There are so many types of meditation that it can feel a little overwhelming whether you’re just starting a meditation practice or if you’re looking to start a new style of practice. Guided meditation is a great choice if you’re just starting out. With guided meditation, you'll experience all of the benefits of meditation, better sleep, lower blood pressure, decreased stress, increased productivity and few unexpected benefits as well. Meditation, guided or free, can increase your neuroplasticity, the ability of your brain to reshape itself by adapting your thoughts and experiences. So if you’re not sure where to begin, here are a few things to think about when considering guided meditation.

What is a guided meditation?

Guided meditation is meditation with a guide. Basically a person will guide you through the process of your meditation. They will offer you prompts, questions, or instructions. If you have a hard time staying “focused” or present while you are free meditating, guided meditation might be just the thing for you. It’s an easy way to get you into deep relaxation and meditation. You will find guided meditation offered as classes or as a recording you can listen to as your schedule permits. 

Typically your guide will have you sit or lie down as they take you through a series of visualizations that should relax your body and your subconscious mind. Once you have entered a state of deep relaxation, your subconscious will more easily absorb positive affirmations and suggestions. Guided meditations are designed to target specific areas of living, development, and connection. Some promote emotional well being while others seek to deepen your connection to the natural world or strengthen your spiritual connection. 

3 Reasons to Give Guided Meditation a Chance

1. Great for Beginners

This type of meditation is an excellent choice for beginners because it is virtually effortless. You don’t have to do anything other than choosing your guide or focal point and follow your guide’s instructions. Whether you have an hour to devote or just a few minutes, there’s a guided meditation to fit your needs. You can use an app on your device or you can attend a regular class. Do what works best for you and you’ll be well on your way to creating a consistent and meaningful meditation practice.

2. Build Your Confidence

If you’ve tried meditation before and were unable to keep at it, Guided meditation can help build your confidence in your own ability to meditate. Once you get a stronger foundation in your meditation practice, you may find that you are more comfortable stepping into free meditation where you are your own guide. Think of guided meditation as training wheels or a good tutor.

3. Experience Different Techniques

There are lots and lots of techniques to explore. Use guided meditation to experience the full range available to you. There are body scans, breathing, focused attention, chakra, mantra, and many more. Once you find something that you really enjoy or a technique that is helping you make the advances you’re looking to make, you can dive deeper into it. There’s a lot of wiggle room in guided meditations that you can take advantage of.

I hope that this brief overview of guided meditation and how it can benefit your life gives you the nudge you need to give it a try. You may discover that having something else to focus on gives you the ability to come up with alternate solutions to problems or the peace of mind to tackle tough situations. 

Photo via: @dreamy_moons