If you’re new to meditation you might wonder where to get started! If that sounds like you, you’re certainly not alone. 

Meditation can have the power to transform our lives, our stress and our wellbeing but it can also be a bit confusing at times. 

In this article, we’ll explore 5 things that I wish I knew before I started meditating (that would have made the process of learning so much easier and simpler!)

1)  Even 1 minute counts!

We might think that it's not worth it if we don't meditate for 5, 10 or 15 minutes, but small actions add up! One minute makes a difference!

2) Be nice to yourself when you fail to meditate

You’re human, which means when you start a meditation habit (or any habit for that matter) it’s inevitable that you will fall off the wagon. When we fail for a day or a week or 2 months, many of us tend to mentally beat ourselves up.

Criticizing and judging ourselves harshly is not helpful! 

Imagine if you forgot to brush your teeth one day (gross, I know!) You wouldn’t spend the entire next day beating yourself up because you’re a bad person… you’d just brush them as soon as you remembered! Why not treat meditation the same?

Studies show that being kind to ourselves (or self-compassion) is associated with more motivation! 

3) The goal is NOT to quiet your mind! 

Instead of trying to ‘shut the mind off’ (impossible anyways) we learn to observe our thoughts like weather patterns, and practice returning our attention to the present moment as often as we can. With time, we develop an ability to be aware of our thoughts and consciously choose the ones we want to act upon.

4) You won’t be the only one who benefits from your meditation practice

Many folks ask me how to get their partner or kids to meditate. My answer? Set a positive example for them. 

When you begin to meditate, studies show you’re happier, calmer, less anxious and stressed. When you show up at home, in your community and at work in this way, that ripples out positively to the people you’re in contact with. They might even ask you what changes you’ve made that are having such a positive effect! 

5) Be patient - benefits accumulate over time

Just like you wouldn't go to the gym once (or twice, or even ten times) and expect to have bulging muscles immediately - same goes here!

Benefits accumulate with time and patience. Remember - this is a practice! There’s no rush. Stay consistent and watch the benefits surface. 

If you want to learn how to meditate anywhere, anytime including more tips like this, CLICK HERE to join me for my Modern Meditation Level One course. 

Course dates are March 31 - April 2, 2023. Spots are limited!