Getting Started with Meditation

Learning to meditate is easier than you might think. Many people believe they know how to relax or quiet their mind, while others assume meditation is too hard or pointless. After all, just sitting and thinking—what’s the point? But scientific studies have shown the many benefits of meditation for mental and physical well-being. I’ve read those studies and found truth in them, but I’ve always believed that personal experience is the best teacher.

My Journey to Meditation

Years ago, I was overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, and anger. I was short-tempered with friends and family, and my work situation was at the root of my troubles. Eventually, the stress took a toll on my body, and I developed ulcers. After one ruptured, my doctor warned me that if I didn’t reduce my stress, the remaining ulcers could rupture too, leading to severe complications—even death.

Quitting my job helped reduce some stress, but being unemployed brought new anxieties about my future. I needed a change, and I turned back to meditation, a practice I had dabbled in over the years but never committed to. My first session was difficult—my mind raced with thoughts about work, life, and the future. It was overwhelming, and I ended the session after just 10 minutes, feeling frustrated. But I wasn’t ready to give up.

Discovering Guided Meditation

The next day, I tried again, this time with a guided meditation. Following a teacher’s voice helped me focus and took the pressure off remembering what to do. I felt calmer and more in control. Of course, thoughts still crept in, but I learned to notice them, release them, and return to the meditation. Each session became easier, and I started to experience moments of true peace.

The Key Lessons I Learned

Through practice, I realized a few important truths about meditation:

• Each session is unique: Some are quieter, some more grounding, but every experience is valuable.
• Expectations can hinder progress: Letting go of the need for perfection allows you to enjoy the process.
• Thoughts will always come: The goal isn’t to stop them but to notice and release them without judgment.

The Benefits of Meditation

By my third session, I felt noticeably calmer. By the tenth, I was meditating for 30 minutes and my family and friends began noticing the difference. I was less reactive, more grounded, and better equipped to handle stress. Meditation didn’t just help me feel better—it transformed how I approached life’s challenges. Today, it’s a cornerstone of my daily routine, helping me stay centered no matter what comes my way.

Getting Started

If you’re ready to start meditating, I’ve created a series of guided meditations to help you begin your journey. Choose from 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, or 60-minute sessions to find the length that works for you. These meditations are available on this site under Media/Videos or on our YouTube channel. Start small, be patient with yourself, and enjoy the process—it’s worth it.

Join the Journey

Meditation has changed my life, and I believe it can change yours too. Whether you’re looking for peace, clarity, or a way to handle stress, meditation offers a path forward. Try it today and see where it leads you.