Over the past few weeks I have been meditating a lot. Meditating is very useful for me, as it clears up space in my head and helps me focus. In this article I will explain the benefits of meditation, how to practice it, and my personal tips.
The benefits of meditation
First of all, in our western society, we all have a busy life full of distractions. Everything is moving at an extremely high speed, with technology advancing faster and faster. Therefore, a lot of people can not keep up and experience high levels of stress and anxiety. Furthermore, we can all grab our phones at any time we like. Because of that, it is becoming harder to socialise with each other. We are all caught up in our own worlds.
Meditating gives you clarity, so that your life doesn’t seem like a total mess. It also brings more structure to the things that you want to do and achieve. Just as you can train your muscles at the gym, you can train your mind. Meditating and reading books are perfect exercises for that. The benefits of meditation also include gratitude, lower stress levels, more emotional stability and a more positive way of thinking. For many people, just meditating for ten minutes a day can be very beneficial.
Practicing meditation
There are many different ways you can meditate, and there is no right or wrong way of doing it. Like anything else, the most important thing is that you practice enough. That way it becomes a habit. You could search for someone who has experience in meditating, do some research online, or read a book. In my case, I use an app. However, it is important that you find a quiet place where nobody can disturb you. Think of a quiet space in your home or a peaceful spot outside. In addition, it can be useful to practice at a certain time. For instance, meditate in the morning before work or school, or at night before sleeping. Try to find a moment in your day where you’ve got nothing else to do.
Tips and tricks
I have been using Headspace for almost two years now. It is a great app with a lot of different meditation courses. You can listen to them on your phone or tablet via headphones or a speaker. I think it is a great starting point, because you can start practicing right away. The app also features things like music, soundscapes and sleepcasts.
Besides using an app, it can be helpful to read a book about meditation. You can learn a lot from it and get inspired by other people. The art of meditating already exists for centuries, so there is a ton of information available. If you prefer to move while you practice, walking meditation is a wonderful way to combine the two.
Finally, it can be a great thing to tell other people about meditating. Many of them can also benefit from it. When you meditate, you not only improve yourself, but also your relationship with others. You become more friendly and open. That is how you keep enjoying the benefits of meditation every single day.
Thank you for reading this article and enjoy your day,
Mart Bergsma
