How to Start a Meditation Practice

Step #1: Awareness in Your Thoughts

Thought awareness is essentially the first step of getting into that meditative state. Thinking and meditation are entirely different. Instead of getting trapped by your thoughts and going down the rabbit hole, meditation teaches you to let the thought come in and let it go out like a wave.

Step #2: Create Consistency

The most important thing when starting a meditation practice is consistency. You have to put it in your schedule somewhere. Whether it’s first thing in the morning, right when you get home from work, or before you go to bed. It doesn’t matter what the time is; it just matters that it’s a consistent time so that you show up and do it every day.

Step #3: Set a Timer

It’s easy to drift off when you are beginning, so it’s important to set a timer to keep yourself on track. Sometimes you get too comfortable during your meditation, which causes you to drift off. Just set a soft timer like a gong rather than your noisy wake-up alarm. Begin with just two minutes, and notice how clear you feel afterward.

Step #4: Get Comfortable

Don’t wear any super tight clothing that’s constricting. Your body is going to constantly remind you that this is uncomfortable. Take a position that feels comfortable to you, whether you are seated, laying down, or standing up. There’s not a specific tool that you need. It’s whatever gets you comfortable and whatever allows you to do it more often.