Ins and Outs of Guided Meditation

Have you wanted to start a guided meditation practice, but are not sure how to get started? Are you looking for a starting point? The advantage of guided meditation sessions is you just focus on the instructor as you learn the discipline of taming your mind.

When starting, you'll want to choose between a guided meditation class or an at-home session led by a guided meditation CD. You will have to decide if you're looking for a meditation program that will address a specific need--such as smoking cessation or dealing with a loss--or if you are meditating just to learn how to meditate.

In-person meditation classes are great because you get to meet others who practice sitting. You'll learn important things like what positions are best for sitting for long periods of time. Many people find the group setting helps them establish discipline with their practice, especially in the beginning. You’ll also have the advantage of seeing your guide and learning some about his or her practice.

A good meditation CD will be between half hour and an hour long. You'll need to set yourself up in a quiet room with ample time alone. After you start the CD, sit in a comfortable position that you can maintain for a long time without falling asleep or moving, and listen to the guide.

Pay attention to your breath as you follow the breathing exercises, deepening your relaxation and meditation. Next the guide will provide an image or a mantra or a storyline, something to help you go deeper into your meditative state. Then the instructor will guide you through thoughts about change or acceptance or relaxation, depending on the focus of the CD. As the CD comes to a close, the instructor will gently bring you out of your meditative state, preparing you to handle everyday life, armed with your new knowledge.

Guided meditation can provide many benefits, including stress relief and improvement of mental focus.