mental conduction or idea thumbnails of objects in the mind, mindfulness meditation involves a passive perception of whatever is happening at the moment without active attempts to alter the state of affairs.

It is natural to find your mind wandering to a variety of things, including mine. But it is Okay. The exercise doesn’t have to be about stifling your thoughts. The idea is to permit thinking and re-focusing attention to the moment.

The advantage of mindfulness meditation is breath, body and even the environment. There is no need to over-complicate this practice.

Deep life experience brought by simply being present reminds many of us that we have underlying stress and mental clutter caused by cross-dimensional logic.

The Promise of Mindfulness: What You Gain from the Practice

After learning some of the basics, let’s discuss the most important pros.

You might be asking yourself, “What’s the point in practicing this exercise?” Well, let me put it like this. Mindfulness meditation, at least for me, is extremely beneficial.

It’s not something that will work overnight, but after a while, I am sure it will reward you in ways you didn't anticipate. This is my experience with mindfulness meditation: the benefits it offers, and the renders that same support for you too.

Stress Reduction and Mental Clarity

It’s safe to say that we can all relate to feeling stressed out. That suffocating tightness in your chest, heart racing out of control, frantic flurry of activities that need idle attention.

With proper application, mindfulness meditation becomes crucial in alleviating stress.

Your breathing and focusing on the task at hand automatically calms down the body’s stress response system. You start becoming more relaxed, and the best part is, your mind stops racing for once.

Improved Focus

It’s no secret that our modern world makes it very easy to be distracted. We have emails that constantly need our attention, social media that begs to be scrolled through, and the infamous “endless scroll” which is a rabbit hole we delve too far into.

However, if you practice mindfulness, focusing on specific tasks will become a walk in the park.

Mindfulness will sharpen and enhance your focus, helping you fully engage in whatever you are doing. Be it work, studying, or simply having a conversation.

Emotional Balance

With mindfulness, you can address your emotions in a much better manner. We all at times feel like at some point, we are overwhelmed with one very disturbing emotion, may it be anger, anxiety, or sadness.

One of the primary steps taught in mindfulness is to sit with different emotions without any form of judgment. This form of awareness over time provides you security as you are now able to control your response instead of reacting impulsively, achieving a better balance.

Creating the Space for Your Practice

While starting a mindfulness meditation practice does not need a lot of sophisticated tools, you still would require to prepare to some extent.

When I took the first steps in meditation, I found that having a particular calming and quiet area set aside for myself was immensely beneficial. These settings don’t have to be perfect, they just have to be places you can relax.

Finding a quiet corner without the daily distractions of life is what’s important. A fancy cushion or mat isn’t necessary (though, if you prefer, you can use one).

Being comfortable is the focus, and I enjoy a simple space with a gentle blanket or a cushion to sit on. So, there's no need for anything extravagant—just a clean and quiet place is ideal.

Starting Your Mindfulness Meditation Practice: The First Steps

Excited to give mindfulness meditation a try? Here are your next steps.

Step 1: Find a Quiet Spot

Now, it’s time for you to unplug. Look for a space where you will not be interrupted for a while. This could be a nice nook in your house or a bench at the park. No matter the location, ensure you won’t be disturbed.

Step 2: Get Comfortable

Forget about comfort for a second. Too much comfort can be counterproductive.

When I first began, I had a tendency to hunch into the tightest balls of “comfort” I could manage.

However, after some time, I realized being comfortable greatly helped my focus. You can skip sitting cross-legged as long as it proves difficult. Take a seat on a chair or cushion that promotes alertness and good posture.

Step 3: Set a Time Limit

In case you’ve never tried mindfulness meditation before, it is best to start with a time limit of around 5 or 10 mins.

Assess your comfort level and increase the duration gradually. Do not set the bar too high as that could result in losing motivation. Keep working your way up.

Step 4: Focus on Your Breath

This is where things get interesting. Take a breath. If you like, you can keep your eyes opened softly or gaze at the floor.

For now, think of nothing else but focusing on your breath. Take an inhale through your nose.

Externally, it may just look like a breath, but notice how the air fills your lungs. Now, as if deflating a balloon, exhale slowly while feeling the air leave your body. No need to control your breath at this moment, simply notice it.

Step 5: Let Go of Judgement

This is, without a doubt, the most difficult part. When you find yourself lost in thought, and trust me, you will… don’t be too hard on yourself. I know from experience this can be super frustrating, but remember—mindfulness meditation is about observing your thoughts without judgment.

If your mind goes on a little escapade, try to bring your focus back to your breath. It should be emphasized that there is no right or wrong way of doing this.

Staying Consistent: The Key to a Lasting Practice

"What do you mean it will work?" Yeah dude, it seems a little ridiculous these days right? Expecting something to happen without instant gratification isn’t really the norm these days.

But listen to me—balance and harmony are the secrets. You have to show up, every single day, even if it’s just for a scratch of a minute. The times that you do show up will make a difference.

Store the benefits that mindfulness meditation offer by clearing off an un-accessed consquence.

Eventually, you should start being able guide a time slot by allocating a time for practice. The more consquence you show, the more favorable results you’ll get in the longer run.

Overcoming the Challenges of Mindfulness Meditation

Here’s the awkward option of overcoming the challenges.

Meditation is not the simplest task out there. Although meditation has and continues to be one of high difficulty levels, I always used to struggle in the absolute bare bones of finding stagnation and drawing my concentration in.

It was RIDICULOUS just how quick my mind dashed to non-related topic after non-related topic- dont get upset about it, it’s just part of the nature. Remember this: everything is fine.

Let’s accept the circumstance that every time you’re showing up to meditate, you’re shaping your mind — Sky’s none, with practice, it gets easier and easier.

Dealing with Restlessness

In case you are feeling restless, take a deep breath and recognize the sensation without any criticism. Don’t struggle against restlessness, instead try to work with it. With time, you will know how to cope with such feelings in a calm and kind manner.

Staying Motivated

Staying motivated is challenging. People also face this issue when there are no visible rewards. Remember, mindfulness meditation requires your whole heart and soul. Your efforts always pay off in the end. You will begin feeling calm, focused, and emotionally stable.

Deepening Your Practice: Moving Forward

After you have attained the foundational skills, perhaps you would like to further enhance your practice.

Also, your meditation can be augmented with informally attending to your breath during activities like mindful walking. You might also explore the option of enrolling in a meditation group or seeking a teacher.

But for now, understand that every single session, irrespective of its length, contributes towards developing a harmonious and mindful life.

My Opinion | Your Journey Begins Now

Starting with mindfulness meditation practice does not mean striving for perfect outcomes. It means making an effort to be with yourself.

This could involve taking a few moments each day to relax, organize your thoughts, and focus on just being in the now.

Thus, be sure to take your time as you embark on this new journey.

There is no deadline, twenty-four hours isn't a race, only the transformative yet easy action of being present. So, find your space, focus on the inhalation and exhalation, and start. You’re good to go.