Are you new to meditation or considering giving it a try or trying to seek answers to the power of meditation? It’s common to have questions about how long to meditate and how often to practice. Many people worry about reaching specific goals or wonder if they’ll see results in a short period and I was in no way different. But don’t fret! Meditation is a unique journey for each individual, and there are some basic guidelines that can help. It is a wonderful journey in itself and can have a positive impact on your life in ways you can’t even imagine.

Experimental Meditation

From the moment I first learned about Buddhism in school, the concept of meditation captivated my curiosity. However, my initial attempts at meditation were met with frustration and difficulty. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon the book “The Power of Subconscious Mind” by Joseph Murphy that I discovered the key to managing my thoughts. Little did I know that a transformative experience awaited me when I finally decided to attend a heartfulness meditation session at the insistence of my cousin. I will share my personal journey and share my insights into the power of meditation.

My Journey into Meditation

Having tried various approaches to meditation, I found myself struggling to maintain focus for more than a few minutes. Even visualizing a flame, inspired by the evening prayer I would perform, did not yield the desired results. However, after reading “The Power of Subconscious Mind,” I gained a new understanding of the power of my thoughts.

It was during a heartfulness meditation session that I experienced a breakthrough. The session introduced me to the importance of relaxing both the mind and body. The subsequent day involved a cleansing session, and on the third day, I was guided to focus on a single thought—the presence of divine light within my heart. From that point forward, there was no turning back and the power of meditation has immensely helped me in my healing journey.

Rewiring Your Brain

Researchers at . Over eight weeks, 16 participants engaged in daily guided meditation sessions lasting 27 minutes each. The results were enlightening! The brain regions associated with memory, learning, emotion control, self-awareness, and perspective showed an increase in volume. This study suggests that even a few minutes of daily meditation can make a significant difference.

How do I start meditation at the beginning?

This is the common question I have encountered from at least my friends who always want to start with meditation. As someone who has personally experienced the benefits and power of meditation, I can understand my friends’ desire to find inner peace and regain a sense of balance.

Starting meditation at the beginning involves laying a solid foundation for your practice and it often gets overwhelming. Consider the following steps:

a. Learn about different meditation techniques: Explore various meditation styles such as mindfulness, loving-kindness, or guided meditation. Experiment to find the technique that resonates with you to unveil the power of meditation.

b. Seek guidance if needed: Consider attending meditation classes, workshops, or using meditation apps to receive guidance and support from experienced teachers so as not to get lost in the process instead you experience the inner peace that you have been longing for.

c. Start with short sessions: Begin with shorter meditation sessions, gradually increasing the duration as you become more comfortable and familiar with the practice.

d. Establish a routine: Set a consistent time and place for your meditation practice. By integrating it into your daily routine, you’ll cultivate a habit that becomes second nature.

e. Be patient and compassionate: Meditation is a skill that develops over time. Embrace the process and avoid placing too much pressure on yourself to experience inner peace. Treat yourself with kindness and patience as you explore this new territory to unlock the power of meditation.

What to think about while meditating.

When starting your meditation journey, it’s quite common to find it challenging to manage your thoughts. I can relate to that struggle because I’ve been through it too. Everyday thoughts have a way of persistently interrupting our attempts to find stillness in meditation.

During meditation, instead of forcefully trying to eliminate every thought, it can be helpful to shift your focus and observe them without attachment or judgment. Allow the thoughts to come and go, and gently redirect your attention back to your chosen point of focus.

Meditation is not about achieving a thought-free state and that is where most people get lost in the process without actually unlocking the power of meditation in their lives. It’s about developing a relationship with your thoughts and finding a sense of inner peace.

With consistent practice, you’ll find that the everyday thoughts that once disturbed you become less intrusive, allowing you to experience a greater sense of tranquility and presence in your meditation practice and beyond.

“The quieter you become, the more you can hear.”

– Ram Dass

Finding Moments of Stillness in Everyday Life

The beauty and power of meditation lie in its integration into everyday life. Instead of fixating on minutes or hours spent in practice, focus on making the most of each moment. Find a convenient time, free of interruptions and noise. Mornings are often recommended, but you can also incorporate mini-meditations throughout the day or choose evenings as your preferred time. Get comfortable, explore different techniques, and remember that is also an option. Keep meditation fresh, enjoyable, and adaptable to your needs.

The Magic of 20 Minutes: Discovering Significant Benefits

Did you know that 20 minutes of meditation daily can bring remarkable benefits? I know these 20 minutes may like an eternity when you will sit for the first time to quiten your mind. Even shorter sessions can be valuable in busy moments when you need a mindful breather during those anxiety-struck moments. Whether you’re at home, work, school, or in the park, taking a few moments to focus on your breath can help restore peace and clarity.

Intensive Sitting: A Path for the Dedicated

Some meditators are drawn to the idea of sitting for long hours, inspired by images of blissful Buddhist practitioners. However, it’s important to note that these individuals often undergo years of progressive training. If you feel compelled to explore intensive sitting, seek guidance from a qualified meditation teacher or join a structured retreat. These experiences offer fewer distractions, allowing the mind to settle into mindfulness and awareness.

“Meditation is not a way of making your mind quiet. It’s a way of entering into the quiet that’s already there—buried under the 50,000 thoughts the average person thinks every day.” – Deepak Chopra

 Longer Sessions for Deeper Practice

While 20 minutes is a great starting point, don’t limit yourself if you find that longer meditation sessions bring you more benefits. As you develop your practice, you’ll naturally discover your own rhythm and intuition and experience the power of meditation. Trust your inner guide to know when it’s time to wrap up or when you want to delve deeper into your meditation experience.

A Transformative Daily Practice

Think of meditation as a daily practice that can transform your life. It’s not like going to school with a set beginning or end; there’s no graduation. Instead, meditation is more akin to brushing your teeth—a habit that becomes ingrained in your routine. You do it because you enjoy it because you feel better when you practice, and because it undeniably brings you countless benefits.

Embrace Meditation as a Lifelong Companion

Embarking on a meditation journey is an exciting adventure of self-discovery. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Start with 20 minutes a day, explore shorter or longer sessions based on your intuition, and embrace the benefits that unfold along the way. Meditation is a lifelong companion that brings peace, clarity, and well-being. So take a deep breath, find your own path, and unlock the transformative power of meditation in your life.