Basics of Meditation: How to Meditate

meditation May 01, 2022

We've been talking a lot about meditation lately, haven't we? Since it's such a useful practice when done right, more and more people grow interested in meditation each day.  

So, how should we meditate? What should we pay attention to for a proper meditation practice? Let me briefly answer some common questions on this topic.  

 

  1. What is meditation?  

Meditation is a teaching mainly based on effortlessness. It is an experience where we learn to raise our awareness and face ourselves by sitting with our thoughts and staying in the present moment. Meditating means going on a spiritual journey. It means experiencing all the different layers of consciousness and connecting with our true selves.   

 

  1. What is the difference between the teaching and the practice of meditation?  

The meditative practices in the 21st century and the teaching of meditation are actually very different from one another. Meditative practices, which include various techniques, provide instant relaxation and short-term benefits in a particular area. However, these practices do not deepen us, carry us to the next stage or lead to spiritual transformation.   

When I say meditation teaching, I particularly refer to the age-old tradition of classical Vedic meditation. When done right, meditation takes our life experiences to higher levels. It allows us to understand and accept the truth of life and progress at different levels of consciousness. 

 

  1. How are the basic principles of meditation practiced? 

There are two essential principles for meditating and progressing at all levels of consciousness. The first of these is being able to accept yourself as you are. The second is learning to face yourself. 

 

  1. What should we pay attention to before starting meditation?   

To begin meditating, you need to seriously prepare for it. Meditation is a serious process that improves and grows us both physically and mentally, and it requires devoted regular practice to reap its benefits. Therefore, when you decide to meditate, make sure to receive the right training from the right sources.  

 

  1. Can we use smartphone apps for meditation?  

Using smartphone applications for breathing exercises and mindfulness work is an effective method. But when it comes to meditation, you need to learn to free your mind without anyone's guidance. In order for meditation to bring a truly lasting benefit, it is crucial to learn to stay in the moment on your own.  

 

  1. Can I learn to meditate on my own?   

Meditation is a process that should be taught by a proficient teacher. In order to learn the intricacies of meditation and get the most out of the process, having a teacher is necessary. Then, you can both understand the process well and avoid incorrect practices.   

Meditation gets deeper and deeper as you learn, and you are bound to have many questions throughout the process. Therefore, in order to make meditating a habit and get constructive answers to your questions on this journey, a teacher would be your greatest asset for elevating your experience.  

 

  1.  Which type of meditation should I practice?   

There are many different types of meditation practices today. You can choose any of these according to your needs. However, if you want to delve deeper and have a genuine spiritual experience, I recommend the classic Vedic meditation school. Classical Vedic meditation is the ancestor of all other types of meditation practices. In my meditation journey of over 20 years, I have learned and mastered this practice down to the smallest detail. Because no matter what teaching it is, my principle is to go deep into it and learn it as well as possible. This is my first advice to you no matter which practice you choose.  

 

  1. How often should I meditate?   

After learning how to meditate, you should stay on your own as much as possible throughout the day. During this process, do not try to change anything. Because meditation is a period you stay with yourself without any effort. Initially, you need to practice for a minimum of 20 minutes in the morning and evening each day. If this is too challenging for you, it will be beneficial to do breathing exercises and start with shorter periods like 3-5 minutes. 

 

  1. How does breathwork help prepare for meditation?  

In addition to the many health benefits it offers, breathwork is a great way to prepare for meditation. Breathing is the bridge between the mind and the body. Focusing on breathing calms the disorganized mind and relaxes the body. It allows us to stay on our own and strengthen our focus before going into a meditative state. Especially if you're complaining that you cannot stop your mind and turn inward, breathing will be very useful for you. 

 

  1. What should I do when starting meditation? 

Meditation is a rather deep process. But it has a simple basis. Close your eyes, and be alone with yourself for 3-5 minutes without trying to change your thoughts. As you do this, do not try to be positive, do not try to feel good about yourself. Do not try to change how you feel or what you think. Just focus on staying on your own. 

This constitutes the basis of meditation. You can do it right now! Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths in and out. Just stay with yourself without trying to do anything else. 

We can't exactly call this practice meditation. You can think of it more as a preparation for meditation that you can do during the day. If you are thinking about starting meditation and moving along this path, it will be an excellent exercise for you.  

I hope this information has been helpful for you.

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