A common problem that beginners or even experts with years of experience run into:
They can meditate, but they aren't really making any progress. This article will cover some basic tips on how to improve your meditation.
1. Take It Slow
First things first, you want to meditate slowly. Don't rush the process.
You see beginners do this all the time. They rush to their mat and try to rush the process.
Sadly, you can't rush this process. Everything involved in this practice is slow. It's sometimes painstakingly slow.
And honestly, rushing would defeat the entire purpose of meditating. You have plenty of time to rush at your job, which probably stresses you out. So, why rush a relaxing activity?
In fact, all that rushing probably makes you more stressed, which is most likely why you picked up meditating in the first place.
2. Don't Turn It into a Chore
Some practitioners, especially beginners, will force themselves to meditate for a certain amount of time each day.
Sadly, that is a terrible way to meditate. Some days you just don't feel like pulling out the mat, and that is perfectly fine.
Obviously, don't make a habit out of skipping sessions, but it's better to enter each session when you have a positive view. This has the added benefit of making you more likely to actually stick with meditation.
3. Try a Meditation App
Meditation apps are actually quite controversial in the field. Personally, we think using a meditation app does more good than bad. It can be especially useful if you have hit a plateau with meditating.
Some of these meditation apps have loads of features such as sleep trackers, meditations for certain anxieties (flying, eating, talking, etc.), and different styles for all levels.
One thing is for certain, you will never run out of meditations when you use an app.
4. Meditate Everywhere
In a similar vein as point #2, many practitioners make the mistake of only meditating on their cushion.
Now, that is fine, but you are missing out on a lot when you do that. Remember, you don't have to be on your mat or cushion to meditate.
You can meditate anytime you experience some silence. For instance, many people will drive in silence. They simply let their mind wander as they drive.
It's actually quite relaxing. That alone can add a few extra hours per week to your meditating.
That's not bad, and that's only from driving.
5. Go Out in Nature
You most likely in a city, and you probably see nothing other than buildings, roads, and the occasional tree or grass.
Sadly, that just isn't enough nature for humans to be truly content. It's certainly not enough if you're trying to meditate.
Now, you don't have to go live in the woods of Colorado for a year. However, going to the local forest on the weekends will almost certainly improve your meditating. Do you know what's even better than that?
Meditating in nature.
Seriously, nothing compares to the sound of the wind blowing through the trees, birds chirping, squirrels scurrying around, and the other million sounds that make up the soundtrack of nature.
It truly is magical.
